Tourette’s syndrome activist John Davidson has spoken out after he shouted obscenities during the British Academy Film Awards.
During the prestigious ceremony, as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting, Davidson yelled the N-word, triggering shock from the audience.
Host Alan Cumming attempted to address the situation, but many viewers remained upset and demanded further clarification.
In a statement, according to TMZ, John said, “I was heartened by the round of applause that followed this announcement and felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me.”
He added that he left the venue following the incident, noting in the statement that, “I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette’s community and to teach empathy, kindness and understanding from others, and I will continue to do so.”
Prior to this, the British Academy Film Awards had apologised to the public for Davidson’s involuntary outburst during the show.
The organisation stated in part, “We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we apologize to all. We will learn from this, and keep inclusion at the core of all we do, maintaining our belief in film and storytelling as a critical conduit for compassion and empathy.”
They also thanked John after he chose to leave the auditorium and watch the show from elsewhere.
“We would like to thank him for his dignity and consideration of others, on what should have been a night of celebration for him,” the organisation added.
On social media, users shared mixed reactions, with some calling out BAFTAs and the BBC for airing the moment without censoring the obscenity.
Even after the apology, Shana Dan wrote on Instagram, “The BAFTAS are tape delayed. It’s recorded in the afternoon and broadcast in the evening. An editor, producer and their legal team all saw that and decided to keep it in the broadcast. That was intentional.”
Another user, Gator, added, “The apology took 24 hours to be said and it doesn’t feel sincere…so No Thanks.”