A Tourette's charity has explained more about why John Davidson left the BAFTAs early following his involuntary racial slur.
The Tourette's campaigner made unfortunate headlines when he shouted the N-word while Sinners actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award on stage, with many quick to criticise the 54-year-old online.
However, much of the abuse stemmed from a lack of education surrounding Tourette Syndrome and more specifically Coprolalia, which involves the involuntary blurting out of obscene language.
Naturally, Jordan, Lindo and the rest of the Black community have the right to be offended by the word itself, which carries centuries of hate with it, but the incident has perhaps also made it more clear that more education is needed around the disability.
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Charity Tourettes Action has now issued a statement in the wake of last night's events.
It read: "We are incredibly proud of John, and everyone involved in I Swear following last night’s BAFTA Awards. The film has already raised so much awareness about Tourette syndrome and the daily reality faced by those living with the condition. The impact it has had on audiences, families, and those within the Tourettes community is huge, and we could not be more grateful for the support the film continues to receive.
"However, we also want to address the negative comments that have surfaced following John’s involuntary vocal tics during the ceremony. We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt but at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome: tics are involuntary. They are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions, or character.
"People with Tourette’s can say words or phrases they do not mean, do not endorse, and feel great distress about afterwards. These symptoms are neurological, not intentional, and they are something John - like many others with Tourette’s - lives with every single day.
"The backlash from certain parts of the media has been extremely saddening, particularly given how hard John works to raise awareness and understanding. What should have been a night of celebration for him became overwhelming, and he made the difficult decision to leave the ceremony halfway through. This moment reflects exactly what I Swear shows so openly: the isolation, misunderstanding, and emotional weight that so often accompany this condition. People with Tourette’s manage their physical and social environments and symptoms on a constant basis. The price of being misunderstood is increased isolation, risk of anxiety and depression and death by suicide.
"We hope that those commenting will take the time to watch the film, learn about Tourette’s, and understand the experiences behind moments like these. Education is key, and compassion makes a world of difference."
Davidson has also personally spoken out to address last night's incident, suggesting that he was 'deeply mortified' but hoped to spread more awareness about his condition after a torrent of online abuse.
He told Deadline: "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. 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.
"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. 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."
Topics: BAFTAs, Michael B Jordan
James Moorhouse