BAFTA tic sufferer John Davidson reveals insult he called host Alan Cumming
John Davidson has admitted he felt a 'wave of shame' after the BAFTAs in which he could be heard shouting obscenities in the audience. The Tourette's sufferer, 54, who inspired the film, I Swear, yelled the n-word when actors Michael B.Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage, prompting outrage from viewers, who slammed BAFTA for not editing it out, despite cutting other moments from the night.
BAFTAand Davidson have since apologised for the shocking scenes, however, the tic sufferer has now lifted the lid on his 'unbearable guilt and shame', claiming the words 'burst out of me like a gunshot'. Davidson admitted he shouted 10 different offensive words on the night of the awards - including calling host, Alan Cumming a 'paedophile'.
• BAFTA judge Jonte Richardson resigns after Tourette's N-word outburst at ceremony
• Labour MP demands BBC explanation after 'unforgivable' Bafta racial slur broadcast
Speaking to Variety, he said: "On Sunday, Alan Cumming joked about his own sexuality and, when referencing Paddington Bear, said: 'Maybe you would like to come home with me, Paddington. It wouldn’t be the first time I have taken a hairy Peruvian bear home with me.'
"This resulted in homophobic tics from me and led to a shout of “paedophile” that was likely triggered because Paddington Bear is a children’s character."
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In another bombshell update from the night, Davidson has revealed there was a microphone 'right in from him', saying: “There was a microphone just in front of me, and with hindsight I have to question whether this was wise."
Outbursts from the 54-year-old could be heard throughout the BAFTA ceremony, including “shut the f*** up” being shouted during an introductory speech from BAFTA chair Sara Putt and “f*** you” when the directors of “Boong,” accepted their award for best children’s and family film.
During another shocking moment, the audience heard Davidson shout out a slur when Michael B, Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for best visual effects to “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”
Following the outbursts, Alan told the audience - that included Prince William and Princess Kate - : “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience. Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”
Later on in the ceremony, he made a further statement, saying: “Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette’s Syndrome has no control over their language. We apologise if you are offended tonight."
After the ceremony, Davidson said: “In addition to the announcement by Alan Cumming, the BBC and Bafta, I can only add that I am, and always have been, deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning."
However, BAFTA judge, Jonte Richardson, was appalled by proceedings and resigned from the organisation on Tuesday after the 'utterly unforgiveable' handling of Davidson's outburst.
Taking to LinkedIn, he wrote: "After considerable soul-searching, I feel compelled to withdraw from the Bafta emerging talent judging panel.
"The organisation's handling of the unfortunate Tourette's N-Word incident last night at the awards was utterly unforgivable. I cannot and will not contribute my time energy and expertise to an organisation that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its Black guests, members and the Black creative community."
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