John Davidson is speaking out following an incident where he shouted a racial slur at Sinners actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo during the BAFTAs.
During the Sunday, Feb. 22 ceremony, Jordan and Lindo were presenting the award for Best Visual Effects when Davidson shouted the n-word. Davidson was diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome, which symptoms include involuntary verbal and physical tics, as a child. He has been an outspoken advocate for the condition and was in attendance at the BAFTAs for the comedy-drama film I Swear based on his life.
On Monday, Feb. 23, Davidson shared a statement with Varietyaddressing the incident.
"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," Davidson said.
According to Variety, a stage manager had told the audience before the ceremony began that Davidson had Tourette's and that they may hear some "involuntary noises or movements."
At the time of the incident, host Alan Cumming addressed 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."
Davidson continued in the statement, "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."
He then added, "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."
The BBC issued a formal apology for not editing out the racial slur said by Davidson during the broadcast. Lindo also spoke out about the incident saying that he and Jordan "did what we had to do," but he wished "someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterwards."
BAFTA also released a statement apologizing for the incident saying they take, "full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation." They then apologized to Jordan and Lindo directly, writing, "We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism."
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