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

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

Thought not.

That’s a dishonest and manipulative response.

I do feel very sorry for the presenters, I agree even if unintentional , it still hurts and caused them embarrassment in what should have been an enjoyable experience for them.

I don’t know what the solution is though because John Davidson must be feeling mortified, and I imagine very sad that his condition stopped him from just enjoying and celebrating this once in a lifetime experience. I don’t believe he’s a racist.

The fact remains that two black men had the n-word shouted at them while they were presenting an award. I don't think that should be so easily dismissed. It can be deeply hurtful and offensive even if unintended. Similarly to if a person was physically assaulted by a disabled person who wasn't in control of their actions. The impact remains. I feel really sorry for all of those involved tbh.

Why should he be shut out of the world though?!?! Which other disabiiites would you have sufferers of segregated or excluded in case someone gets offended? How utterly backwards.

Two wealthy healthy black men. They need to check their privilege.

Are you really so ignorant?

In 2024 modern day slavery referrals were up by 13% from 2023.
13% of these were Albanian.

Then you have the issue of 1 in 3 North Koreans being enslaved currently…

It’s an illness, he literally had no control over it. It’s not abuse.

Im from a minority group and wouldn’t take offense.

Ok, now I have genuinely heard it all. I really hope that was sarcasm.

Yours has indeed shown itself I'm afraid.

Ableism is never pretty.

Thread has moved on. A poster has said there is no issue with people using the N word and the collective silence on this thread at that comment shows the 94% majority agree. Abhorrent.

Yes but you're not out to stiŕ things and keep division growing.

I didn’t say there wasn’t an issue with it but I don’t think it’s deserved special status.

Years ago I saw a documentary about routes in which a young, male sufferer was being seen by a consultant with red hair and he shouted out "ginger pubes!"

It's as though the brain thinks "what's the worst thing I could say right now?" and then out it comes.

Well that would depend if it was someone simply being offensive or, if like this, someone unable to control themselves

You did say there wasn’t an issue with it.

In what context do they think it's OK? Surely not by white people?

Well both racism and disability are protected characteristics and neither override the other.

Edited, sorry I meant race.

good grief, are you not completely embarrassed to have reached adulthood with such an incredibly thin skin?

Lets take a moment shall we - if a disabled child called you a name precisely because they have a condition in which they have no control over - you wouldn’t think “Poor child, what a horribly difficult life she must be leading”…. instead you, an ACTUAL ADULT, would think “What about meeeeee if soooo offended at this disabled child”?

Genuine question - how do you function day to day? Do you always look for offence where there is none?

This thread is an absolute shit show.

How can anyone in 2026 not know what Tourette’s is or what it looks like. People questioning if what he said was racist/deliberate etc.

I feel so bad for John Davidson today.

No wonder the rate of suicide is so high in people with his condition.

NOBODY on this thread has said that.

But PLENTY have said people with Tourette’s deserve more compassion, empathy and consideration than any black people they may racially abuse.

North Koreans are not white.
And modern day slavery is not confined to- or even mostly- white people.

That's what she's saying.

So true. They show their own prejudices and pretend that others have prejudices to justify their own.

I said I didn’t understand why there was SUCH an issue with it. Nuance.