Last night's British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) featured a controversial moment as John Davidson could be heard shouting numerous times during the ceremony.
The campaigner for Tourette’s was heard yelling a racial slur while actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage to present the award for best visual effects.
It forced the BBC to release a statement after it broadcast the N-word despite a two-hour delay. The BBC acknowledged the 'strong and offensive language' heard, explaining that it came from 'involuntary verbal tics' linked to Tourette's before editing the version on BBC iPlayer.
Davidson could also be heard shouting 'shut the f**k up' and 'f**k you' during the ceremony. However, he is said to have left the room on his own accord for the second half of the BAFTAs, says Variety.
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Jamie Foxx has become the latest name to speak out about the incident, after BAFTA-winner Robert Aramayo, who played Davidson in I Swear, addressed Davidson's actions.
The Django Unchained star commented on an Instagram post featuring a clip of the moment at London’s Royal Festival Hall, claiming that 'he meant that s***'.
“Out of all the words, you could've said Tourette's makes you say that… unacceptable,” Foxx wrote in another comment.
Actor Wendell Pierce also took to X to say: “It’s infuriating that the first reaction wasn’t complete and full throatted [sic] apologies to Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan. The insult to them takes priority. It doesn’t matter the reasoning for the racist slur.”
Davidson was diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome after developing tics and uncontrollable vocalisations as a teenager.
The 54-year-old was recently the inspiration behind I Swear, which follows a young Scottish man suffering from the disorder, as he eventually comes to terms with his condition and campaigns for it in order to raise awareness.
Aramayo, who beat out the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet to win the BAFTA for best actor, said that it's a 'joint responsibility' in his defence of Davidson.
Speaking to reporters after his wins last night, the actor said: “First of all, there are tics. He is ticking. We have to understand. The way we perceive Tourette's is a joint responsibility.
“It's not shouting obscenities. It's not being abusive. It's Tourettes. They are tics. If it can lead to a deeper understanding of Tourettes, and movies are part of that conversation, then it's an incredible thing.”
“It’s complicated and complex and it requires us to have grace,” the 33-year-old added.
BAFTAs host Alan Cumming clarified the outbursts to the audience, saying: “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience.
“Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”
Cumming added in a later statement: “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 apologise if you are offended tonight.”
LADbible has previously contacted BAFTA for comment.
What is Coprolalia (involuntary swearing)?
Coprolalia is a condition which affects one in 10 people with Tourette's syndrome, involving the involuntary blurting out of obscene language.
The Tourette Association of America clarifies: "Particularly embarrassing for some individuals with coprolalia are involuntary outbursts within social contexts, such as racial or ethnic slurs in the company of the very people who would be most offended by such remarks.
"A minority of people with coprolalia have this particular problem. It is crucial to understand that these words or complex phrases do not necessarily reflect the thoughts, beliefs or opinions of the person with coprolalia."
As explained by the CDC, people with Tourette's have no control over their tics, with many comparing it to 'having an itch or having to sneeze'.
It is said on the website that while you may try to stop it from happening, 'you will probably scratch or sneeze and you will feel a little better until the urge comes back'.
Topics: BAFTAs, Jamie Foxx, Celebrity, TV and Film
Joshua Nair