Black Lives Matter-Ugliness of Racism.
- Thread starter Ocean Breeze
- Start date
I have never felt uncomfortable in bars where I live . Mind you we only have brown neighbourhoods , and yellow , mostly the blacks go where they want .
Glad that I no longer shop , Mind you Christmas is coming and I must find something .The trials and tribulations one must navigate .
TDSB fires director of education Clayton La Touche after just 10 months
La Touche pushed out as Ford government backs sweeping changes to Ontario’s education system.
Author of the article:Brian Lilley
Published Dec 12, 2025 • Last updated 1 day ago • 3 minute read
Clayton La Touche
Clayton La Touche Photo by @TDSBDirector /X
Clayton La Touche was just appointed as the director of education at the Toronto District School Board last January, taking up the post in February.
On Friday morning, less than a year into the job, he was fired by TDSB supervisor Rohit Gupta.
In a letter to all staff, Gupta wrote that La Touche was being relieved of his duties and Stacey Zucker, currently the associate director of education, would replace La Touche on an interim basis.
“Now in my sixth month as supervisor of the board, I feel that the TDSB needs a fresh start as we look to set the TDSB up for success in the years ahead. With that in mind and after much consideration, I, together with the minister of Education, have made the difficult decision to make a leadership change,” Gupta wrote.
“To that end, director of education Clayton La Touche will be leaving the TDSB, effective immediately. I want to sincerely thank Clayton for his dedication to the students and staff of the TDSB since joining the board in February and I wish him nothing but the best in the next steps of his career.”
From high praise to forced out
La Touche was appointed after a four-month search carried out by a committee. A statement announcing his appointment praised his track record in education.
“Throughout his career, La Touche has built a reputation as an inclusive, collaborative leader with a deep commitment to equitable achievement and well-being outcomes for all students. He is dedicated to the advancement of public education,” the statement read.
His dismissal by Gupta just 10 months into the job is supported by Education Minister Paul Calandra.
“Under the continued leadership of the supervisor, the Toronto District School Board is refocusing on student achievement. I have full confidence that the supervisor, working with the interim director, will drive that focus and ensure every decision puts students first,” Calandra said Friday.
Seen as a political activist by some
La Touche started out as a teacher before moving on to be a principal and administrator. Prior to taking on the role at TDSB he had been working at the Ministry of Education and not everyone there was a fan.
“Idealogue, has an agenda,” said one former colleague who saw La Touche as pushing his personal political agenda into the education system.
That’s something the Ford government has been pushing to get away from with a refocusing of the education system on student achievement and not identity politics.
paul calandra
Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra speaks at an announcement at a school in Ottawa, on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Calandra wants complete overhaul
Calandra ordered a review of the entire education system, including curriculum and governance, after looking at the most recent standardized test results. He pointed to the $43 billion that Ontario spends on education while achieving subpar results.
“The curriculum is so open, so vacuous. It is so open for interpretation. Teachers have so much to fill in,” Calandra said in a recent interview with the Sun.
He wants a return to a curriculum that teaches to results, not open-ended questions and answers. During that interview, the minister also hinted again that the days of school trustees running the system could be over soon.
“There is literally nothing that leads me to believe that continuing on with school trustees to deliver on a $43-billion education system is the best way to do this. I’ve said this over and over — this is a system that was created in the one-room schoolhouse era. We are no longer there,” Calandra said.
The announcement of La Touche departing his role is big and shocking news. If you follow what the minister has been saying, and what the supervisors have been doing, it won’t be the last big change.
blilley@postmedia.com
torontosun.com
La Touche pushed out as Ford government backs sweeping changes to Ontario’s education system.
Author of the article:Brian Lilley
Published Dec 12, 2025 • Last updated 1 day ago • 3 minute read
Clayton La Touche
Clayton La Touche Photo by @TDSBDirector /X
Clayton La Touche was just appointed as the director of education at the Toronto District School Board last January, taking up the post in February.
On Friday morning, less than a year into the job, he was fired by TDSB supervisor Rohit Gupta.
In a letter to all staff, Gupta wrote that La Touche was being relieved of his duties and Stacey Zucker, currently the associate director of education, would replace La Touche on an interim basis.
“Now in my sixth month as supervisor of the board, I feel that the TDSB needs a fresh start as we look to set the TDSB up for success in the years ahead. With that in mind and after much consideration, I, together with the minister of Education, have made the difficult decision to make a leadership change,” Gupta wrote.
