John Davidson has said he is “deeply mortified” after an involuntary outburst during the Bafta Film Awards, in which a racial slur was heard from the auditorium. The Tourette’s campaigner was attending the ceremony to mark the film I Swear, which is based on his life, when the incident occurred as actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan presented an award on stage.
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In a statement issued the following day, Mr Davidson thanked Bafta and the BBC for their support, noting that the audience had been warned in advance that his tics are involuntary and unrelated to his personal beliefs. He said he felt welcomed by the response in the room, but stressed that he has always been distressed by the possibility that his tics could be misinterpreted as intentional or meaningful.
Mr Davidson said his decision to attend was rooted in his long-standing efforts to raise awareness and understanding of Tourette’s syndrome. He added that I Swear explains the condition’s origins and manifestations more fully than any previous portrayal, and that he left the auditorium early once he realised his tics were causing discomfort.
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Host Alan Cumming later apologised to the audience if offence had been caused, while Mr Lindo said afterwards that the presenters continued as best they could in the moment. Mr Davidson, who was diagnosed with Tourette’s at 25, has said he remains committed to promoting empathy and education around the condition.
