Jamie Foxx and actor Wendell Pierce have condemned the use of the N-word by Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson during the Bafta film awards on Sunday. Davidson, whose film I Swear was nominated, shouted the racial slur while presenters Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan were on stage. Foxx called the outburst 'unacceptable' on social media, while Pierce said it was 'infuriating' that the initial reaction did not prioritise apologies to the actors.
Bafta host Alan Cumming made two announcements during the ceremony, explaining that Davidson's tics were involuntary and apologising if anyone was offended. However, Sinners production designer Hannah Beachler criticised what she called a 'throwaway' apology, noting that a racial slur had also been directed at her during the event. Journalist Jemele Hill expressed frustration, stating that Black people should not have to accept disrespect for the comfort of others.
A BBC spokesperson apologised, saying the language arose from involuntary tics and was not intentional. Davidson himself expressed being 'deeply mortified' if his tics caused offence, emphasising his lifelong work to support the Tourette's community. He left the auditorium early after becoming aware of the distress his tics were causing. Tourette syndrome is a motor control disorder, with coprolalia—involuntary swearing—affecting 10-20% of those with the condition.