“To that end, director of education Clayton La Touche will be leaving the TDSB, effective immediately. I want to sincerely thank Clayton for his dedication to the students and staff of the TDSB since joining the board in February and I wish him nothing but the best in the next steps of his career.”
From high praise to forced out
La Touche was appointed after a four-month search carried out by a committee. A statement announcing his appointment praised his track record in education.
“Throughout his career, La Touche has built a reputation as an inclusive, collaborative leader with a deep commitment to equitable achievement and well-being outcomes for all students. He is dedicated to the advancement of public education,” the statement read.
His dismissal by Gupta just 10 months into the job is supported by Education Minister Paul Calandra.
“Under the continued leadership of the supervisor, the Toronto District School Board is refocusing on student achievement. I have full confidence that the supervisor, working with the interim director, will drive that focus and ensure every decision puts students first,” Calandra said Friday.
Seen as a political activist by some
La Touche started out as a teacher before moving on to be a principal and administrator. Prior to taking on the role at TDSB he had been working at the Ministry of Education and not everyone there was a fan.
“Idealogue, has an agenda,” said one former colleague who saw La Touche as pushing his personal political agenda into the education system.
That’s something the Ford government has been pushing to get away from with a refocusing of the education system on student achievement and not identity politics.
paul calandra
Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra speaks at an announcement at a school in Ottawa, on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Calandra wants complete overhaul
Calandra ordered a review of the entire education system, including curriculum and governance, after looking at the most recent standardized test results. He pointed to the $43 billion that Ontario spends on education while achieving subpar results.
“The curriculum is so open, so vacuous. It is so open for interpretation. Teachers have so much to fill in,” Calandra said in a recent interview with the Sun.
He wants a return to a curriculum that teaches to results, not open-ended questions and answers. During that interview, the minister also hinted again that the days of school trustees running the system could be over soon.
“There is literally nothing that leads me to believe that continuing on with school trustees to deliver on a $43-billion education system is the best way to do this. I’ve said this over and over — this is a system that was created in the one-room schoolhouse era. We are no longer there,” Calandra said.
The announcement of La Touche departing his role is big and shocking news. If you follow what the minister has been saying, and what the supervisors have been doing, it won’t be the last big change.
blilley@postmedia.com
LILLEY: TDSB fires director of education Clayton La Touche after just 10 months
TDSB fires Director of Education Clayton La Touche after just 10 months, signaling more major changes ahead in Ontario schools. Read more.
Detroit suburb agrees to $3.25M settlement in case of woman found alive in body bag
Southfield paramedics were accused of gross negligence in how they responded to Timesha Beauchamp after a 911 call in 2020
Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Ed White
Published Jan 07, 2026 • 1 minute read
In this undated family photo provided by Erica Lattimore through Fieger Law shows her daughter, Timesha Beauchamp with her brother Steven Thompson in Southfield, Mich. Michigan authorities have agreed to reinstate the licenses of two suburban Detroit paramedics if they pass a national exam, after Timesha Beauchamp declared dead on their watch was discovered to be alive at a funeral home. Beauchamp was declared dead only to be found alive at a funeral home in August 2020. Beauchamp died on Oct. 18, 2020 at Children's Hospital in Detroit.
In this undated family photo provided by Erica Lattimore through Fieger Law shows her daughter, Timesha Beauchamp with her brother Steven Thompson in Southfield, Mich. Michigan authorities have agreed to reinstate the licenses of two suburban Detroit paramedics if they pass a national exam, after Timesha Beauchamp declared dead on their watch was discovered to be alive at a funeral home. Beauchamp was declared dead only to be found alive at a funeral home in August 2020. Beauchamp died on Oct. 18, 2020 at Children's Hospital in Detroit. Photo by Erica Lattimore /AP
A Detroit suburb has agreed to a $3.25 million settlement with the family of a young woman who had been declared dead at home but then gasped for air and opened her eyes when her body bag was unzipped at a funeral home.
Southfield paramedics were accused of gross negligence in how they responded to Timesha Beauchamp after a 911 call in 2020. The 20-year-old, who had cerebral palsy, was eventually rushed to a hospital and died two months later.
“We recognize that no resolution can undo the profound tragedy that occurred on August 23, 2020, or ease the pain experienced by Ms. Beauchamp’s family,” Southfield said in a statement. “This case involved extraordinarily difficult circumstances that arose in the complex world of a global pandemic.”
Beauchamp was struggling to breathe when her family called 911. A medical crew tried to resuscitate her and also consulted a doctor, who declared her dead over the phone without going to the home.
