Black influencer with Tourette’s syndrome explains the reality of ‘tics’ as celebrities decry BAFTA scandal

Shayla Amamiya, a black influencer with Tourette’s syndrome, broke the reality of tics when celebrities like Jamie Foxx addressed the BAFTA controversy.

The influencer posted a video that provided deeper context behind John Davidson’s racially charged tics at the British Film Academy Awards (BAFTA) on February 22. Davidson, an activist with Tourette’s syndrome, shouted the n-word as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented on stage, leaving many confused and shocked by the ordeal.

Some began to deny Davidson’s claims that the n-word was an uncontrollable tic, claiming that his illness is not an excuse for racism. While he agreed that the situation remains nuanced, with onlookers having complex feelings about the outburst, the influencer also shared another side.

“I’m not going to say that people can’t be offended by the fact that someone said the n-word as a tic. However, it’s not something anyone can control. It’s not something anyone wants to say,” the influencer argued.

Despite empathy for both parties, she also encouraged those offended to dig deeper into how the disorder often presents itself. The woman explained how many people with TS may also have coprolalia, a symptom of the condition that involves shouting obscene words.

“We need to understand what coprolalia is. [It] causes involuntary swearing and inappropriate tics. This could be the N-word swear words, etc. I’m a black person, and even I have the n-word tic and swear words as tics. This is something I don’t see talked about very often because of situations like this.”

Even with her context, she still allowed people to express their disappointment at the unfortunate circumstances, especially the actors and audience members who were directly affected by it. While she emphasized that Jordan and Lindo have “the right” to be upset, especially if they didn’t know it, she still called for education about how these tics come to life.

“Yes, it’s a very unfortunate situation. To see so many people saying they would use violence against people with coprolalia if they can’t control their tics. That’s ‘ableism’… it’s something we have no control over. [Its] aggression in the brain is activated and eventually causes inappropriate tics.

The whole issue sparked debate among Hollywood circles, as well as among the black and disabled communities. Jamie Foxx also slammed Davidson for his “unacceptable” comments, arguing that he meant the slur against Black actors.

While Foxx drew criticism from disability activists for his harsh take on the situation, some Black and disabled commentators also sided with the actor, claiming Davidson’s words still had racist implications. However, since TS is an uncontrollable neurological disorder, the situation is not as clear-cut as with typical attacks of racism.

The incident has left many divided over Davidson’s intentions, while others called for empathy and understanding for the unusual moment.

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