The glittering Bafta Awards ceremony took a jarring turn last Sunday, overshadowed by an unforeseen and deeply troubling incident. John Davidson, a campaigner living with Tourette’s syndrome and the subject of the biographical drama *I Swear*, involuntarily uttered a racial slur during the live broadcast. The moment, captured as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award, ignited immediate controversy and a swift investigation.
But the fallout extends beyond the broadcast itself. A Bafta insider has revealed that the BBC was warned about the potential for such an outburst *before* the ceremony aired. After the incident occurred within the auditorium, a Bafta representative reportedly alerted producers at Penny Lane TV. Despite the two-hour delay built into the broadcast schedule, the offensive language remained in the final cut, raising serious questions about editorial oversight.
*I Swear* had been a resounding success, with Robert Aramayo winning the leading actor award and the EE rising star accolade. The film itself also secured the casting award, a testament to its powerful portrayal of Davidson’s life and the challenges of living with a misunderstood condition. The victory, however, was quickly eclipsed by the unfolding crisis.
Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by involuntary tics – sudden, repetitive movements or sounds. These tics are not intentional and cannot be suppressed. Vocal tics can range from simple noises like whistling or sniffing to complex utterances, including repeating words or phrases, and, in some cases, coprolalia – the involuntary utterance of socially unacceptable words.
The BBC has acknowledged the incident as a “serious mistake” and launched a fast-tracked investigation led by the Executive Complaints Unit. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy condemned the inclusion of the slur as “completely unacceptable and harmful,” and the Commons culture, media, and sport committee has demanded answers from the outgoing director general, Tim Davie. The broadcast remained available on BBC iPlayer for fifteen hours before being removed and edited.
The impact on those present was profound. Actor Delroy Lindo expressed his disappointment that no one from Bafta reached out to him or Davidson following the incident. Sources close to Michael B. Jordan revealed his disgust and revulsion at hearing the slur. The moment resonated deeply, reminding one insider of the ongoing struggle to confront and dismantle racism.
Davidson himself, deeply mortified by the incident, reached out to Jordan and Lindo to apologize. He described feeling “upset” by the online backlash, with many falsely accusing him of harboring racist beliefs. He explained that his tics escalated as he became more nervous, ultimately leading to the involuntary outburst. “You want the floor to swallow you up,” he confessed, describing the overwhelming shame and embarrassment.
He also questioned the placement of a microphone so close to him, knowing his condition could cause involuntary vocalizations. The experience highlighted the complex interplay between his condition, his anxiety, and the unforgiving nature of a public platform. His coprolalia tics, previously manageable, surged to the forefront, leaving him feeling exposed and vulnerable.
Kirk Jones, director of *I Swear*, has voiced his unwavering support for Davidson, stating that he was “let down on many, many levels.” Jones expressed shock that the slur was broadcast, initially believing it had been contained within the venue. He emphasized the irony of the situation, noting that the film was made precisely to raise awareness and understanding of Tourette’s syndrome and the challenges faced by those who live with it.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of broadcasting live events and the need for sensitivity and preparedness when dealing with individuals with neurological conditions. It has sparked a crucial conversation about responsibility, editorial judgment, and the enduring impact of harmful language.
