BBC apologises for airing racial slur made by guest with Tourette syndrome
Kate Holton And Paul Sandle
The BBC apologized on Tuesday for failing to address a racial slur on its broadcast of Britain’s best film awards after a guest with Tourette’s syndrome shouted at two black actors in the film. sinners They were giving awards.
Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the BAFTA awards on Sunday night when John Davidson made a racial slur. The BBC aired the program around two hours later and the offensive language remained in the program and on the broadcaster’s streaming platform until Monday morning (UK time).
Later in the program, film director Akinola Davies Jr. “Free Palestine,” he said in his acceptance speech. The BBC removed this comment from the broadcast.
Davidson’s racial slurs sparked outrage from many black actors and a production designer, who said at the time that a more comprehensive apology should have been made. Davidson joined BAFTA awards in London after his life inspired the movie I swearwon many awards.
Tourette syndrome is an involuntary condition that causes people to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements known as tics, which can sometimes include swearing.
A BBC spokesman said on Tuesday that some viewers may have heard “abusive and offensive language” during the awards show.
“This was caused by involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome and was not intentional, as explained during the ceremony. We apologize that this was not edited before broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.”
In a separate statement, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts said: “We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened and apologize to everyone.”
BAFTA said it had taken steps to ensure audiences were aware of the possibility they might hear tics and strong language during the ceremony.
“Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we unreservedly apologize to them and anyone affected,” the academy said. “We want to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism.”
Davidson issued his own statement Tuesday, emphasizing that his tics are not a reflection of his personal beliefs.
“I can only add that I would always be deeply embarrassed if someone thought my involuntary tics were intentional or had any meaning,” he said.
“I have spent my life trying to support and strengthen the Tourette community and teaching empathy, kindness, and understanding to others, and I will continue to do so… I chose to leave the ceremony early because I was aware of the distress my tics caused.”
Actor Alan Cumming, the host of the awards, apologized for the offensive language later in the ceremony and said the Tourette sufferer had no control over what he said. Cumming added: “We’re sorry if you were offended.”
Wendell Pierce, Jordan’s co-star Wire, said in x It was frustrating that the two actors didn’t receive a full and immediate apology.
“The insult to them takes priority,” he said. “The reason for the racial slur is not important.”
Hannah Beachler, sinners The production designer said it was an “impossible situation” but that the “thrown aside” apology made the situation worse. “Of course we were disturbed,” he said.
sinnersA vampire thriller celebrating blues music and Black culture in the segregation-era American South. historic awards season For black cinema.
The film, which has a record 16 Oscar nominations, won the BAFTAs for best original screenplay for writer and director Ryan Coogler, best supporting actress for Wunmi Mosaku, and best original score.
Jordan was nominated for many awards, including an Oscar, for his portrayal of twin brothers in the film. sinners. Stage and screen actress Lindo is also nominated for an Oscar.
I swear It tells the story of Davidson growing up with Tourette syndrome and the impact it had on his life; This results in her becoming a campaigner to raise awareness about this condition.
BAFTA said Davidson chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony on screen.
“On what should be a celebration for him, we want to thank him for his dignity and consideration for others,” BAFTA said.
“We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we apologize to everyone.”
Charity group Tourettes Action said it understood the hurt that Davidson’s words had caused BAFTA, but said they did not reflect a person’s beliefs, intentions or character.
“We deeply regret the harm that has been done to the Black community, but it is also vital that the public understands a fundamental issue.”
