Delroy Lindo returned to the public stage at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Image Awards in Los Angeles, marking his first appearance since a racial slur was shouted during his presentation at the British Academy Film Awards. The outburst came from Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson while Lindo and Michael B. Jordan were on stage, and the moment was later broadcast to viewers.

At the Image Awards, Lindo thanked supporters for their encouragement in the aftermath of the incident, calling it 'a classic case of something that could've been very negative becoming very positive.' He and director Ryan Coogler received a standing ovation, and Lindo later won best supporting actor for his role in Sinners.

The controversy has continued to generate debate, with criticism directed at the British broadcaster for failing to remove the slur from its delayed transmission. Public figures and politicians have called for clearer accountability and a direct apology to Lindo and Jordan, while advocates for Tourette syndrome stressed that such verbal tics are involuntary and not reflective of personal beliefs.