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Baftas broadcast included an involuntary N-word tic and the BBC did not remove it
Summary
At the Baftas, a campaigner with Tourette syndrome, John Davidson, produced involuntary vocal tics during the ceremony that included the N-word, and the BBC did not remove the slur from the delayed broadcast despite reports that Warner Bros raised concerns.
Content
The writer reports attending the Baftas where John Davidson, a campaigner with Tourette syndrome who is the subject of the film I Swear, was introduced with a warning that involuntary tics might occur. Tics were audible during the ceremony, and one tic uttered the N-word as actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award. The article says producers chose not to remove the slur from the delayed broadcast, and that Warner Bros had raised the issue with organisers beforehand. The author reflects on the emotional effect in the room and criticises the broadcaster's decision.
Key details:
- John Davidson, described as a campaigner with Tourette syndrome, produced audible involuntary vocal tics during the Baftas ceremony, including an instance of the N-word.
- The ceremony was broadcast with a delay, but the BBC did not remove the slur from the televised version; producers said they did not hear it, and Warner Bros reportedly raised concerns before broadcast.
- Davidson is quoted as saying he is "deeply mortified" if his involuntary tics were taken as intentional.
- The article notes visible reactions from presenters and attendees and frames the episode in the context of wider public debate about race and inclusion.
Summary:
The incident combined issues of disability, race, and broadcast oversight and prompted criticism of the BBC for leaving the slur in the televised programme. Undetermined at this time.
