John Davidson shouting the N word during the BAFTAS

[Crawse]

John Davidson has Tourettes and is a campaigner for the condition. Whist Michale B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting he shouted out the racial slur. It’s extremely uncomfortable to watch. I feel terrible for the two presenters. I’m really conflicted on this one.

What are your thoughts?

No one should be subjected to abuse. That is my bottom line. Maybe the fact I was called P*** (I’m half Indian) growing up has influenced my views. I obviously recognise Tourette’s is involuntary.

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/02/22/entertainment/baftas-2026-tourettes-racist-slur

The real blame lies with the BBC here, they had two hours to edit it, and they didn't. Instead, we've all got to witness the humiliation of two men simply trying to present an award, and the fallout which will likely be having a horrendous effect on a man with a disability. A man who has attempted suicide in the past.

Poor show all round.

Now you have jumped the shark.

Yes, I can see that. But sometimes people have disabilities that have negative impacts on others, and those sets of rights have to be balanced. Which admittedly isn't always easy to do.

Then you want him locked in his house and never allowed out. Because there will always be the risk of him saying offensive things and upsetting people. Unfortunately, there is no solution than to accept life is difficult and unfair for both sides and no solution can make it right for both.

But you're saying a black person is deserving of more compassion and understanding than a disabled person....

That I can believe. Thanks for admitting it.

Both words are used by the two groups respectively. Both words are wrong no matter who uses them. The reclaiming argument never washed and never will. When saying the words, no matter by whom, those in ear shot could be like you and find offence. Or is it only you who gets to decide what's offensive?

Can you quote where I said that?

I am still waiting to hear about the white slaves. Who are they? The ones that exist in 2026.

No, he's a lovely guy by all accounts and probably feels bloody awful - but I don't think he should, as he couldn't help or control it and had no ill-intent, he just had an inopportune tic.

Also he's always been brave about his condition - appearing on documentaries, campaigning, working and living a normal life - so I'd absolutely expect him not to hide away when a film about his life is nominated for awards.

It's very difficult. Because black people (or any people) also have the right to go about their business without hearing racial slurs.

It was pre recorded so I don't see why it needed to be aired unless they wanted to cause controversy/embarrassment etc especially as they allegedly edited out someone shouting out free Palestine

It literally didn't need to air

Nice try at trying to change the subject.

That poster thinks she should be able to use those slurs. I’d like to know which she wants to use more.

It seems you also think you should be able to use those slurs. Which one do you want to use
more?

It's not remotely equatable.

There are lots of places John generally avoids in his day to day life, because he's an incredibly considerate man. He's spent his entire life considering the feelings of others.

He was at the BAFTA's because a movie about his life was up for several awards. Given the context, I imagine he'd hoped that understanding and allowance may be afforded on what was a once in a lifetime occasion.

Would you like it if he gives up his job and his campaigning and locks himself indoors for the rest of his life then? Because that's the other alternative. That's it, there are no other options for that condition. You live your life, or you hide.

You've been on that exact subject for quite a while.

This is why I stay on these threads. Chip beneath the surface, and the ugly underbelly soon shows itself.

Don't you see the irony in that?
A film about his Iife was nominated in several categories. And won in a couple.
The film was about his struggle and how society doesn't understand Tourettes.

Of course he should have been there.

Oh I think we all know why you stay on these threads.

The ugly underbelly of ableism. Although actually that's not exactly been an underbelly, it's overt.

That’s a strawman argument and it’s been used throughout this thread to mob anyone who’s questioned the appropriateness of John’s attendance at an event where he was apparently always likely to shout racial slurs in the presence of black people.

Why don’t you come out and say whatever it is that you’re hinting at?

What other categories of people do you expect a tourettes sufferer to avoid? Listen to yourself.

Nothing to say to the poster who said there isn’t an issue with using the N word?

The collective silence on this thread says it all.

Or because you're getting offended by somebody with a disability.

At the end of the day you can choose to be offended and slate a man that couldn't help it rather than an institution that failed to properly safeguard all involved by making sure everybody was aware there may be some offensive but unintentional language used or you can get over it, and accept this wasn't an act of racism and violence.