The glittering Bafta ceremony was overshadowed by a deeply unsettling incident, sparking a wave of controversy and a prominent resignation. Jonte Richardson, an award-winning film and music professional, stepped down from his role as a Bafta judge, citing the institution’s handling of an unexpected and profoundly difficult moment.
The source of the disruption was John Davidson, a campaigner living with Tourette’s syndrome. Diagnosed at 25, Davidson experiences involuntary vocal tics, including outbursts of swearing. He was present at the awards to celebrate “I Swear,” a film powerfully depicting his life and struggles, for which Robert Aramayo received the best actor award.
During the ceremony, Davidson’s tics manifested in audible outbursts, including expletives directed at presenters and, most disturbingly, reported shouts of a racial slur during the presentation by actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan. The situation was incredibly complex, a collision of a medical condition and the potential for immense harm.
Tourette’s syndrome, as explained by medical professionals, is a neurological condition characterized by sudden, repetitive movements or sounds – tics – that individuals have little to no control over. These tics are not expressions of personal beliefs or intentions, but rather involuntary neurological events.
The BBC, which broadcast the awards, initially faced criticism for failing to edit out the outbursts. The broadcast was subsequently removed from its iPlayer streaming service, following a backlash. A spokesperson acknowledged the offensive language, explaining its origin in Davidson’s Tourette’s, and apologized for its inclusion in the broadcast.
Richardson’s decision to resign was a direct response to what he perceived as a failure by Bafta to adequately address the situation and protect its guests. In a powerful statement on LinkedIn, he condemned the organization’s handling of the incident as “utterly unforgivable.”
He articulated a profound concern: Bafta’s response, or lack thereof, felt like a betrayal of its Black guests, members, and the broader Black creative community. Richardson emphasized the organization’s history of systemic racism, arguing that a meaningful apology and acknowledgement of the harm caused were essential.
Delroy Lindo echoed this sentiment, expressing his disappointment that no one from Bafta had reached out to him or Michael B. Jordan following the incident. He emphasized the need for proactive inclusivity within Bafta’s production teams to prevent similar situations in the future.
Davidson himself responded with deep regret, stating he was “deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.” He expressed gratitude for the initial support and understanding shown by Bafta and the audience, and explained his decision to leave the auditorium to minimize further distress.
The incident sparked a wider conversation about navigating the complexities of disability, inclusivity, and the responsibility of broadcasters and institutions to protect individuals from harm. It highlighted the delicate balance between respecting a medical condition and safeguarding against the potential for offensive and hurtful language.
Alan Cumming, hosting the ceremony for the first time, addressed the situation with an apology, acknowledging the disruption and attempting to steer the event back on course. However, the underlying issues of representation, sensitivity, and institutional responsibility remained at the forefront.
Ultimately, the Bafta awards became a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in creating truly inclusive and respectful spaces, and the critical need for organizations to prioritize the dignity and well-being of all individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities.
