Tourette's Campaigner John Davidson Addresses BAFTA Slur Controversy
Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson has provided a detailed explanation regarding the involuntary tics he experienced during the recent BAFTA Film Awards ceremony. In a new interview with Variety, Davidson emphasised that the offensive language he shouted, including the n-word and homophobic slurs, represents "the opposite of what I believe." The incident occurred on Sunday when actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan were presenting on stage, drawing global attention.
Context of Multiple Offensive Tics
Davidson clarified that reports focusing solely on the n-word incident fail to capture the full scope of his condition's manifestation that evening. "I would appreciate reports of the event explaining that I ticked perhaps 10 different offensive words on the night of the awards," he stated. "The n-word was one of these, and I completely understand its significance in history and in the modern world, but most articles are giving the impression I shouted one single slur on Sunday."
He described how his tics are often triggered by auditory or visual stimuli, a phenomenon known as echolalia. For instance, when host Alan Cumming made a joke referencing Paddington Bear and his sexuality, Davidson experienced homophobic tics and shouted "pedophile," likely triggered because Paddington is a children's character.
The Nature of Tourette Syndrome and Coprolalia
Davidson explained that Tourette's can feel "spiteful" as it searches for the most upsetting tics personally and for those nearby. "What you hear me shouting is literally the last thing in the world I believe; it is the opposite of what I believe," he affirmed. Regarding the n-word incident specifically, he added, "The most offensive word that I ticked at the ceremony, for example, is a word I would never use and would completely condemn if I did not have Tourette's."
Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by motor and vocal tics, which can include coughs, twitches, or fully articulated phrases. A small subset of individuals with Tourette's experience coprolalia, involving involuntary cursing or socially inappropriate remarks. These outbursts are not chosen for meaning and are typically experienced as unwanted and distressing by the person, classified by researchers as complex vocal tics rather than intentional speech.
Immediate Aftermath and Broader Impact
Davidson revealed that he chose to leave the auditorium shortly after realising that Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan had heard his tic from the stage. He is the inspiration behind the BAFTA-winning drama "I Swear," starring Robert Aramayo and Maxine Peake, with Aramayo winning the Best Actor prize for his role in the film.
The incident has sparked confusion among BAFTA viewers, with some mistaking Davidson's tics for heckling during Alan Cumming's opening monologue. Davidson's interview aims to raise awareness about Tourette syndrome and the challenges faced by those with coprolalia, highlighting the disconnect between involuntary utterances and personal beliefs.
