Tag: tv news

The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards were rocked by an unexpected scandal Sunday night (February 22) when a Tourette’s activist in attendance shouted a racist slur during the ceremony in London.

The BBC, which aired the ceremony on a two-hour delay, apologized for “strong and offensive language” after the uncensored slur was included in the award show’s final broadcast.

The moment, which shocked attendees as well as audiences viewing at home, happened when Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, who are both Black, were on stage presenting the award for Best Visual Effects to Avatar: Fire and Ash.

The crowd gasped in shock when Tourette’s activist John Davidson, who was in attendance and experienced a number of involuntary tic outbursts during the event, suddenly shouted the N-word while Jordan and Lindo were both on stage, briefly stunning the pair before they continued their presentation with grace.

Over the course of the ceremony, host Alan Cumming made a handful of announcements in an attempt to explain the situation.

“Tourette syndrome is a disability, and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you are offended tonight,” Cumming told the crowd at one point.

On X (formerly Twitter), Sinners production designer Hannah Beachler reacted to the “throwaway” apology.

“I keep trying to write about what happened at the BAFTAs, and I can’t find the words,” she tweeted, adding, “The situation is almost impossible, but it happened [three] times that night, and one of the three times was directed at myself on the way to dinner after the show … 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.’”

READ MORE: Oscars 2026 Nominations: See The Full List

A spokesperson for the BBC also addressed the moment, saying in a statement, “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards 2026. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologize for any offense caused by the language heard.”

Other expletives Davidson reportedly shouted involuntarily at various points during the ceremony include “shut the f–k up,” “bulls–t,” and “f–k you.” Davidson reportedly left the event of his own accord before the second half of the ceremony.

Speaking to Vanity Fair at an afterparty, Lindo shared that he and Jordan “did what we had to do” during the moment, but that he also wished “someone from BAFTA spoke to us” afterwards.

Neither Jordan nor Davidson has addressed the moment publicly as of publishing, though many online have called for Davidson to apologize directly to the Sinners stars.

What Is Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette Syndrome, also known as Tourette’s, is a nervous system disorder characterized by repetitive, rapid, sudden, and involuntary vocalizations or movements called “tics.” The disorder typically first manifests during childhood.

Examples of tics can include rapid and sudden blinking, sniffing, throat-clearing, jerking, grimacing, grunting, and shouting.

There is no cure for Tourette’s, but treatments such as therapy or medication can address managing more disruptive tics, which are often preceded by an “urge.”

Who Is John Davidson?

Born in 1971, Davidson is a Scottish activist with Tourette syndrome who has spent his career campaigning for awareness and educating the public about Tourette’s.

The MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) recipient appeared in the 1989 documentary John’s Not Mad, which highlights the realities of his life as someone with severe Tourette’s. He also appeared in the 2002 documentary The Boy Can’t Help It.

A critically acclaimed, Kirk Jones-directed biographical drama called I Swear was released in 2025, detailing Davidson’s life story and advocacy journey.

Davidson’s Tourette syndrome experience includes motor tics as well as coprolalia, AKA involuntary shouting and/or cursing. He was diagnosed with the disorder in his teenage years.

Why Was John Davidson at the BAFTAs?

Davidson was in attendance at the BAFTAs because the biographical film about his life, I Swear, was nominated for five awards: Best Actor, Best Casting, Best British Film, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Original Screenplay.

Actor Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson in the film, took home the award for Best Actor for his portrayal in I Swear.

BAFTAs attendees and presenters were warned about potential Tourette’s-related outbursts before the ceremony began.

Eric Dane has died nearly one year after publicly announcing his ALS diagnosis. The actor was 53.

Dane died Thursday (February 19), his family confirmed in a statement. “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world,” the statement reads.

“Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time,” the message continues.

In April 2025, Dane announced he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

According to the ALS Foundation, ALS is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease that impacts one’s motor neurons in both the spinal cord and brain. The disease causes muscular wasting, which results in involuntary loss of speech, movement, and breathing control. There is currently no cure.

