‘I Despair’… the reaction to John Davidson’s tics at the BAFTAs is another example of the BBC falling on its face, writes Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco.

I Swear, which tells the real life story of Galashiels man John Davidson, won three BAFTAs on Sunday evening, including the Leading Actor prize for Robert Aramayo.

Yet, what should have been a triumphant moment for Davidson, Aramayo, and Scottish cinema was overshadowed by controversy.

Because, as Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the BAFTA for Best Special Visual Effects earlier in the show, Davidson shouted the “n-word” — the worst possible thing one could say about two black men in front of a global audience.

Michael B Jordan was presenting an award when the slur was heard.

Two hours later, the BBC inexplicably aired the segment on television, with Davidson’s shout audible in the background. 

Several other tics were also broadcast during the ceremony, after which Davidson appeared to leave part-way through.

And then the pile-on began. 

“People with Tourette’s aren’t shouting slurs left and right… unless they’re racist,” one X user posted.

“In my opinion he seems a little too comfortable using the n-word in the manner that he did," another user wrote.

“Reminds me of people who say dementia causes racism,” a third said.

On Instagram, more than 1,500 comments accusing Davidson of being a racist were posted under a selfie he uploaded five days ago.

People suggested he should wear a muzzle, or stay away from public events, or tape his mouth shut.

John Davidson is a prominent national and international ambassador for Tourette’s syndrome. (Image: PA Wires)

Davidson has coprolalia, a rare condition that around 10% of people with Tourette’s have.

Described as the “involuntary outburst of obscene words or socially inappropriate and derogatory remarks”, the condition does not “necessarily reflect the thoughts, beliefs or opinions of the person with coprolalia”, according to the Tourette Association of America.

This is all discussed in the BAFTA-winning film, of course. Spunk for milk, etc.

In one scene (apparently true to life), Aramayo shouts “f*** the Queen” while receiving an MBE from Queen Elizabeth. 

Lindo and Jordan were clearly taken aback by the slur, and as I am not in a position to police the reactions of people of colour to Davidson’s comments. 

It was shocking. Point. Blank. Period. 

But rather than pick a side between racism and ableism, we should instead direct our ire towards the BBC, who have appeared to have stepped in it once again. 

Why are the BAFTAs televised on a two hour delay, if not to pick up on issues like this? 

Notably, the corporation clipped the words ‘Free Palestine’ from the end of a speech by filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr, director of My Father’s Shadow, which won the BAFTA for best British debut.

Akinola Davies Jr and Wale Davies pose with their BAFTA. (Image: IAN WEST)

So why wasn’t the same level of scrutiny applied to Davidson’s tics?

The BBC failed in their duty of care to all parties involved; to Davidson and Lindo and Jordan.

By failing to edit or beep out the slur, the BBC placed Davidson in a maelstrom not of his own design.

Similarly, they allowed the airing of a word which clearly embarrassed the presenter duo, both of whom have spoken about experiencing racism in their careers.

It is another indictment of a failing public institution which has missed the mark once again, this time with serious consequences. 

Because of their inaction, Davidson has been smeared as a racist on one of the biggest days of his life and Jordan and Lindo have been embarrassed on a global stage. 

On Monday, the BBC apologised for not removing the slur prior to broadcast.

A spokesperson said: "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 apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.”

Weak sauce. But what are they supposed to say? 

BAFTA glory for Scottish film I Swear as Robert Aramayo named Leading Actor

Full list of BAFTA winners: Scotland shines on film's biggest stage

Full list of BAFTA nominations for Scottish-produced film I Swear

So, instead of reflecting on the Beeb’s somewhat unsatisfactory response, we should listen to the words of Aramayo. 

As the BAFTA winner said after the show: “We have to understand that the way we perceive Tourette's is a joint responsibility.

"It's not shouting obscenities, it's not being abusive, it's Tourette's and they're tics.

"So if it can lead to a deeper understanding of Tourette's syndrome and what tics actually are, if our movie is a part of that conversation, then that's a really incredible thing."

Indeed, how we treat the most marginalised in our society is the truest indication of what really matters.

That is the message at the heart of I Swear, and one we should all remember.

© Herald Scotland