Later that day, a funeral home opened the body bag and found Beauchamp gasping for air. She was swiftly taken to a hospital but never recovered.
“She was put in a situation she never should have been in,” Steven Hurbis, an attorney for Beauchamp’s family, said Tuesday.
Medical professionals, he added, said Beauchamp would have survived if she had been taken immediately to a hospital from her home.
Southfield fought the lawsuit and persuaded a judge to dismiss it based on governmental immunity. The Michigan Court of Appeals, however, overturned that decision in 2024.
The Southfield fire chief had said Beauchamp’s situation might have been a case of “Lazarus syndrome,” a reference to people who come back to life without assistance after attempts to resuscitate have failed.
torontosun.com
Southfield paramedics were accused of gross negligence in how they responded to Timesha Beauchamp after a 911 call in 2020
Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Ed White
Published Jan 07, 2026 • 1 minute read
In this undated family photo provided by Erica Lattimore through Fieger Law shows her daughter, Timesha Beauchamp with her brother Steven Thompson in Southfield, Mich. Michigan authorities have agreed to reinstate the licenses of two suburban Detroit paramedics if they pass a national exam, after Timesha Beauchamp declared dead on their watch was discovered to be alive at a funeral home. Beauchamp was declared dead only to be found alive at a funeral home in August 2020. Beauchamp died on Oct. 18, 2020 at Children's Hospital in Detroit.
In this undated family photo provided by Erica Lattimore through Fieger Law shows her daughter, Timesha Beauchamp with her brother Steven Thompson in Southfield, Mich. Michigan authorities have agreed to reinstate the licenses of two suburban Detroit paramedics if they pass a national exam, after Timesha Beauchamp declared dead on their watch was discovered to be alive at a funeral home. Beauchamp was declared dead only to be found alive at a funeral home in August 2020. Beauchamp died on Oct. 18, 2020 at Children's Hospital in Detroit. Photo by Erica Lattimore /AP
A Detroit suburb has agreed to a $3.25 million settlement with the family of a young woman who had been declared dead at home but then gasped for air and opened her eyes when her body bag was unzipped at a funeral home.
Southfield paramedics were accused of gross negligence in how they responded to Timesha Beauchamp after a 911 call in 2020. The 20-year-old, who had cerebral palsy, was eventually rushed to a hospital and died two months later.
“We recognize that no resolution can undo the profound tragedy that occurred on August 23, 2020, or ease the pain experienced by Ms. Beauchamp’s family,” Southfield said in a statement. “This case involved extraordinarily difficult circumstances that arose in the complex world of a global pandemic.”
Beauchamp was struggling to breathe when her family called 911. A medical crew tried to resuscitate her and also consulted a doctor, who declared her dead over the phone without going to the home.
Later that day, a funeral home opened the body bag and found Beauchamp gasping for air. She was swiftly taken to a hospital but never recovered.
“She was put in a situation she never should have been in,” Steven Hurbis, an attorney for Beauchamp’s family, said Tuesday.
Medical professionals, he added, said Beauchamp would have survived if she had been taken immediately to a hospital from her home.
Southfield fought the lawsuit and persuaded a judge to dismiss it based on governmental immunity. The Michigan Court of Appeals, however, overturned that decision in 2024.
The Southfield fire chief had said Beauchamp’s situation might have been a case of “Lazarus syndrome,” a reference to people who come back to life without assistance after attempts to resuscitate have failed.
Detroit suburb agrees to $3.25M settlement in case of woman found alive in body bag
Settlement in case of woman found alive in body bag.
HGTV cancels ‘Rehab Addict’ after host Nicole Curtis uses racial slur
A video clip of Curtis using the N-word in unaired footage shot for the show was posted on social media
Author of the article:Eddie Chau
Published Feb 12, 2026 • Last updated 1 day ago • 2 minute read
John Varvatos Detroit Store Opening Party Hosted By Chrysler
TV personality Nicole Curtis attends John Varvatos Detroit Store Opening Party hosted by Chrysler on April 16, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. Photo by Loreen Sarkis /Getty Images for John Varvatos
Cable television network HGTV has canned its popular home restoration show “Rehab Addict” after host Nicole Curtis was caught hurling a racial slur while filming.
A video clip of Curtis using the N-word in unaired footage shot for the show was posted on social media by Radar Online on Wednesday, the same day “Rehab Addict” was scheduled to return to air.
In the video, Curtis can be seen on a ladder struggling to attach something to the ceiling.
