John Davidson, the British Tourette campaigner who shouted an involuntary racial slur while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting at the Baftas on Sunday night, has said that he is “deeply mortified” if anybody believed his remark was intentional.
Davidson, who has lived with the neurological condition Tourette Syndrome most of his life and is the subject of the UK drama and Bafta-winning I Swear, was heard to shout an offensive word while Sinners stars Jordan and Lindo were on stage presenting the visual effects award to Avatar: Fire And Ash.
“In addition to the announcement by [show host] Alan Cumming, the BBC and BAFTA, I can only add that I am, and always have been, deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning,” Davidson said in a statement on Monday.
Emma McNally, the CEO of UK charity Tourettes Action, also issued a statement on Monday in which she addressed an “extremely saddening” backlash from “certain parts of the media” following Davidson’s “involuntary vocal tics”.
McNally added, ”We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt but at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome: tics are involuntary. They are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions, or character.”
Scroll down to read both statements in full
An announcement prior to Sunday’s ceremony told attendees that Davidson was in attendance and that his tics were involuntary. Davidson, who was heard to utter at least one other involuntarily offensive remark at another point in the show, chose to leave the ceremony before the end.
The incident has sparked apologies from Bafta and the BBC, which has come under fire for not removing the slur from its broadcast despite a two-hour delay. It removed Akinola Davies Jr.’s “Free Palestine” remark when the British filmmaker accepted an award on stage, explaining that the three-hour show had to be cut to a two-hour broadcast slot.
Statement from John Davidson MBE
I wanted to thank BAFTA and everyone involved in the awards last night for their support and understanding and inviting me to attend the broadcast. 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. I was heartened by the round of applause that followed this announcement and felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me.
In addition to the announcement by Alan Cumming, the BBC and BAFTA, I can only add that I am, and always have been, deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning. I was in attendance to celebrate the film of my life, I SWEAR, which more than any film of TV documentary, explains the origins, condition, traits and manifestations of Tourette Syndrome. I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette’s community and to teach empathy, kindness and understanding from others and I will continue to do so. I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing.
Statement from Tourettes Action CEO Emma McNally
We are incredibly proud of John and everyone involved in I Swear following last night’s BAFTA Awards. The film has already raised so much awareness about Tourette syndrome and the daily reality faced by those living with the condition. The impact it has had on audiences, families, and those within the Tourettes community is huge, and we could not be more grateful for the support the film continues to receive.
However, we also want to address the negative comments that have surfaced following John’s involuntary vocal tics during the ceremony. We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt but at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome: tics are involuntary. They are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions, or character.
People with Tourette’s can say words or phrases they do not mean, do not endorse, and feel great distress about afterwards. These symptoms are neurological, not intentional, and they are something John - like many others with Tourette’s - lives with every single day.
The backlash from certain parts of the media has been extremely saddening, particularly given how hard John works to raise awareness and understanding. What should have been a night of celebration for him became overwhelming, and he made the difficult decision to leave the ceremony. This moment reflects exactly what I Swear shows so openly: the isolation, misunderstanding, and emotional weight that so often accompany this condition. People with Tourette’s manage their physical and social environments and symptoms on a constant basis. The price of being misunderstood is increased isolation, risk of anxiety and depression and death by suicide.
We hope that those commenting will take the time to watch the film, learn about Tourette’s, and understand the experiences behind moments like these. Education is key, and compassion makes a world of difference.
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