Tourette sufferer says the broadcaster could have done more to stop his verbal tics being aired at the Bafta Film Awards.
broadcastJohn Davidson who has Tourette Syndrome shouted a racial slur at the Sunday ceremony, while Michael B Jordan, Delroy Lindo, and others were present. This moment, which was live broadcasted on television, sparked criticism and anger.
They knew that I would tick.
organizersDavidson claimed that a microphone was placed in front of his face. He questioned, looking back, why the microphone was so close to him when organisers knew about his disability.
Involuntarily, he said he had shouted 10 offensive words. The media focused on only one word, giving the impression it was all he said.
history,He also added that he previously worked with the broadcaster on four documentaries. He believes that because of this history they understand Tourette Syndrome and should have done much more to make sure none of his tics were broadcast in the final broadcast.
Davidson was seated approximately 40 rows away from the stage. The production team assured him that all swearing will be removed.
Please accept our apologies, and we will make any necessary edits.
organizationLater, the organization apologized and acknowledged that it had broadcasted the insult by accident. The organisation removed the video from its streaming service and stated that it never would have broadcast the language knowingly.
organizationSenior leadership has confirmed that another racial insult was removed before it was transmitted. A full investigation has been launched by the organisation to determine how this incident occurred.
designer),Davidson contacted Warner Bros. directly and apologized to Jordan, Lindo, and Hannah Beachler (production designer) who had also spoken about the racial slurs they heard during the award ceremony.
thatGoogle also issued an apology for sending out a news alert which included this slur. The company has removed the alert and is taking steps to avoid a recurrence.
I had a right to be there
Davidson was in attendance as both the executive producer and subject of I Swear. The film explores Davidson’s experience with Tourette Syndrome. Five nominations were given to the film.
documentary andHe admitted that he was aware of the physical and mental challenges in attending. He felt that he was entitled to attend. He believed that many in the crowd had watched the documentary, and were aware of his situation.
ceremony on a monitor.After the incident, Davidson left the auditorium in order to prevent further uproar. The organizers placed him in his own private room, where he watched the remainder of the ceremony.
