BAFTA Director Discloses Extensive Preparations Before Controversial Awards Incident
Kirk Jones, director of the film I Swear, has revealed that he participated in "lengthy meetings" with BAFTA officials ahead of Sunday night's awards ceremony. These discussions were aimed at ensuring the comfort of Tourette's syndrome sufferer John Davidson, who was present in the audience. The revelation comes amidst significant fallout from the event, where Davidson was heard shouting the N-word during the broadcast.
Involuntary Outburst Sparks Immediate Fallout
During the ceremony, Davidson's involuntary tic occurred as actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan presented the award for special visual effects. The 54-year-old campaigner chose to leave the auditorium early and later issued a personal apology. The BBC also apologised for failing to edit the racial slur from its delayed broadcast of the event.
BAFTA host Alan Cumming addressed the incident during the ceremony, explaining to the audience: "You may have heard some strong offensive language tonight, but if you've seen the film I Swear, it's about the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome. It is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary."
Judge Resigns Over "Unforgivable" Handling
On Tuesday, BAFTA judge Jonte Richardson announced his resignation from the emerging talent judging panel over the organisation's handling of the incident. In a LinkedIn post, Richardson stated: "After considerable soul-searching, I feel compelled to withdraw. The organisation's handling of the unfortunate Tourette's N-Word incident last night at the awards was utterly unforgivable."
He continued: "I cannot and will not contribute my time energy and expertise to an organisation that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its Black guests, members and the Black creative community." Richardson specifically criticised BAFTA's failure to offer an appropriate apology to both the Black and disabled communities affected by the incident.
Director's Creative Control and Preparations
In his interview with The Telegraph, conducted nine days before the awards, Jones explained that the film's swear count initially raised commercial concerns. The word "f**k" appears 98 times while "c**t" features on 28 occasions in the final cut. Jones insisted on maintaining "complete and total creative control" over the project.
The director's disclosure about the extensive BAFTA meetings highlights the organisation's awareness of potential issues before the ceremony. These preparations were intended to create an inclusive environment for Davidson, who has devoted his life to increasing understanding of Tourette syndrome.
Multiple Apologies and Ongoing Repercussions
Davidson released his own statement following the incident, expressing that he was "deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning." He confirmed leaving the auditorium early because he was "aware of the distress my tics were causing."
BAFTA issued a formal apology on Monday night, stating: "We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we apologise to all. We will learn from this, and keep inclusion at the core of all we do." The organisation specifically apologised to Lindo and Jordan for the incident during their presentation.
Film's Success Amidst Controversy
Despite the controversy, I Swear achieved significant recognition at the awards. The film stars Robert Aramayo as campaigner John Davidson, depicting his younger years living in Glasgow when he was first diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. Although the film lost in the Outstanding British Film category to Hamnet, Aramayo won the Lead Actor award, beating front-runners Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothee Chalamet.
Aramayo also received the EE Rising Star Award, the only publicly-voted accolade of the evening. Peter Mullan, who appears in the film as Tommy Trotter, was nominated for Best Supporting Actor but lost to Sean Penn.
Davidson was made an MBE in 2019 for his efforts to increase understanding of Tourette syndrome and help families manage the condition. According to NHS information, Tourette syndrome causes sudden, repetitive sounds or movements that can sometimes include offensive language beyond the individual's control. While there is no cure, treatment can help manage tics.
