John Davidson Says Tourette’s Tics Are ‘Involuntary’ After BAFTA’s N-Word: ‘Deeply Mortified If Anyone Thinks It Was Intentional’
‘I Swear’ subject John Davidson, who inadvertently shouted the N-word during the BAFTAs on Sunday night, has put out a statement addressing the backlash.
Despite the event being on a two-hour delay, the BBC failed to edit out the moment, and Davidson, who first began experiencing tics at the age of 12, has been accused of racism and of “saying what he really thinks.”
Davidson, 54, has now said in a statement: “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.”
He concluded the statement by saying that “I Swear,” “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.”
So no actual apology, which makes sense, as it wasn’t his fault. What, was he supposed to not attend the BAFTAs on his big night on account of having Tourette’s syndrome? Well, maybe. But at the same time, that would have been incredibly sad.
The real c0ck-up is on the part of the BBC who failed to edit out the N-word (meanwhile, they removed a ‘Free Palestine’ remark from one winner’s speech). BAFTA could have even suggested that he watch the show from outside the auditorium, but again, that would have been lame and basically amounted to disability discrimination.
In any case, shame on the BBC and BAFTA for their handling of the whole thing. Can’t help but feel sorry for John Davidson, but on the bright side, a lot of people are being educated about Tourette’s because of this.
To watch a black girl with Tourette’s give her take on the situation, click HERE.
