The British film academy has apologized for an incident during the BAFTA awards gala, in which an activist with Tourette’s syndrome unintentionally uttered the word “nigger” (derogatory form of “nigger”).
The academy regretted that attendees on Sunday heard “highly offensive” words that cause “unparalleled trauma” to many people, but insisted that this neurological disorder results in “involuntary verbal tics”.
“One of our guests, John Davison, has Tourette’s syndrome and has dedicated his life to educating and campaigning for a better understanding of the condition,” the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) explained in a statement.
During the broadcast on public broadcaster BBC, he was heard shouting on several occasions (also the adjective “nigger”) as black actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan announced the first award of the evening.
According to BAFTA, Davidson, whose life inspired the film ‘I Swear’, which was recognized with the best casting and best actor awards, decided to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the gala from a screen.
“We would like to thank him for his dignity and consideration for others on what should have been a night of celebration for him,” added the academy, which insisted that the verbal tics “in no way reflect Davison’s beliefs” and were unintentional.
The academy also apologized to Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan, whom it thanked for “their incredible dignity and professionalism” during a moment when they were clearly confused and surprised.
However, BAFTA said it had taken steps to warn before and during the ceremony that Davison was in the room and that “loud language, involuntary noises or movement during the event” could be heard.
For his part, the activist said Monday that he is “deeply mortified” that anyone could consider that his “involuntary tics are intentional” or “have any meaning.”
The BBC has also apologized for not editing the gala before the broadcast, which was done on a two-hour delay, and then keeping it on the digital web player for more than twelve hours.
The explanations and apologies of the public broadcaster have not satisfied some, as they point out that it did delete other comments about the war in Gaza or references to U.S. President Donald Trump, reported Agencia EFE.
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