“Oh, fart n*****,” Curtis says, seemingly out of frustration, before quickly realizing what she said.
“What the f*** is that, that I just said? she followed up, before asking the cameraman to stop filming.
“F*** my life,” she said as the clip ends.
WARNING: Video contains offensive language
‘Hurtful and disappointing’
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, HGTV said it was aware of an “offensive racial comment made during the filming of “Rehab Addict.”
“Not only is language like this hurtful and disappointing to our viewers, partners, and employees — it does not align with the values of HGTV. Accordingly, we have removed the series from all HGTV platforms.
“We remain dedicated to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion across our content and our workplace.”
“Rehab Addict” ran on HGTV for eight seasons.
Curtis
“Rehab Addict” host Nicole Curtis addresses her fans in an Instagram story. (Instagram/@detroitdesign)
Curtis apologizes, says there’s ‘more to this’
Curtis took to her Instagram Stories to address the situation, stating “there is more to this” as she turns her focus to her family, “more than anything else.”
“There is more to this, but my family comes first and I need to be mom right now more than anything else. I will take the time to be as I’ve always been with you, transparent and honest,” Curtis wrote.
“TMZ called me as I had just turned my phone on after being at school — I said this briefly — but there is more.”
In a follow-up post, Curtis shared a screenshot of a text message statement she sent to TMZ in which she apologized.
“I’m grateful for the 15-year journey we’ve shared. It’s been a meaningful chapter, but my focus isn’t on my career,” she said. “My focus, at this moment is rightfully on my relationships, and my community — the people who truly know my character and where my heart is.
“I want to be clear: The word in question is wrong and not part of my vocabulary and never has been, and I apologize to everyone.”
Curtis then shared more screenshots of Instagram messages she received from outraged viewers, many of whom called her racist.
“Rehab Addict” followed Curtis as she restored historic homes slated for demolition in Detroit and Minneapolis. The first three seasons ran on DIY Network before transferring to HGTV in 2014.
The first two episodes of the new season aired in July 2025 before Curtis said on Instagram that she made the “executive decision to shelf” the remainder of the season until the fall.
The remaining new episodes were set to air beginning on Feb. 11 until HGTV cancelled the show.
instagram.com
tmz.com
hollywoodreporter.com
torontosun.com
A video clip of Curtis using the N-word in unaired footage shot for the show was posted on social media
Author of the article:Eddie Chau
Published Feb 12, 2026 • Last updated 1 day ago • 2 minute read
John Varvatos Detroit Store Opening Party Hosted By Chrysler
TV personality Nicole Curtis attends John Varvatos Detroit Store Opening Party hosted by Chrysler on April 16, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. Photo by Loreen Sarkis /Getty Images for John Varvatos
Cable television network HGTV has canned its popular home restoration show “Rehab Addict” after host Nicole Curtis was caught hurling a racial slur while filming.
A video clip of Curtis using the N-word in unaired footage shot for the show was posted on social media by Radar Online on Wednesday, the same day “Rehab Addict” was scheduled to return to air.
In the video, Curtis can be seen on a ladder struggling to attach something to the ceiling.
“Oh, fart n*****,” Curtis says, seemingly out of frustration, before quickly realizing what she said.
“What the f*** is that, that I just said? she followed up, before asking the cameraman to stop filming.
“F*** my life,” she said as the clip ends.
WARNING: Video contains offensive language
‘Hurtful and disappointing’
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, HGTV said it was aware of an “offensive racial comment made during the filming of “Rehab Addict.”
“Not only is language like this hurtful and disappointing to our viewers, partners, and employees — it does not align with the values of HGTV. Accordingly, we have removed the series from all HGTV platforms.
“We remain dedicated to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion across our content and our workplace.”
“Rehab Addict” ran on HGTV for eight seasons.
Curtis
“Rehab Addict” host Nicole Curtis addresses her fans in an Instagram story. (Instagram/@detroitdesign)
Curtis apologizes, says there’s ‘more to this’
Curtis took to her Instagram Stories to address the situation, stating “there is more to this” as she turns her focus to her family, “more than anything else.”
“There is more to this, but my family comes first and I need to be mom right now more than anything else. I will take the time to be as I’ve always been with you, transparent and honest,” Curtis wrote.
“TMZ called me as I had just turned my phone on after being at school — I said this briefly — but there is more.”
In a follow-up post, Curtis shared a screenshot of a text message statement she sent to TMZ in which she apologized.
