Tourette Syndrome campaigner John Davidson shouted the N-word as Sinners co-actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo took the stage at the BAFTAs on Sunday night to present an award.
Per Variety, BAFTA Film Awards host Alan Cumming expressed gratitude to the audience for their “understanding” after Davidson shouted swear words and the racial slur during the show. The BAFTA-nominated movie, I Swear, is centered on Davidson’s life and his Tourette’s diagnosis.
Davidson was 12 years old when his Tourette’s symptoms started, and he was ultimately diagnosed with the motor disorder at the age of 25. Davidson’s symptoms include tics and involuntary outbursts. Most of those outbursts include swear words.
As BAFTA chair Sara Putt was giving an introductory speech, an outburst was reportedly heard. That was “shut the f*ck up.” The comment, “f*ck you,” was also shouted while the directors of Boong took the stage to accept the BAFTA award for best children’s and family film.
Davidson was additionally heard shouting the N-word as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo took the stage to announce Avatar: Fire and Ash as the winner of the best visual effects category.
“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,” Cumming told the audience. “Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”
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Cumming additionally shared further details about Tourette’s during the event. “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 apologize if you are offended tonight,” Cumming explained.
Davidson later decided to leave the event area, Variety reported, adding that BAFTA did not ask him to excuse himself.
Per Mayo Clinic, Tourette Syndrome is a “disorder that involves repetitive movements or unwanted sounds (tics) that can’t be easily controlled.”
Mayo Clinic adds: “Tics typically show up between ages 2 and 15, with the average being around 6 years of age. Males are about three to four times more likely than females to develop Tourette syndrome.
Although there’s no cure for Tourette syndrome, treatments are available. Many people with Tourette syndrome don’t need treatment when symptoms aren’t troublesome. Tics often lessen or become controlled after the teen years.”
