Tourette's Campaigner John Davidson 'Deeply Mortified' After BAFTAs Racial Slur Incident
John Davidson, a Tourette's Syndrome campaigner whose life inspired the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear, has stated he is "deeply mortified" following an incident where he involuntarily shouted a racial slur during the BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday evening. The incident occurred as actors Delroy Lindo, 73, and Michael B. Jordan, 39, were presenting the special visual effects award, with Davidson heard uttering the N-word from the auditorium due to an uncontrollable tic.
Davidson's Statement and Apology
In a statement released on Monday evening, Davidson expressed his gratitude to BAFTA and all involved for their support, noting that an announcement was made before the recording to warn attendees about his involuntary tics. He said, "I appreciated the announcement to the auditorium in advance of the recording, warning everyone that my tics are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs." Davidson added that he felt heartened by the round of applause that followed this announcement, making him feel welcomed in an environment that would typically be challenging for him.
He further explained, "I am, and always have been, deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning." Davidson, who attended to celebrate the film based on his life, emphasized his lifelong commitment to supporting the Tourette's community and promoting empathy and understanding. He chose to leave the auditorium early during the ceremony due to awareness of the distress his tics were causing.
BAFTA and BBC Responses
BAFTA issued a formal statement acknowledging the harm caused by the offensive language, which carries significant trauma for many. A spokesperson said, "We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened and apologise to all." The organization highlighted that Davidson has Tourette Syndrome, which causes involuntary verbal tics unrelated to personal beliefs, and noted his role as an executive producer of I Swear.
BAFTA detailed the measures taken to inform attendees about Davidson's condition, including announcements before and during the ceremony. They apologized unreservedly to Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan, who were on stage at the time, praising their dignity and professionalism. The statement concluded with a commitment to learning from the incident and maintaining inclusion as a core value.
During the broadcast, presenter Alan Cumming issued an apology for any offensive language heard by viewers. Additionally, a BBC spokesperson stated that the offensive language arose from involuntary tics associated with Tourette Syndrome and was not intentional. They apologized for not editing it out prior to broadcast and confirmed it would be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.
Reactions and Aftermath
Delroy Lindo commented that he and his co-host "did what he had to do" during the incident but expressed a wish that someone from BAFTA had spoken to them afterwards. The incident has sparked discussions about the challenges faced by individuals with Tourette's in public settings and the importance of empathy and understanding in such situations.
John Davidson's dedication to educating others about Tourette's Syndrome remains unwavering, as he continues to advocate for kindness and support within the community. The BAFTAs incident serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of neurological conditions and the need for inclusive practices in high-profile events.
