LONDON, U.K.: A racial slur by a Tourette syndrome campaigner during the British Academy Film Awards has forced the awards body, the British Broadcasting Corporation, and the Tourette syndrome campaigner to issue apologies on February 23.

The Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson, who shouted the slur, later said he was "deeply mortified" and that what he said was "not a reflection of my personal beliefs."

An offensive word was heard during the BAFTA ceremony as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, both Black, presented the award for best visual effects. Earlier in the evening, host Alan Cumming had told the audience that Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson was attending the event.

After the incident, BAFTA apologized for the "offensive language," saying it understands that such words cause deep pain. It also thanked Jordan and Lindo for handling the moment with dignity and professionalism.

John Davidson, a Scottish campaigner who inspired the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear, said he was very embarrassed if anyone thought his involuntary tics were intentional or meant anything. He explained that his condition causes sudden, uncontrollable sounds.

Emma McNally, CEO of Tourettes Action, said it is important for people to understand that tics are involuntary and do not reflect a person's beliefs or character.

Tourette syndrome is a brain disorder that causes sudden, repeated movements or sounds called tics. According to U.S. health officials, these tics can get worse with stress or excitement. People often feel tension building up before a tic happens, and they cannot control it. About 10 to 15 percent of people with Tourette syndrome experience coprolalia, a type of vocal tic that involves involuntary swearing or socially unacceptable words.

Several loud shouts were heard early in the ceremony, though reporters could not clearly understand what was said. After the slur was heard during Jordan and Lindo's presentation at London's Royal Festival Hall, Cumming apologized to the audience. He explained that Tourette syndrome is a disability and that the tics heard were not intentional. He also apologized if anyone was offended.

Davidson later said he left the auditorium early because he realized his tics were upsetting people.

The offensive word was also heard during the BBC's broadcast of the ceremony two hours later. The broadcaster apologized for not removing it before airing the show. The word was still audible on its iPlayer service the next morning, but the program was later taken down, and the BBC said it would edit out the slur.

The film I Swear won two BAFTAs, including best actor for Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson. Representatives for the film, as well as Jordan and Lindo, did not immediately comment.