Tourette Syndrome Advocate
Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson addressed the backlash over his involuntary outbursts during Sunday’s BAFTA Film Awards, saying he is “deeply mortified” that someone would misinterpret his tics as “intentional.”
In a statement released Monday, Davidson explained that the slurs and insults he shouted during the ceremony were not a “reflection of my personal beliefs,” in light of the scrutiny over him shouting the N-word while “Sinners” stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award.
Davidson, whose life story was the inspiration for the BAFTA-winning film “I Swear,” thanked awards organizers for their “support and understanding” and shared how he was encouraged by people’s response to a pre-ceremony announcement notifying attendees that they could hear Davidson’s “involuntary noises or movements” due to his disability.
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Saying he felt “welcome and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me,” Davidson also thanked presenter Alan Cumming for reminding the audience that people with Tourette syndrome cannot control their tics.
He went on to add that he was “deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or have any meaning.”
“I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette community and teach empathy, kindness and understanding to others and will continue to do so,” the statement continued. “I chose to leave the auditorium early in the ceremony because I was aware of the distress my tics were causing.”
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BAFTA also issued a public statement on Monday, in which the organization apologized for “very offensive language that brings unparalleled trauma and pain to so many people” that the public may have heard.
The statement went on to acknowledge “the harm” caused by the incident while also thanking Jordan and Lindo for their “incredible dignity and professionalism.”
Davidson’s interruptions have largely overshadowed what was a standout night for “I Swear,” whose star Robert Aramayo beat out stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet for the Best Actor honor.
Aramayo called Davidson “the most extraordinary man I have ever met” while collecting the Rising Star award earlier in the evening, celebrating the advocate for his work educating people about Tourette syndrome.