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

I can't believe for a site that's so geared towards recognising SEN, this obvious goading is being allowed to stand.

I'm not saying it's his responsibility. I'm saying cut the people who've just been called the N word some slack.

Oh look, another thread discriminating against people with disabilities, where’s the outrage??

Sorrow for the sufferer is what I would, and have, felt.

I think most people would be shocked initially but then move on when you realise that it isn’t someone actually insulting you but a disabled person not in control of their words.

Try working with kids. I used to work in a school. I’d get asked why I have a mole on my face, why my hair is a funny colour, why my face is wonky, why my belly sticks out. It didn’t hurt me because im not a big old wet blanket. These are kids. And if I was hurt, it was all on me not them. I’d feel the same about someone with Tourette’s

Really? In the shock of that first moment, without knowing the context, that's what you'd feel?

Just shows some people just want to feel justified in their constant being offended

Fair enough, I'm saying allow them to be shocked. Of course they are shocked.

I don’t think anyone has criticised Lindonor Jordan on this thread?

I'm honestly so angry today at the media, social and otherwise. The level of capitulation is vomit inducing.

The post I initially replied to appeared to do so

It was clear they were shocked at first. But then everyone there knew John Davidson was present and had Tourette’s, he’d been having tics and shouting out all night. It clearly didn’t take them long to realise

They've been told on this thread that as two wealthy black men they should check their privilege.

Exactly.

All the comments about “just imagine how it feels to be called x, y or z”.

Let’s all imagine for a second how it feels to live John’s life.

His life has been ruined by his disability and we have people like Jamie Foxx publicly saying that John meant what he said.

It’s disgusting.

Everyone knew the fucking context. It was explained at the start of the BAFTA ceremony.

What capitulation? Editing out a racial slur from the programme?

How many times do you need to hear it?

Ignoring the silly post at the top, here's a black British woman with tourettes and copralalia who calls people the P word in the supermarket:

https://x.com/WokeOli/status/2025943142080323999

In comparison with John Davidson then yes, they should check their privilege.

Who said they should check their privilege? Granted I’ve skimmed the thread but haven’t seen this.

I did say that we shouldn’t infantilise black people and that these men are smart, wealthy, privileged and worldly - because they are - and so we shouldn’t assume they’re even offended. That’s not saying they should check their “check their privilege”

Exactly.

The irony is it's the same people who are advocates for stamping out racism who are showing their ignorance towards another protected characteristic. It's arrogance on another level.

What have they said that makes you say that?

I think I would still be significantly taken aback to be called the N word in public. I don't think you can negate the shock of that word as it lands. I think that's a pretty natural reaction, even with understanding the background.

What have they said that makes you say that?

@nomas Absolutely nothing.

My comment wasn’t about what MB and DL have said, but rather what YOU have said.

You said posters have said they need to check their privilege. It’s just the latest in a long line of things you’ve invented as having been said on this thread.

But if you want to really get down to it, I would think that MB and DL are in a much more privileged position that JD.

The tourettes society have made a statement that some people in this thread should read. I can't share the link so I've copied it below
**
We are incredibly proud of John and everyone involved in I Swear following last night’s BAFTA Awards. The film has already raised so much awareness about Tourette syndrome and the daily reality faced by those living with the condition. The impact it has had on audiences, families, and those within the Tourettes community is huge, and we could not be more grateful for the support the film continues to receive.

However, we also want to address the negative comments that have surfaced following John’s involuntary vocal tics during the ceremony. We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt and we are deeply sorry to the Black community for the harm caused but at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome: tics are involuntary. They are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions, or character.

People with Tourette’s can say words or phrases they do not mean, do not endorse, and feel great distress about afterwards. These symptoms are neurological, not intentional, and they are something John - like many others with Tourette’s - lives with every single day.

The backlash from certain parts of the media has been extremely saddening, particularly given how hard John works to raise awareness and understanding. What should have been a night of celebration for him became overwhelming, and he made the difficult decision to leave the ceremony halfway through. This moment reflects exactly what I Swear shows so openly: the isolation, misunderstanding, and emotional weight that so often accompany this condition. People with Tourette’s manage their physical and social environments and symptoms on a constant basis. The price of being misunderstood is increased isolation, risk of anxiety and depression and death by suicide.

We hope that those commenting will take the time to watch the film, learn about Tourette’s, and understand the experiences behind moments like these. Education is key, and compassion makes a world of difference.