Tourette's Campaigner Criticises BBC Over Bafta Racial Slur Broadcast
Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson has publicly stated that the BBC should have "worked harder" to ensure his involuntary racial slur was not broadcast during the Bafta film awards ceremony. In his first interview since the incident, Davidson expressed disappointment with the broadcaster's handling of the situation, which has sparked widespread controversy and apologies from multiple parties.
Details of the Incident and Davidson's Account
Speaking to US entertainment magazine Variety, Davidson revealed that he "had an expectation that the BBC would physically control the sound" at the event held at London's Royal Festival Hall. He recalled a microphone being placed "just in front of me", questioning the wisdom of this placement given his known condition. Davidson, who developed Tourette syndrome at age 12, explained that his tics escalated as he grew more nervous, leading to coprolalia—a symptom causing involuntary swearing and inappropriate language.
Davidson described feeling a wave of shame and embarrassment when he realised his tic had reached the stage, noting that presenters Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo appeared to look up during their presentation. He left the auditorium shortly after, stating, "You want the floor to swallow you up. I wanted to disappear." Despite this, he emphasised that the slur does not reflect his beliefs, calling it an "involuntary neurological misfire" and the opposite of what he stands for.
Broadcast Issues and Apologies
According to reports, film studio Warner Bros raised immediate concerns about the racial slur and requested its removal from the BBC broadcast. However, the slur was still audible when the ceremony aired two hours later. The BBC has since apologised for not editing it out and removed the segment from its iPlayer platform. During the live broadcast, presenter Alan Cumming also apologised for any offensive language heard by viewers.
Bafta issued an apology on Monday night, taking "full responsibility" for putting guests in a difficult situation and apologising unreservedly to Jordan, Lindo, and all those impacted. The fallout has extended to film-maker Jonte Richardson, who stepped down as a Bafta judge over the academy's handling of the incident, citing a need to withdraw from the emerging talent judging panel.
Context and Davidson's Background
Davidson was attending the awards as an active executive producer on the film I Swear, which depicts his life with Tourette syndrome. The film received six nominations and won awards for best actor (Robert Aramayo) and best casting. Davidson described the ceremony as one of the most memorable experiences of his life, highlighting the acceptance he felt from the film community. He noted that he shouted other words during the event, including "boring" and "paedophile", and urged reports to clarify that he ticced multiple offensive terms.
In his interview, Davidson stressed that Bafta had informed attendees that swearing would be edited out, and given his history of making four documentaries with the BBC, he felt the broadcaster should have been better prepared. He concluded by calling for greater awareness of Tourette's, hoping people understand that his condition is not a choice but a medical reality. The BBC has been approached for further comment on the matter.
