Tourette's Campaigner John Davidson Expresses Mortification After N-Word Outburst at BAFTAs
John Davidson, the subject of the film I Swear and a prominent Tourette's campaigner, has issued a statement expressing his deep remorse following an N-word outburst at the BAFTAs. The incident occurred during the awards ceremony, where Davidso...
John Davidson, the Tourette’s campaigner featured in the film I Swear, has publicly stated he is “deeply mortified” following an N-word outburst at the BAFTAs.
On Sunday night, February 22nd, Davidson attended the awards ceremony to support I Swear, a film chronicling his life. Throughout the evening, his involuntary tics were audibly present in the Royal Festival Hall.
During the presentation for Best Visual Effects by Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, Davidson was heard shouting the N-word. He also reportedly exclaimed “shut the fuck up” during BAFTA chair Sara Putt’s speech and directed “fuck you” towards the directors of Boong, the winner of Best Children’s and Family Film.
In his statement, Davidson wrote: “I wanted to thank BAFTA and everyone involved in the awards last night for their support and understanding and inviting me to attend the broadcast. I appreciated the announcement to the auditorium in advance of the recording, warning everyone that my tics are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs. I was heartened by the round of applause that followed this announcement and felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me.”
He continued, “In addition to the announcement by Alan Cumming, the BBC and BAFTA, I can only add that I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.”
He further explained that I Swear “explains the origins, condition, traits and manifestations of Tourette Syndrome,” and concluded: “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. I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing.”
Tourette’s syndrome is characterized by sudden, involuntary sounds or movements known as tics. Tourette’s Action clarified in a statement that these tics “are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions or character” but are “neurological, not intentional”.
Davidson has lived with Tourette’s since the age of 12 and, as depicted in I Swear, has become a respected campaigner, activist, and educator on the subject.
Delroy Lindo has expressed his wish that BAFTA representatives had addressed him and Jordan following the N-word incident, but noted that they both “did what we had to do” while presenting.
While attendees were reportedly warned about Davidson’s condition prior to the show, Variety reports that nominees and presenters were not individually contacted by BAFTA.
Alan Cumming issued an apology from the stage, stating: “Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette’s Syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you are offended tonight.”
The BBC, which broadcast the show on a two-hour delay, has apologized for not editing out the N-word. The offensive word has since been removed from the version streaming on BBC iPlayer.
At the ceremony, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another was a dominant force, securing six awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. However, I Swear star Robert Aramayo caused a significant upset by winning Best Actor for his portrayal of Davidson, surpassing Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet. Aramayo also received the BAFTA Rising Star Award.
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