Actor Alan Cumming has criticised Bafta organisers as 'bad people who weren't doing their jobs properly' after Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson shouted the N-word during the Bafta film awards in February. Cumming, who hosted the ceremony, said the organisation failed to prepare and let people down.
Davidson, whose film I Swear was nominated, shouted the racial slur twice and also directed an offensive term at Cumming. The BBC broadcast remained on iPlayer overnight before being removed. Both Bafta and the BBC apologised, and an independent review found no malicious intent.
Cumming told the Sunday Times that neither he nor the audience were warned about potential outbursts, despite Davidson reportedly using the N-word at a party the day before. Describing the event as a 'shitshow', Cumming said he had no plans to host the Baftas again, calling it a 'tough gig'.
Davidson later said his tics were involuntary and not a reflection of his values. Bafta declined to comment when contacted by the Guardian.
