John Davidson issues statement after shouting racial slur at BAFTAs
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The audience member with Tourette syndrome, who made racist slurs during the broadcast of the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), made a statement expressing his sadness about the incident on Monday.
John Davidson, severe Tourette syndrome Black actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, whose film inspired the BAFTA-nominated biopic “I Swear,” were heard shouting the n-word while onstage. During other parts of the programme, Davidson was heard using expletives such as “f*ck” and “shut up”.
Inside declarationDavidson said he always felt “deeply ashamed” that his involuntary tics were “thought to be intentional or had any meaning.”
John Davidson (left), who has severe Tourette syndrome and was the inspiration for the BAFTA-nominated biopic “I Swear,” was heard shouting a racial slur while Black actors were on stage. (Scott GarfiBAFTA via Getty Images)
“I was there to celebrate the film of my life, which explains the origins, condition, characteristics and symptoms of Tourette Syndrome more than any movie or TV documentary, I SWEAR,” Davidson said.
“I have spent my life supporting and strengthening the Tourette community and teaching others empathy, kindness, and understanding, and I will continue to do so. I chose to leave the ceremony early because I was aware of the distress my tics caused.”
In an earlier statement, Davidson thanked BAFTA and everyone present at the awards ceremony “for their support and understanding and for inviting me to participate in the broadcast”, adding that he appreciated the announcement before the broadcast began that “my tics are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs”.
PRINCE WILLIAM AND KATE MIDDLETON FEAR ANDREW’S ARREST WILL HARM KING CHARLES’ ONGOING HEALTH RECOVERY: EXPERTS
Michael B. Jordan attends the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Ceremony honoring Michael B. Jordan on March 1, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
“I was encouraged by the applause that followed this announcement and felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would otherwise have been impossible for me,” she continued. “Further to the announcement made by Alan Cumming, the BBC and BAFTA, I must add that I would always be deeply ashamed if anyone thought my involuntary tics were intentional or had any meaning.”
Actor Alan Cumming, who hosted the BAFTAs, addressed the situation live during the broadcast.
“You may have noticed strong language in the background. This may be part of how Tourette syndrome manifests for some people, as the film explores this experience,” Cumming said. “Thank you for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE NEWS ON MEDIA AND CULTURE
A security guard walks outside BBC headquarters in central London, March 11, 2023. (Henry Nicholls/Reuters)
The BBC has issued an apology for failing to remove abusive language when the pre-recorded program was broadcast.
A BBC spokesperson told Fox News Digital: “Some viewers may have heard harsh and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards. This was due to involuntary verbal tics linked to Tourette’s syndrome and was not intentional, as explained during the ceremony. We apologize that this was not edited before broadcast and will now be removed from the BBC iPlayer version.”
Some who criticized the way the situation was handled took to social media.
“I demand more civility for the person shouting racial slurs rather than Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo having to overcome embarrassment in front of their peers. But that’s often the expectation; Black people have to be willing to be disrespected and dehumanized so other people don’t feel bad,” former ESPN announcer Jemele Hill wrote.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
Fox News Digital’s Brian Flood contributed to this report.
Related Article
