BBC and Tourette’s advocate apologise to Sinners stars for Baftas racial slur

A Tourette’s campaigner has apologised after shouting a racial slur during the British Academy Film Awards (Baftas), saying he was “deeply mortified” and what he said was “not a reflection of my personal beliefs”.

John Davidson, a Scottish campaigner for people with Tourette’s syndrome who inspired the Bafta-nominated film I Swear, said in a statement on Monday that he was “deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning”.

The highly offensive word could be heard as Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo, who are both black, were presenting the award for best visual effects during Sunday’s ceremony. Host Alan Cumming had earlier told the audience that Davidson was there.

The incident prompted the British Academy of Film and Television Arts to apologise for “offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many”, adding: “We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism.”

Tourettes Action – a Tourette’s charity – called for understanding of the condition.

“We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt but at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth … tics are involuntary. They are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions or character,” said Emma McNally, the charity’s CEO.