The British Academy of Film and Television Arts and BBC have apologised after a racial slur was heard during the BAFTA Awards broadcast. The remark was made by Tourette’s activist John Davidson when Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the award for Best Visual Effects during Sunday’s ceremony. It sparked criticism, with authorities clarifying how a person with Tourette syndrome can have involuntary tics.
BAFTA and BBC apologise for racial slur during ceremony
The incident prompted the British Academy of Film and Television Arts to apologise for “offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many,” adding, “We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism.”
The note continued, “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.”
The epithet could be heard when the BBC broadcast the ceremony about two hours after the live event. The broadcaster apologised for not editing it out before the broadcast, though the offensive word could still be heard on its iPlayer streaming service on Monday morning. The programme was later removed, and the BBC said the slur would be edited out.
About Davidson’s controversial remark
The awards ceremony witnessed an unexpected disruption when Tourette’s activist John Davidson shouted a racist slur (the N-word) while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting on stage, sparking controversy online. Michael and Delroy were taken aback by the act; however, they maintained dignity and went ahead with the ceremony. Host Alan Cumming apologised to the audience.
John Davidson is known for speaking openly about living with Tourette syndrome. He has worked for years to raise awareness and support others with the condition. In 2018, he received an honour from Queen Elizabeth II for his efforts. He was also featured in the 1989 documentary John’s Not Mad, according to Deadline.
Davidson’s life is depicted in the film I Swear, where he is played by Robert Aramayo. While accepting the Rising Star award, Aramayo called Davidson “the most remarkable man I’ve ever met.”