“I’m grateful for the 15-year journey we’ve shared. It’s been a meaningful chapter, but my focus isn’t on my career,” she said. “My focus, at this moment is rightfully on my relationships, and my community — the people who truly know my character and where my heart is.
“I want to be clear: The word in question is wrong and not part of my vocabulary and never has been, and I apologize to everyone.”
Curtis then shared more screenshots of Instagram messages she received from outraged viewers, many of whom called her racist.
“Rehab Addict” followed Curtis as she restored historic homes slated for demolition in Detroit and Minneapolis. The first three seasons ran on DIY Network before transferring to HGTV in 2014.
The first two episodes of the new season aired in July 2025 before Curtis said on Instagram that she made the “executive decision to shelf” the remainder of the season until the fall.
The remaining new episodes were set to air beginning on Feb. 11 until HGTV cancelled the show.
Nicole Curtis on Instagram: "First, THANK YOU for making Rehab Addict a number one rated show, again. You came out and shocked the heck out of all of us with the numbers ❤️❤️ if you missed the first two, watch them now streaming or don’t worry, I’m b
6,987 likes, 298 comments - detroitdesign on July 8, 2025: "First, THANK YOU for making Rehab Addict a number one rated show, again. You came out and shocked the heck out of all of us with the numbers ❤️❤️ if you missed the first two, watch them now streaming or don’t worry, I’m bringing those...
instagram.com
Nicole Curtis Apologizes For Using N-Word, Reacts to HGTV Cancelation
Nicole Curtis is addressing the controversy surrounding HGTV pulling her show "Rehab Addict" from its platforms following the release of leaked footage showing her using a racial slur during filming.
tmz.com
‘Rehab Addict’ Canceled by HGTV After Host Nicole Curtis Uses Racial Slur During Filming
New episodes of season nine were initially set to return to the network this week.
hollywoodreporter.com
HGTV cancels ‘Rehab Addict’ after host Nicole Curtis uses racial slur
A video clip of Curtis using the N-word in unaired footage shot for the show was posted by Radar Online. Read what she said and her response
To which HGTV responded "F*** outta here, Curtis."
Makes sense.
Cue the conservative whimpering about her FREEDUMB O' SPEECH!
I've always wondered. Do slobbering conservative morons really think freedom of speech applies to private employers?
BAFTA guest John Davidson with Tourette's shouts N-word at Black actors
The incident took place as 'Sinners' stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award
Author of the article:Eddie Chau
Published Feb 23, 2026 • Last updated 18 hours ago • 3 minute read
2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards Nominees' Party - Arrivals
John Davidson, left, and Robert Aramayo attend the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards Nominees' Party at the National Portrait Gallery on February 21, 2026 in London, England. Photo by Aurore Marechal /Getty Images
The BBC and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts have apologized to viewers after a guest with Tourette syndrome shouted the N-word during the BAFTAs on Sunday.
The incident took place as “Sinners” stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the award for best visual effects.
According to the award ceremony’s host, Alan Cumming, the guest who shouted the racial slur was John Davidson, a Scottish Tourette’s campaigner who was the inspiration for the BAFTA-nominated film “I Swear.”
Warning: Extreme language used
Lindo reacts to racial slur
In an interview with Vanity Fair after the incident, Lindo said he and Jordan “did what we had to do” while on stage after Davidson blurted out the N-word. Lindo told the publication he wished “someone from BAFTA spoke to us.”
What is Tourette syndrome?
Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by sudden, involuntary movements or sounds called tics. According to the U.S. National Institute of Health, tics can wax and wane, but can worsen with anxiety or excitement.
While they may appear to be purposeful but are not, people trying to suppress tics often report a buildup of tension before it erupts, according to NIH’s Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke’s Tourette information page.
About 10-15% of people with Tourette syndrome experience a kind of vocal tic called coprolalia — involuntary swearing, slurs or other socially unacceptable words or phrases, according to the Tourette Association of America.
‘We apologize if you were offended’
After Davidson’s outburst, Cumming apologized to those in attendance at the Royal Festival Hall in London for “strong and offensive language.
Cumming described Tourette syndrome as a “disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language.
“We apologize if you were offended,” he said.
When asked for comment on Monday about the racial slur, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts referred to Cumming’s statement.
BBC air slur hours after event
BBC apologized Monday for not editing out the slur when it broadcast the ceremony two hours after the live event.
“This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional,” BBC said in a statement. “We apologize for any offence caused by the language heard.”
The British broadcaster stated the slur was removed from the version of the broadcast streamed on its BBC iPlayer.
“I Swear” won two BAFTAs, including best actor for Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson.
