BAFTA controversy: Tourette’s advocate John Davidson apologises for racial slur

John Davidson, a prominent Tourette’s activist and the real-life inspiration behind the film I Swear, has publicly apologised after drawing attention for shouting a racial slur during the recent BAFTA awards. The incident involved actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo on stage, and Davidson has reached out to the film Sinners’ production team, including designer Hannah Beachler, to offer a direct apology.

In an exclusive interview with Variety, Davidson described how his condition affects him. He has Tourette’s Syndrome, and specifically a form called coprolalia, which causes involuntary use of offensive or obscene language. This affects 10 to 30 per cent of people with the condition and can be deeply distressing, often resulting in social isolation or discrimination.

Davidson recounted past traumatic experiences related to his tics, including a violent attack he endured after a comment he made unintentionally triggered a confrontation. He emphasised that the nature of his tics means he cannot predict when they will occur or what words will be involuntarily spoken.

The BAFTA incident was reportedly not the only disruption during the ceremony. Despite pre-event assurances that any inappropriate language would be edited from the broadcast, the BBC aired the slur in the delayed airing of the awards. Davidson’s tics also included shouting phrases such as “shut the f up” during BAFTA chair Sara Putt’s introductory remarks, and “f you” as the creators of Boong, awarded Best Children’s and Family Film, accepted their prize.

Davidson stressed that these outbursts were not intentional or reflective of his beliefs. “Tourette’s can make my body or voice do things I don’t mean,” he said. “What you’re hearing is a symptom – not my character, not my thought, not my belief.” He explained that the condition sometimes amplifies words that are particularly upsetting, a phenomenon linked to echolalia, where hearing certain cues can trigger involuntary responses.

Reflecting on the ceremony, Davidson questioned the placement of a microphone directly in front of him, acknowledging that its proximity may have contributed to the public nature of his tics. He noted that he had worked with the BBC previously and hoped the network fully understood the manifestations of his condition.

INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED

The BBC confirmed it has opened an investigation into why the racial slur was not removed from the broadcast. A spokesperson said the broadcaster regarded the incident as a “serious mistake” and that the Executive Complaints Unit has been tasked with a fast-tracked review.

British Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy praised the BBC for taking action, calling the broadcast “completely unacceptable and harmful” and urging measures to prevent future incidents.

Meanwhile, BAFTA has issued an apology to the affected actors and accepted full responsibility for the events that occurred during the ceremony.