Well. That was uncomfortable.
During the BAFTA Film Awards, host Alan Cumming paused the ceremony to address repeated outbursts from John Davidson, a Tourette’s campaigner and the inspiration behind the nominated film I Swear. Among the shouts heard in the room were “shut the f— up,” “f— you,” and — most jarringly — the n-word while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage presenting.
Cumming told the audience:
“You may have noticed some strong language in the background there, this can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience.”
Later, he added:
“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.” – Variety.
And here’s where things get complicated.
Tourette’s syndrome can involve involuntary vocal tics, including coprolalia — the sudden utterance of socially inappropriate or profane words. It’s a real and documented disorder. It’s not something the individual can control. Davidson was an invited guest, introduced to the audience beforehand, and later left of his own accord, according to Variety.
Accommodation matters. Disability awareness matters.
But so does impact.
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Because while the explanation centered on understanding Tourette’s, the people standing on that stage when the slur was shouted were two Black men. And whether involuntary or not, that word carries centuries of violence and humiliation.
It’s fair to ask why the most explosive outburst happened when Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting. Tourette’s may explain involuntary language, but it doesn’t magically erase the weight of that word. As some viewers bluntly put it: a medical condition doesn’t create racism out of thin air — that word comes from somewhere.
No one is suggesting Davidson chose his tics. Tourette’s does not equal intent. But racism isn’t erased by context either. Even involuntary language exists within a racial hierarchy that gives certain words devastating power.
Cumming thanked the audience for their “understanding” and for helping create a “respectful space.” Respectful for whom?
The broadcast will edit what it edits. The room may move on. But the moment already happened.
Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo held themselves with visible composure and professionalism. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t painful. Watching them stand there after hearing that word echo through the theatre was difficult.
Accommodation and accountability don’t have to cancel each other out. We can hold compassion for disability and still acknowledge that Black people should not have to endure racial slurs — intentional or not — as part of someone else’s inclusion.
That tension is the real story here.
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The show was aired with a two-hour delay.
The BBC chose to edit out Akinola Davies Jr’s “Free Palestine” remark.
I guess they had their reasons to leave the N-word in?
Alan Cummings never said anything specifically to Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.
And no apology to them from John Davidson or a representative for him.
The ball is in the BAFTA leadership’s court. IIRC they have someone on their board who is bored by racism.
And OFCOM should deal with the BBC.
This guy’s neurological processing was racist, which suggest his brain was wired in early childhood conditioning, to associate black people with the “N” racist slur.
Excusing/accommodation of this anti-social, racist behaviour, does a disservice to disability awareness, neurodiversity and inclusion.