READ MORE: James Van Der Beek, Dawson’s Creek Star, Dies at 48

Dane is best remembered for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan, AKA McSteamy, on the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. He starred as Sloan between 2006 and 2012, making his debut as a recurring character in Season 2 before joining the cast as a regular in Season 3. His character was written off in Season 9.

Born on November 9, 1972 in San Francisco, Dane made his TV debut in a 1991 episode of Saved by the Bell after moving to Los Angeles in the early ‘90s.

During his career on television he appeared in dozens of shows including The Wonder Years, Married… With Children, Charmed, Brilliant Minds, and Euphoria. He made his debut in the HBO teen drama, on which he plays Nate Jacobs’ (Jacob Elordi) dad Cal Jacobs, in 2019. His character will reportedly appear in the upcoming third season, scheduled to premiere on April 12, posthumously.

During his on-screen career, Dane also appeared in films such as X-Men: The Last Stand, Marley & Me, Burlesque, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, and Borderline. His final film, Family Secrets, is currently in post-production.

Somehow, Hannah Montana is 20 years old. The show itself is older than the title character by many years.

While I go lie down and contemplate my fleeting mortality, here is a fun bit of news: To celebrate this momentous and slightly horrifying anniversary, Disney is going to stream a Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special. And series star, Miley Cyrus, is confirmed to appear.

According to a press release, “the special will be filmed in front of a live studio audience and will feature an exclusive, in-depth interview with Miley Cyrus, hosted by Alex Cooper. The conversation will offer an intimate look at the creation of one of pop culture’s most iconic characters and the lasting impact the show and character have had on fans around the world. With heartfelt nostalgia and fresh perspective, Cyrus will revisit the moments, music and memories that defined an era. Viewers will be treated to never-before-seen archival footage, while some of the most memorable sets from “Hannah Montana” are brought back to life — including the Stewart family living room and the legendary Hannah Montana closet.”

READ MORE: 12 Shocking Disney Cameos in Other Movies

Disney announced the special with a brief teaser video…

Hannah Montana aired on the Disney Channel starting in March of 2006. The show starred Cyrus as Miley Stewart, a teenager who is secretly also a world famous pop star named Hannah Montana. The show aired for four seasons and 100 episodes, launching Cyrus’ career as a TV and pop star.

The show also spawned a concert film, Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert, and a fictional feature film, Hannah Montana: The Movie, which opened in theaters in 2009. The final episode aired in January of 2011.

The Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special airs on Disney+ on March 24.

HGTV has canceled the TV series Rehab Addict, which has aired on the network since 2014, after a video surfaced online of series host Nicole Curtis using a racial slur on camera.

The video was published by Radar Online, and shows Curtis working on a renovation project for the series. After getting frustrated with an uncooperative building material, she blurts out the slur, then quickly questions what she’s said.

“What the f— was that that I just said?” Curtis says in the clip, before asking “Can you kill that?” to the crew, meaning delete the footage.

After the footage instead appeared online, HGTV pulled the show from its schedule. In a statement they said…

HGTV was recently made 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.

Those platforms also include streaming. If you Google “Rehab Addict” and streaming, you’ll get a link to the show on HBO Max. But when you click the link, it takes you to a page that reads “Content Not Available.”

READ MORE: The Most Obvious and Embarrassing TV Product Placement Ever

Rehab Addict first debuted on DIY back in 2010; it moved to HGTV in 2014. The show follows Curtis on home renovation projects in older homes. Eight seasons of the series have been produced to date.

After the video leaked online, Curtis told TMZ “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.” According to TMZ, Rehab Addict was previously set to return to the air with new episodes this week.

Curtis added “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. 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.”

The wife of Roger Sweet, one of the core creators behind He-Man, is crowdfunding to help pay for her husband’s expensive medical bills in the wake of the toy industry icon’s dementia diagnosis.

