Charity hits back after Jamie Foxx slammed Tourette’s campaigner claiming ‘he meant’ racial slur
A UK charity which supports people with Tourette's has defended activist John Davidson after his outburst at the BAFTAs.
Tourettes Action has urged people to 'understand that tics are involuntary' after actor Jamie Foxx suggested he may have purposely used a racial slur.
Davidson, 54, was attending the award show on Sunday (22 February) and yelled out the N-word while Sinners stars Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan were presenting a gong on stage.
In a statement explaining he was 'deeply mortified' by the events at the BAFTA's, the campaigner said he 'chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as he was aware of the distress his tics were causing'.
Advert
Davidson said that the contents of his tics do not 'carry any meaning' and are 'not a reflection of his personal beliefs', adding: "I was in attendance to celebrate the film of my life, I Swear, which more than any film or 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."
The incident has sparked widespread debate on social media and a number of celebrities have chimed in on it - including Lindo.
He said he and his co-star Jordan 'did what they had to do' while presenting, but that he also wished 'someone from BAFTA spoke to them afterward'.
Jamie Foxx also shared his thoughts about Davidson's tic in a social media post, with the Oscar-winner branding the incident 'unacceptable' and claiming that 'he meant that s***'.
The Django Unchained actor fumed: "Out of all the words, you could've said Tourette's makes you say that…unacceptable."
However, Tourettes Action has spoken out in support of Davidson amid the 'negative comments that have surfaced' in wake of the BAFTAs controversy.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the charity said: "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," the statement continued.
"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."
It went on to say that it had found the 'backlash' to the incident 'deeply saddening' and pointed out that Davidson had made a decision to leave the ceremony early.
During the broadcast, the awards ceremony’s presenter Alan Cumming apologised for the language viewers may have heard, while the BBC later apologised for not editing the racial slur out.
A spokesperson from BAFTA also apologised for viewers and guests who were subjected to the 'very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many'.
According to the NHS, Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes people to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements which, in rare instances, can result in offensive language being used, that cannot be controlled.
It says there is no cure but treatment can help to manage the tics.
Mr Davidson was made an MBE in 2019 for his efforts to increase understanding of Tourette syndrome and help families deal with the condition.
The film I Swear tells the story of the Scottish campaigner’s life with the condition, which he developed when he was 12.
It stars Robert Aramayo who won the BAFTA for best actor for his performance and he was also named EE Rising Star. I Swear also took home the award for best casting.
What is coprolalia (involuntary swearing)?
Coprolalia affects one in 10 people with Tourette's syndrome, and it means they will involuntarily blurt out obscene language.
The Tourette Association of America writes: "Particularly embarrassing for some individuals with coprolalia are involuntary outbursts within social contexts, such as racial or ethnic slurs in the company of the very people who would be most offended by such remarks.
"A minority of people with coprolalia have this particular problem. It is crucial to understand that these words or complex phrases do not necessarily reflect the thoughts, beliefs or opinions of the person with coprolalia."
The CDC emphasises that people with Tourette's cannot control their tics, saying many people compare it to 'having an itch or having to sneeze'.
The website explains: "You may try to stop the feeling, but eventually you will probably scratch or sneeze and you will feel a little better until the urge comes back.
"When people try to hold back their tics, it can cause stress, and the tic may become worse."
Who is John Davidson?
Davidson was the subject of the 1989 BBC documentary John's Not Mad, which followed him as a 16-year-old schoolboy diagnosed with severe Tourette's syndrome.
He appeared in several follow-up documentaries as he grew up, and his story has been adapted into the film I Swear.
Robert Aramayo stars as Davidson and won Best Actor at the BAFTAs, beating out Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke and Michael B Jordan.
Davidson went on to be honoured with an MBE in 2019, and due to his nerves exacerbating his tics, he swore in front of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
He told the BBC: "I began ticcing and shouting and I was absolutely mortified.
"But then I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was one of the Royal Archers, the Queen's bodyguards while she's in Holyrood, and a voice said 'Don't stress, she knows all about your condition'.
"That to me was huge because I've struggled so much with everyday life, with people misunderstanding, and if the Queen of the United Kingdom can understand and ignore the tics and the swear words then why can't the rest of society?"
LADbible Group has contacted BAFTA for comment.
Topics: BAFTAs, Charity, Jamie Foxx, Celebrity
Olivia Burke