Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson "upset" and "distraught" over BAFTAs N-word controversy

Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson has explained that he was misled by BAFTA prior to the ceremony last weekend at which he was heard shouting the N-word.

The incident has been met with a considerable amount of backlash, with many artists and industry figures criticising the BBC for failing to edit out the word from the telecast, which aired two hours after the live show.

Davidson, who attended the ceremony to represent I Swear, a nominated film based on his life story, could be heard shouting throughout the ceremony. At one point during the broadcast, Davidson shouted the N-word as Sinners actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo appeared on stage to present the award for Best Special Visual Effect.

Davidson has now addressed the controversy, telling Variety that BAFTA had said "any swearing would be edited out of the broadcast”.

He also expressed his confusion at a microphone being placed so closely to where he was seated during the ceremony.

“I remember there was a microphone just in front of me, and with hindsight I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated.

“I have made four documentaries with the BBC in the past, and feel that they should have been aware of what to expect from Tourette’s and worked harder to prevent anything that I said – which, after all, was some 40 rows back from the stage – from being included in the broadcast.

“I can’t begin to explain how upset and distraught I have been as the impact from Sunday sinks in,” He added.“I want people to know and understand that my tics have absolutely nothing to do with what I think, feel or believe. It’s an involuntary neurological misfire. My tics are not an intention, not a choice and not a reflection of my values."

Although the use of slurs were broadcast by the BBC, edits that were carried out included the removal of an acceptance speech from brothers Wale Davies and Akinola Davies Jr that expressed support for Palestine, as well as a joke by host Alan Cumming that suggested the US was in a state of dire peril.

In the wake of the incident, filmmaker Jonte Richardson announced today that he would be stepping down as a BAFTA judge over the organisation's response to the airing of the racial slur on Sunday.

"After considerable soul-searching, I feel compelled to withdraw from the BAFTA emerging talent judging panel," wrote Richardson to LinkedIn.

"The organisation’s handling of the unfortunate Tourette’s N-word incident last night at the awards was utterly unforgivable. I cannot and will not contribute my time, energy and expertise to an organisation that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its Black guests, members and the Black creative community.

“This is particularly unfortunate given that this year’s cohort boasts some incredible Black talent, especially one of my favourite shows of 2025, Just Act Normal,” he added.

“However, when an organisation like BAFTA, with its own long history of systemic racism, refuses to acknowledge the harm inflicted on both the Black and disabled communities and offer an appropriate apology, remaining involved would be tantamount to condoning its behaviour.”