John Davidson has been a hot topic online for going on 24 hours. The Tourette’s advocate sparked tense reactions after he shouted the n-word while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting during the BAFTA Awards. Despite airing hours after the show wrapped, the BBC did not edit out the racial slur. Meanwhile, they seemingly edited “Free Palestine” from a speech and alleged other tics Davidson exhibited throughout the show. As Black online spaces demand accountability across the board, Davidson is clearing the air on his intention and his controversial tic.
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John Davidson Apologizes For Offensive Tic
According to Deadline, John Davidson broke his silence on the BAFTA Awards incident on Monday. In a statement, Tourette’s campaigner clarified that he feels “deeply mortified if anyone” considers his “involuntary tics to be intentional or carry any meaning.”
“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,” John Davidson reportedly said in the statement. He added, “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.”
Additionally, Davidson said he chose to leave the BAFTA Awards early into the ceremony given that his tics were causing “distress.” Variety previously shared that Davidson had shouted other offensive things like “shut the f*ck up” during a speech and “f*ck you” during a win annoucement for a family and kids’ movie.
Delroy Lindo Says No One Checked On Him And MBJ, BBC And BAFTA Apologize
At a BAFTA Awards afterparty on Sunday, Delroy Lindo admitted that he and Michael B. Jordan did what they had to after John Davidson yelled the n-word. He told Variety that he wished someone had checked on him and MBJ after their presentation, indicating no one did.
Elsewhere, in a statement obtained by The Shade Room, BBC didn’t explain why they failed to edit out the racial slur. However, the British outlet apologized for not doing so.
“Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional. We apologize that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.”
Meanwhile, in a statement BAFTA apologized to MBJ and Delroy Lindo and to “all those impacted” by John Davidson’s tic. “We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism,” it wrote.
People With Tourette’s Are Speaking Out
Amid the heated backlash on the internet, people with Tourette’s have begun sharing their experiences. Some have admitted to also having the n-word as a tic, while defending the “uncontrollable” nature of tics associated with Tourette syndrome. Others have shamed violence and ableist suggestions, and still some have pointed the finger at BBC for not going the extra mile, and airing the disheartening moment.
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BAFTA Awards Moment Sparks Backlash After Man With Tourette’s Yells N-Word During Michael B. Jordan & Delroy Lindo’s Presentation
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