Really sad that John Davidson felt he had to leave the BAFTAs early because of distress caused by his involuntary Touretteās tics.
No-one should be made to feel excluded from public life because of a disability.
The BBC failed in its duty of care to him, Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.
They made a conscious decision not to edit the involuntary racist slur from the broadcast, and 24 hours later thereās still no explanation. Shame on them.
John Davidson says he is ādeeply mortifiedā that anyone thought his involuntary tics were āintentional or to carry any meaning.ā
Full statement:
āI wanted to thank BAFTAĀ and everyone involved in the awards last night for their support and understanding and inviting me to attend the broadcast. I appreciated the announcement to the auditorium in advance of the recording, warning everyone that my tics are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs.
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. In addition to the announcement by Alan Cumming, the BBC and BAFTA,Ā I can only add that I am, andĀ always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.
I was in attendance to celebrate the film of my life, I SWEAR, which more than any film or TV documentary, explains the origins, condition, traitsĀ and manifestations of Tourette Syndrome. I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Touretteās community and to teach empathy, kindness and understanding from others and I will continue to do so. I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing.ā