A completed British Academy Film Awards mask sits on a workbench at the FSE Foundry in Braintree, England on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)
A completed British Academy Film Awards mask sits on a workbench at the FSE Foundry in Braintree, England on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)
‘Throw-away’ apology from Cumming?
Not everyone was forgiving of the outburst or the apologies made by Cumming.
Hannah Beachler, the production designer for “Sinners” who claimed she also experienced Davidson’s involuntary racial slurs, said the “impossible situation” was made worse by Cumming’s “throw-away apology.”
“I keep trying to write about what happened at the BAFTAs, and I can’t find the words,” Beachler wrote on X. “The situation is almost impossible, but it happened 3 times that night, and one of the three times was directed at myself on the way to dinner after the show.
“And a third time at a Black woman. I understand and deeply know why this is an impossible situation. I know we must handle this with grace and continue to push through. But what made the situation worse was the throw-away apology of ‘if you were offended’ at the end of the show.
“Of course we were offended … but our frequency, our spiritual vibration is tuned to a higher level than what happened. I am not steal, this did not bounce off of me, but I exist above it. It can’t take away from who I am as an artist.”
Ed Palmer, vice chairman of U.K.-based non-profit Tourettes Action, said the BBC should have considered bleeping out the slur.
“This is really one of the most acute examples of where something that is a disability can cause quite understandably huge amounts of offence to someone,” he told Times Radio. “So, if it’s being prerecorded now, then bleeping it out, for example, might be a reasonable compromise.”
— With files from The Associated Press
vanityfair.com
torontosun.com
The incident took place as 'Sinners' stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award
Author of the article:Eddie Chau
Published Feb 23, 2026 • Last updated 18 hours ago • 3 minute read
2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards Nominees' Party - Arrivals
John Davidson, left, and Robert Aramayo attend the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards Nominees' Party at the National Portrait Gallery on February 21, 2026 in London, England. Photo by Aurore Marechal /Getty Images
The BBC and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts have apologized to viewers after a guest with Tourette syndrome shouted the N-word during the BAFTAs on Sunday.
The incident took place as “Sinners” stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the award for best visual effects.
According to the award ceremony’s host, Alan Cumming, the guest who shouted the racial slur was John Davidson, a Scottish Tourette’s campaigner who was the inspiration for the BAFTA-nominated film “I Swear.”
Warning: Extreme language used
Lindo reacts to racial slur
In an interview with Vanity Fair after the incident, Lindo said he and Jordan “did what we had to do” while on stage after Davidson blurted out the N-word. Lindo told the publication he wished “someone from BAFTA spoke to us.”
What is Tourette syndrome?
Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by sudden, involuntary movements or sounds called tics. According to the U.S. National Institute of Health, tics can wax and wane, but can worsen with anxiety or excitement.
While they may appear to be purposeful but are not, people trying to suppress tics often report a buildup of tension before it erupts, according to NIH’s Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke’s Tourette information page.
About 10-15% of people with Tourette syndrome experience a kind of vocal tic called coprolalia — involuntary swearing, slurs or other socially unacceptable words or phrases, according to the Tourette Association of America.
‘We apologize if you were offended’
After Davidson’s outburst, Cumming apologized to those in attendance at the Royal Festival Hall in London for “strong and offensive language.
Cumming described Tourette syndrome as a “disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language.
“We apologize if you were offended,” he said.
When asked for comment on Monday about the racial slur, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts referred to Cumming’s statement.
BBC air slur hours after event
BBC apologized Monday for not editing out the slur when it broadcast the ceremony two hours after the live event.
“This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional,” BBC said in a statement. “We apologize for any offence caused by the language heard.”
The British broadcaster stated the slur was removed from the version of the broadcast streamed on its BBC iPlayer.
“I Swear” won two BAFTAs, including best actor for Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson.
A completed British Academy Film Awards mask sits on a workbench at the FSE Foundry in Braintree, England on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)
A completed British Academy Film Awards mask sits on a workbench at the FSE Foundry in Braintree, England on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)
‘Throw-away’ apology from Cumming?
Not everyone was forgiving of the outburst or the apologies made by Cumming.
Hannah Beachler, the production designer for “Sinners” who claimed she also experienced Davidson’s involuntary racial slurs, said the “impossible situation” was made worse by Cumming’s “throw-away apology.”
“I keep trying to write about what happened at the BAFTAs, and I can’t find the words,” Beachler wrote on X. “The situation is almost impossible, but it happened 3 times that night, and one of the three times was directed at myself on the way to dinner after the show.
