BAFTA and BBC Apologize After Tourette’s Outburst at Awards

During the British Academy Film Awards on March 12, 2023, an audience member with Tourette syndrome shouted a racial slur, prompting apologies from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and the BBC. The incident occurred as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for best visual effects. The offensive language was audible to viewers watching the live broadcast.

Response from Host and Organizations

Host Alan Cumming addressed the situation shortly after the outburst, explaining that the individual was John Davidson, a Scottish campaigner for people with Tourette syndrome. Davidson inspired the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear. Cumming emphasized that the tics associated with Tourette syndrome are involuntary and urged the audience to understand that individuals cannot control such verbal expressions. He stated, “Tourette syndrome is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you were offended.”

Following the incident, the BAFTA referred to Cumming’s comments when contacted for further clarification. The BBC also addressed the outburst, acknowledging that the offensive term could be heard during the broadcast two hours after the live event. While the BBC issued an apology, the slur remained audible on its iPlayer streaming service the following morning. The broadcaster confirmed that it would edit the offensive language out of the program.

Community Reactions and Reflections

The BBC stated, “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony, it was not intentional. We apologize that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.”

The film I Swear won two BAFTAs, including best actor for Robert Aramayo, who portrays Davidson. In light of the incident, Ed Palmer, vice chairman of the charity Tourettes Action, expressed his concern that the BBC should have taken additional precautions, such as bleeping out the slur during the broadcast. He remarked, “This is really one of the most acute examples of where something that is a disability can cause quite understandably huge amounts of offense to someone. If it’s being pre-recorded now, then bleeping it out, for example, might be a reasonable compromise.”

The incident highlights the need for greater awareness and sensitivity towards individuals with disabilities, particularly in high-profile public events. As discussions continue regarding the representation and treatment of people with Tourette syndrome, the incident at the BAFTA Awards serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding involuntary behaviors and public perception.