breaking
John Davidson speaks out for first time after shouting racial slur during BAFTAs
The Tourette's campaigner had an outburst while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on-stage
Tourette's campaigner John Davidson made headlines at yesterday's (23 February) BAFTAs, as could be heard shouting numerous times during the ceremony.
The Brit has now released a statement about the situation which has left him 'mortified'.
“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,” his statement to Deadline read.
He went on: “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.”
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Davidson, who was diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome, was heard saying the N-word in the BBC's broadcast of the awards which was originally uploaded to iPlayer.
Davidson had developed tics and uncontrollable vocalisations as a teenager, and was shouting because of involuntary tics brought on by the health condition.
The 54-year-old was the inspiration behind I Swear, which follows a young Scottish man suffering from the disorder, as he comes to terms with his condition and campaigns for it in order to raise awareness.
BAFTA has also released a statement apologising for Davidson's words, reading: "At the BAFTA Film Awards last night our guests heard very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many. We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened and apologise to all.
"One of our guests, John Davidson MBE, has Tourette Syndrome and has devoted his life to educating and campaigning for better understanding of this condition. Tourette Syndrome causes involuntary verbal tics, that the individual has no control over. Such tics are in no way a reflection of an individual’s beliefs and are not intentional. John Davidson is an executive producer of the BAFTA nominated film, I Swear, which is based on his life experience.
"We take the duty of care to all our guests very seriously and start from a position of inclusion. We took measures to make those in attendance aware of the tics, announcing to the audience before the ceremony began, and throughout, that John was in the room and that they may hear strong language, involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony.
"Early in the ceremony a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people in the room. Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we apologise unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted. We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism."
They continued: "During the ceremony, John chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony from a screen, and we would like to thank him for his dignity and consideration of others, on what should have been a night of celebration for him.
"We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we apologise to all. We will learn from this, and keep inclusion at the core of all we do, maintaining our belief in film and storytelling as a critical conduit for compassion and empathy."
Actor Delroy Lindo also addressed Davidson's outburst following Sunday evening's awards, as he was on-stage with Michael B. Jordan while presenting the award for best visual effects when it happened.
At the Warner Bros. after-party following the ceremony, Lindo spoke to Vanity Fair, admitting that he and Jordan 'did what we had to do' while presenting—but that he also wished 'someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterward'.
BAFTAs host Alan Cumming clarified Davidson's outbursts in a statement too, saying: “Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette’s Syndrome has no control over their language. We apologise if you are offended tonight.”
The incident forced the BBC to release a statement after it broadcast the N-word despite a two-hour delay.
The broadcaster acknowledged 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.
Robert Aramayo, who portrayed Davidson in I Swear, spoke to reporters after winning best actor and the rising star award, explaining that it was a 'joint responsibility'.
The 33-year-old said: “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.”
While highlighting that 'it's complicated and complex', needing 'us to have grace', other celebrities felt uneasy about Davidson's actions.
Jamie Foxx said that Davidson 'meant that s***' in the comment section of an Instagram post featuring a clip of the moment at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
He added: “Out of all the words, you could've said Tourette's makes you say that… unacceptable.”
LADbible has previously contacted BAFTA for comment.
What is Coprolalia (involuntary swearing)?
Coprolalia is a condition which affects one in 10 people with Tourette's syndrome, involving the involuntary blurting out of obscene language.
The Tourette Association of America clarifies: "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."
As explained by the CDC, people with Tourette's have no control over their tics, with many comparing it to 'having an itch or having to sneeze'.
It is said on the website that while you may try to stop it from happening, 'you will probably scratch or sneeze and you will feel a little better until the urge comes back'.
Who is John Davidson?
Davidson was the subject of 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 last night, 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?"
Topics: BAFTAs, Celebrity, TV and Film
Joshua Nair