“And a third time at a Black woman. I understand and deeply know why this is an impossible situation. I know we must handle this with grace and continue to push through. But what made the situation worse was the throw-away apology of ‘if you were offended’ at the end of the show.
“Of course we were offended … but our frequency, our spiritual vibration is tuned to a higher level than what happened. I am not steal, this did not bounce off of me, but I exist above it. It can’t take away from who I am as an artist.”
Ed Palmer, vice chairman of U.K.-based non-profit Tourettes Action, said the BBC should have considered bleeping out the slur.
“This is really one of the most acute examples of where something that is a disability can cause quite understandably huge amounts of offence to someone,” he told Times Radio. “So, if it’s being prerecorded now, then bleeping it out, for example, might be a reasonable compromise.”
— With files from The Associated Press
Outcry Roils BAFTAs After Guest With Tourette Syndrome Shouts N-word at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo
Lindo told Vanity Fair afterward that he and Jordan “did what we had to do” while presenting—but that he wished “someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterward.”
BAFTA guest John Davidson with Tourette's shouts N-word at Black actors
The incident took place as 'Sinners' stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award. Learn more
Durham deputy chief suspended after alleged 'racially inappropriate term'
The comments were allegedly made by the during a meeting of the service’s Afro-Caribbean Canadian Internal Support Network
Author of the article:Bryan Passifiume
Published Feb 27, 2026 • Last updated 15 hours ago • 3 minute read
Durham Regional Police logo.
Durham Regional Police logo.
Allegedly uttering a “racially inappropriate term” during a meeting has landed a Durham police deputy chief on suspension.
The incident allegedly took place earlier this week during what was described as an “internal support network meeting” attended by both sworn and civilian Durham Regional Police Services (DRPS), although a statement issued to media outlets Thursday evening by DRPS Chief Peter Moreira explained it was a meeting of the DRPS Afro-Caribbean Canadian Internal Support Network.
“This alleged misconduct will be investigated by an independent third party with the firm objective of ensuring accountability and demonstrating the Board’s unwavering commitment to the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion,” read a statement sent to the Toronto Sun by the Durham Regional Police Service Board.
“The Board and Chief Moreira are committed to ensuring that the DRPS demonstrates the highest standards of professionalism and conduct that earn the trust and confidence of the community.”
The statement said the deputy chief in question was suspended with pay pursuant to the provisions of the Community Safety and Policing Act during the investigation.
DRPS deleted command page webpage Friday morning
The police services board stated a board meeting convened to “consider the matter as expeditiously as possible and exercise its responsibilities” under legislation.
The Sun also reached out to Durham Regional Police and the DRPS Police Association for comment.
While DRPS only list two deputy chiefs on their now-deleted web page listing the service’s command team, Durham only has two deputy chiefs — Kim Yeandle and Chris Kirkpatrick.
Online website archives suggest DRPS deleted their command team website Friday morning.
While no official statements named the officer involved and the Sun has no information on who said what, emails to Deputy Chief Kirkpatrick returned an automated out-of-office message.
There also has been no official word on what the deputy chief is alleged to have said during the meeting.
Deputy chief expresses ‘regret,’ according to chief’s statement
According to CBC News, who viewed a copy of Chief Moreira statement, the deputy chief “expressed sincere regret,” and “acknowledges the harm” their remarks caused.
Chief Moreira also said steps had been taken for the deputy chief to apologize and “begin meaningful reflection and corrective action,” and stated he’s spoken with the Afro-Caribbean Canadian Internal Support Network regarding the incident.
This isn’t the first time Durham police have been touched by controversy.
An investigation by the now-dissolved Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC) upheld allegations of a toxic and “poisoned” work environment at DRPS, according to heavily-redacted documents released over the summer.
That investigation was launched in 2019 after a lawyer representing DRPS members reported to the deputy minister of community safety and correctional services complaints of workplace harassment, misconduct and favouritism “at the highest levels” of the police service.
In their complaints, DPRS employees described being humiliated and ostracized for raising concerns with management, alleging interference in professional standards investigations, as well as downplaying, burying or ignoring complaints of work-related PTSD, as well as efforts to prevent the province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) of learning of a workplace sexual assault between two DPRS members.
Internal investigation “not enough,” councillor says
In a statement posted on Facebook, Regional and Oshawa Ward 5 Councillor Brian Nicholson said he wasn’t comfortable with the police services board’s decision to conduct an internal investigation, saying such a probe wouldn’t go far enough.
