Deon Cole criticised for shocking Tourette's joke mocking BAFTAs racial slur incident

Comedian Deon Cole hosted last night's (1 March) National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Awards, and made headlines for one controversial joke in particular.

The annual awards ceremony awards performances in film, television, theatre, music, and literature, with many A-listers in attendance.

Cole, known for his roles in black-ish and Average Joe, opened the show with a number of jokes at the expense of big names such as 50 Cent and Nicki Minaj, which left the crowd in bits.

The latter has recently received criticism for her public support of President Donald Trump, who recently announced 'major combat operations' on Iran.

But there was one joke which has caused more controversy than others, as the 54-year-old referenced John Davidson's racial outburst at the BAFTAs.

Davidson, a campaigner for Tourette's, was at the BAFTAs last week following the release of the film I Swear, a title based on his life and about the struggles he faced with the condition while growing up.

He could be heard yelling a racial slur while actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage to present the award for best visual effects.

On Sunday night, Cole said in his monologue: "If there are any white men in the room with Tourette's, I advise you to tell them to read the room, lord. It might not go the way they thinketh."

The crowd had a more shocked reaction, before applauding his words, as the comedian suggested: "Whatever medicine they on, they better double up on it Lord."

Davidson, who was diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome as a teenager. has since addressed the incident and confirmed that he left the awards ceremony shortly after, saying he was 'mortified' of what had happened.

While those in the crowd seemed to see the funny side, many online were not impressed with the actor's decision to poke fun at Davidson.

One said on X: "Making fun of people with disabilities is not funny and he did not have to say it in a racist way either, this is very shameful."

Another added: "Mocking a disability, Bravo.

"This from a community that have been mistreated; oppressed and have had to fight for equality …. This isnt the flex you think it is and is arming those who oppose to equality."

A third went on: "Taking the piss out of disabled folk isn’t the hilarious flex you think it is."

As explained by the Neurology Center for Epilepsy and Seizures, tics are involunatry movements, twitches or sounds which people repeat.

"While some tics may look like voluntary actions, they are involuntary. A person may be able to suppress a tic in certain situations, but it will eventually emerge," they explain.

Davidson's tics forced the BBC to release a statement after it broadcast the N-word despite a two-hour delay, acknowledging the 'strong and offensive language' heard, explaining that it came from 'involuntary verbal tics' linked to Tourette's before editing the version on BBC iPlayer.

He could also be heard shouting 'shut the f**k up' and 'f**k you' during the ceremony.

BAFTA-winner Robert Aramayo, who played Davidson in I Swear, addressed Davidson's actions afterwards: “First of all, there are tics. He is ticking. We have to understand. The way we perceive Tourette's is a joint responsibility.

“It's not shouting obscenities. It's not being abusive. It's Tourettes. They are tics. If it can lead to a deeper understanding of Tourettes, and movies are part of that conversation, then it's an incredible thing.”

“It’s complicated and complex and it requires us to have grace,” he stated.

Davidson has since said in a statement: “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. I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing.”