Jamie Foxx and Wendell Pierce have criticised Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson after he shouted the N-word during the Bafta Film Awards. Davidson, whose film I Swear was nominated, experienced involuntary verbal tics while actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan were on stage.
Foxx called the incident 'unacceptable' on social media, adding 'Nah he meant that shit'. Pierce said it was 'infuriating that the first reaction wasn't complete and full-throated apologies to Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan'. Journalist Jemele Hill said black people should not be expected to accept disrespect.
Bafta host Alan Cumming explained during the ceremony that Davidson has Tourette's and his tics are involuntary. However, production designer Hannah Beachler, who also experienced a racial slur, criticised the 'throwaway apology' that said 'if you are offended'.
A BBC spokesperson apologised for the language, noting it arose from involuntary tics. Davidson said he was 'deeply mortified' and left the auditorium early, adding that he has spent his life supporting the Tourette's community.