“At local councils, allegations made against members of council or staff are not investigated by the municipality but by an independent integrity commissioner,” he wrote.
“This should also be the process used when dealing with management of the Police Service. In short, you should not be allowed to mark your own test.”
bpassifiume@postmedia.com
facebook.com
web.archive.org
www.drps.ca
torontosun.com
The comments were allegedly made by the during a meeting of the service’s Afro-Caribbean Canadian Internal Support Network
Author of the article:Bryan Passifiume
Published Feb 27, 2026 • Last updated 15 hours ago • 3 minute read
Durham Regional Police logo.
Durham Regional Police logo.
Allegedly uttering a “racially inappropriate term” during a meeting has landed a Durham police deputy chief on suspension.
The incident allegedly took place earlier this week during what was described as an “internal support network meeting” attended by both sworn and civilian Durham Regional Police Services (DRPS), although a statement issued to media outlets Thursday evening by DRPS Chief Peter Moreira explained it was a meeting of the DRPS Afro-Caribbean Canadian Internal Support Network.
“This alleged misconduct will be investigated by an independent third party with the firm objective of ensuring accountability and demonstrating the Board’s unwavering commitment to the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion,” read a statement sent to the Toronto Sun by the Durham Regional Police Service Board.
“The Board and Chief Moreira are committed to ensuring that the DRPS demonstrates the highest standards of professionalism and conduct that earn the trust and confidence of the community.”
The statement said the deputy chief in question was suspended with pay pursuant to the provisions of the Community Safety and Policing Act during the investigation.
DRPS deleted command page webpage Friday morning
The police services board stated a board meeting convened to “consider the matter as expeditiously as possible and exercise its responsibilities” under legislation.
The Sun also reached out to Durham Regional Police and the DRPS Police Association for comment.
While DRPS only list two deputy chiefs on their now-deleted web page listing the service’s command team, Durham only has two deputy chiefs — Kim Yeandle and Chris Kirkpatrick.
Online website archives suggest DRPS deleted their command team website Friday morning.
While no official statements named the officer involved and the Sun has no information on who said what, emails to Deputy Chief Kirkpatrick returned an automated out-of-office message.
There also has been no official word on what the deputy chief is alleged to have said during the meeting.
Deputy chief expresses ‘regret,’ according to chief’s statement
According to CBC News, who viewed a copy of Chief Moreira statement, the deputy chief “expressed sincere regret,” and “acknowledges the harm” their remarks caused.
Chief Moreira also said steps had been taken for the deputy chief to apologize and “begin meaningful reflection and corrective action,” and stated he’s spoken with the Afro-Caribbean Canadian Internal Support Network regarding the incident.
This isn’t the first time Durham police have been touched by controversy.
An investigation by the now-dissolved Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC) upheld allegations of a toxic and “poisoned” work environment at DRPS, according to heavily-redacted documents released over the summer.
That investigation was launched in 2019 after a lawyer representing DRPS members reported to the deputy minister of community safety and correctional services complaints of workplace harassment, misconduct and favouritism “at the highest levels” of the police service.
In their complaints, DPRS employees described being humiliated and ostracized for raising concerns with management, alleging interference in professional standards investigations, as well as downplaying, burying or ignoring complaints of work-related PTSD, as well as efforts to prevent the province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) of learning of a workplace sexual assault between two DPRS members.
Internal investigation “not enough,” councillor says
In a statement posted on Facebook, Regional and Oshawa Ward 5 Councillor Brian Nicholson said he wasn’t comfortable with the police services board’s decision to conduct an internal investigation, saying such a probe wouldn’t go far enough.
“At local councils, allegations made against members of council or staff are not investigated by the municipality but by an independent integrity commissioner,” he wrote.
“This should also be the process used when dealing with management of the Police Service. In short, you should not be allowed to mark your own test.”
bpassifiume@postmedia.com
Councillor Brian Nicholson Ward 5 Oshawa and Durham Council | I am not comfortable with the actions being taken by the Durham Region Police Services Board | Facebook
I am not comfortable with the actions being taken by the Durham Region Police Services Board. An internal investigation with the staff member who allegedly made racial comments receiving a suspension...
facebook.com
Command Team | Durham Regional Police Service
web.archive.org
Command Team | Durham Regional Police Service
www.drps.ca
Durham deputy chief suspended after alleged 'racially inappropriate term'
Allegedly uttering a "racially inappropriate term" during a meeting has landed a Durham police deputy chief on suspension. Read more.