Marlene Sweet, who has been married to Roger for nearly 40 years, has set up a GoFundMe campaign asking fans for help to raise funds so Roger, nearly 91 years old, can get the medical care he needs at a facility specializing in memory care.

“His illness has continued [to] progress, and I have done all I can to take care of his needs at home. He went back for a walk and returned much later than usual and very tired. I discovered terrible bruising on his side and much disorientation, and when asked what happened he did not remember … falling [and] getting this injury,” Marlene shares in the campaign description.

Marlene says her husband was sent to the ER, where doctors discovered “two brain bleeds.” Roger was admitted to the ICU and stayed in the hospital for about a week, where he appeared “very distracted” and “confused.” She says doctors consider him at “high risk for falls” and have urged Roger to use a walker, but he continues to “walk around in a confused state.”

Now, Marlene says, doctors have decided it would be best for Roger to live in a memory care facility, where “he can be monitored and safe” amid his “mental decline.” However, the facility Roger is currently staying at costs more than $10,000 per month, which is “well above” the couple’s income and is apparently not covered by Medicare.

“I am reaching out to all the He-Man fans for help with these bills. Any donation will be greatly appreciated and will [assist with] the burden of this new expense,” Marlene concludes her message.

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Roger Sweet’s situation has touched many He-Man fans. As of publishing, the campaign has raised nearly $15,000 of its $50,000 goal.

“Masters of the Universe inspired me as a kid and I’m happy to help donate here to thank Roger for his incredible creation. I am currently the primary caretaker for my dad, who also has dementia, and I understand the staggering costs associated with memory care … especially for a good facility. I hope you are able to get all of the help you need to cover this,” one donator commented.

“So many thanks for an adventurous childhood playtime because of your creativity. My kids now play with their uncle’s old He-Man set, so Roger’s creativity is still shaping young minds!” another fan who donated commented.

Roger, the toy designer who is credited with creating the iconic He-Man character from the Masters of the Universe franchise alongside Mark Taylor, worked for Mattel nearly two decades in the 1970s and 1980s. He reportedly came up with the name of the iconic action hero and is responsible for pitching the toy concept and its initial prototype to Mattel in 1980.

He-Man officially launched in 1982. Over the past 40-plus years, the franchise has generated hundreds of millions in toy revenue for Mattel. A new live-action He-Man film titled Masters of the Universe is scheduled for release in theaters on June 5, 2026.

Every year’s slate of Super Bowl ads includes at least one or two big pop culture reunions, bringing together some beloved icons who don’t tend to hang out very often in order to shill for some product or another. This year, the stars getting back together include the original cast of Jurassic Park: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum, who recreated their famous looks from the film more than 30 years later as part of a spot for Xfinity.

The ad imagines how Jurassic Park would have been different if, when Dennis Nedry sabotaged the entire island’s security system, Richard Attenborough’s John Hammond had paid for better wifi service. As it turns out, a lot! None of the dinosaurs would get out, and Dr. Grant, Dr. Sadler, and Dr. Malcolm all get to enjoy a lovely, relaxing weekend at Jurassic Park, precisely how Hammond intended.

You can watch the extended version of the ad below.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Super Bowl Ads Ever

This behind the scenes video shows a little of how the commercial was made. It also reveals it was directed by Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder director Taika Waititi.

It actually would have been really funny if a big plot point in Jurassic Park had been Samuel L. Jackson calling customer service and having to sit through a endless automated operator, asking it if it’s calling about the account associated with the address “1 Jurassic Park Drive” and demanding it say, in a few words, what problem he’s calling for today, only to be told that the way to fix the issue was to unplug the router, then wait five minutes, then plug it back in, then wait five more minutes.

Actually, we already know what would happen if Jurassic Park had been allowed to open. It was called Jurassic World, and it showed that even if you have good wifi and you invite the public to your park full of dinosaurs, it will eventually collapse into chaos anyway. Life finds a way, guys.

Super Bowl LX, and all of its affiliated commercials, airs this Sunday on NBC and Peacock. Kickoff time is 6:30 PM ET.