What Happened
During the BAFTA Awards on Sunday night, John Davidson, the real-life inspiration for the film I Swear, shouted the N-word while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the award for best visual effects. This incident occurred after host Alan Cumming had informed the audience about Davidson’s Tourette syndrome, which causes involuntary tics. Following the outburst, Davidson reportedly left the theater.
Why It Matters
The incident has sparked significant backlash and discussions about the portrayal of Tourette syndrome in public settings. Davidson, who has been vocal about his condition, expressed his gratitude for the audience’s understanding prior to the incident. He later issued a statement clarifying that his outbursts were involuntary and not reflective of his personal beliefs. The BBC faced criticism for airing a version of the ceremony that included the slur for 15 hours before it was removed.
What’s Next
In the aftermath, Davidson has reiterated his commitment to supporting the Tourette’s community and promoting empathy and understanding. The BAFTA organization has also been under scrutiny for their handling of the situation, and further discussions about the representation of individuals with Tourette syndrome in media are expected to continue.
