Turns out we won’t be getting an apology from John Davidson for calling “Sinners” stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo the “n-word” last night at the BAFTAs. That makes sense, and it’s the core reason he’s in such a bind: as an advocate for disability rights, apologizing for his disability would be counterintuitive.
Davidson, who suffers from Tourette’s syndrome, has issued a statement in which he admits being “deeply mortified” by anyone thinking he’s racist, or considers “involuntary tics” as such. No apology anywhere to be found. Not even mention of Lindo or Jordan.
Davidson’s wording today was published alongside a statement by Emma McNally, CEO of Tourettes Action. McNally wrote, “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.”
This was an incident that could have easily been edited out by the BBC, given that the ceremony was broadcast with a short delay — but it wasn’t. The moment was kept in, and the cringe-inducing clip has since been shared millions of times online.
Meanwhile, Lindo just spoke to Vanity Fair, telling the outlet that he and Jordan did “what we had to do” to continue presenting at the BAFTAs after Davidson shouted the racial slur in an involuntary tic. He does however wish “someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterwards.”
Quite a few creatives have come out with their own two cents on the controversy. Jamie Foxx last night went on his Instagram, ranting: “Out of all the words you could’ve said, tourette’s makes you say that?’ Nah, he meant that s**t.” Meanwhile, fellow actor, Wendell Pierce described the BAFTA incident as “infuriating,” particularly criticizing the lack of a full apology directed to Jordan and Lindo.
What has not been reported that much is that this wasn’t an isolated incident. Davidson kindly spread the slurs throughout last night’s event. Over the first 20 minutes of the BAFTA ceremony, Davidson shouted, “Boring!” while guests were taken through some of the rules before the show began, and “Bullshit!” when people were asked not to curse. He also exclaimed, “Shut the fuck up,” while BAFTA chair Sara Putt made her introductory remarks.
However, Davidson reserved the n-word specifically for Jordan and Lindo. Their Sinners production designer, Hannah Beachler, also said Davidson shouted the slur at her after the show. He just couldn’t help it — an uncontrollable urge to scream it. Should Davidson be blamed for this? That’s the debate currently unfolding. I’ll refrain from passing judgment.
