Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson caused a series of disruptions during tonight’s BAFTA Film Awards in London, including shouting the n-word when Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the first award of the evening.
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John, 54, is the inspiration behind the BAFTA-nominated movie I Swear, and was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at age 25. His symptoms include tics and outbursts, often involving cursing.
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The star-studded audience was told by a floor manager before the ceremony: “I’d like to welcome John Davidson MBE from one of our nominated films, I Swear. John has Tourette’s syndrome, so please be aware you might hear some involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony.”
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Per Variety, John shouted “shut the fuck up” during an introductory speech from BAFTA chair Sara Putt, and “fuck you” as the Best Children's & Family Film award was accepted.
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And host Alan Cumming was forced to apologize after Michael and Delroy presented the Best Visual Effects award early on in the evening. As the two stars introduced the nominees, the audience heard John loudly shout out the n-word.
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“Good evening. Delroy and I are delighted to be presenting the first BAFTA of the night for a vital part of movie making,” Michael began. It is at this point that John shouted the offensive slur. Both Michael and Delroy visibly froze before taking a beat to compose themselves. Delroy then continued: “We’re here to celebrate the artists who expand what’s possible on screen.”
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It’s worth noting that the ceremony was prerecorded by the BBC rather than shown live, and while John’s disruption could still be heard during the TV broadcast, what he said was not clear to viewers at home.
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After the team for Avatar: Fire and Ash accepted the award, Alan reportedly told the live audience: “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. Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone." This apology was not included in the TV broadcast.
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Alan made another statement later on in the evening that was shown on TV. He said: “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.”
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John left the ceremony halfway through, but, according to reports, did so of his own accord. A source told Variety that John was an “invited guest,” and he would not have been asked to leave. Neither Michael, Delroy, nor other BAFTA attendees have publicly acknowledged what happened.