John Davidson Says BAFTA Slur Incident Was an Involuntary Tic

John Davidson has addressed the controversy surrounding a racial slur heard during the BAFTA Awards. The activist stated that the remark was an involuntary vocal tic caused by his Tourette’s syndrome. The incident, which drew widespread reaction, prompted Davidson to clarify that the outburst was a neurological symptom.

John Davidson reflects on BAFTA racial slur incident

John Davidson has spoken out about the racial slur heard during the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony. He said the incident was the result of involuntary vocal tics linked to his Tourette’s syndrome. The outburst, which occurred at London’s Royal Festival Hall and was broadcast live, drew widespread backlash after viewers heard the slur during the presentation of the best visual effects award by Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.

In the days following the ceremony, Davidson addressed the controversy in an interview with Variety. He explained that his condition includes coprolalia. This is a neurological symptom that causes the involuntary utterance of obscene or socially inappropriate words. He noted that coprolalia affects only a minority of people with Tourette’s syndrome.

Davidson said the focus on offensive language often reinforces stereotypes that Tourette’s is simply about swearing for shock value. He said, “When socially unacceptable words come out, the guilt and shame on the part of the person with the condition is often unbearable and causes enormous distress.” “I can’t begin to explain how upset and distraught I have been as the impact from Sunday sinks in,” he added. 

Davidson further clarified that the words heard during the broadcast do not reflect his beliefs. “The most offensive word that I ticked at the ceremony, for example, is a word I would never use and would completely condemn if I did not have Tourette’s,” he added. 

He noted that multiple different offensive tics occurred throughout the evening. However, public discussion has largely centered on a single slur. “The N-word was one of these, and I completely understand its significance in history and in the modern world, but most articles are giving the impression I shouted one single slur on Sunday,” Davidson said. 

Source: Comingsoon.net