“Tourette syndrome is a disability, and the tics you heard tonight are involuntary,” says host Alan Cumming.
The British Academy Film Awards and the BBC have apologized for racist comments broadcast during the film BAFTA Awards yesterday.
During an acceptance by Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo racist slurs were shouted by Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson, who inspired the BAFTA-nominated film I swear.
“Tourette syndrome is a disability and the tics you heard tonight are involuntary, meaning the person with Tourette syndrome has no control over his or her language,” said host Alan Cumming.
“We apologize if you were offended.”
John Davidson also released a statement after the event, saying he was “deeply hurt if anyone believed that my involuntary tics were intentional or had any meaning.”
“I chose to leave the room early in the ceremony because I was aware of the discomfort my tics were causing.”
However, the BBC broadcast the ceremony about two hours after the live event and the offensive word could still be heard on the iPlayer streaming service on Monday morning.
The program was later removed and the BBC said the slur would be removed.
“Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards,” the BBC said in a statement.
“This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained at the ceremony this was not intentional.”
Syndrome charity Tourettes Action called for understanding of the condition.
“We understand that these words can cause pain, but at the same time it is critical 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,” said Emma McNally, CEO of Tourettes Action.
Source: ABC
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