Senior reporter Kirk Jones expressed deep concern over John Davidson’s experience at this year’s BAFTA Awards, highlighting how an involuntary racist slur inadvertently broadcast during his performance on stage had left the Tourette’s campaigner feeling betrayed. Jones himself won three awards for his film I Swear in a ceremony that brought together some of Hollywood’s brightest stars.
The incident occurred while renowned actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were taking their bows, with their dialogue drowned out by an involuntary tic from Davidson, an involuntary tics sufferer whose vocalizations are known to audiences attending events like the BAFTA Awards. Jones expressed his disappointment, noting that he believed such a situation would not have been allowed to occur had John Davidson known what was in store for him.
“I think John was let down on many, many levels,” Jones told The Telegraph. “And I believe that the fact this [tic] went out for broadcast was perhaps one of the worst ways in which he was let down on the night.”
Davidson has been a vocal advocate for Tourette’s awareness and acceptance. In an interview with Variety earlier this week, he questioned whether having a microphone positioned just inches from his seat had been the best decision, given his condition involving involuntary verbal tics.
BAFTA released a statement assuring StudioCanal that the microphone was actually used to monitor sound levels for equalization purposes, not for amplification. The broadcaster issued an apology and acknowledged the serious nature of their error. Tim Davie, the BBC’s Director General, instructed the Executive Complaints Unit to expedite an investigation into the matter and respond promptly to any complaints.
In response to this incident, BAFTA announced a comprehensive review is underway to ensure such issues are addressed moving forward. The organization has also acknowledged the harm caused by the mistake and committed to making changes to prevent similar occurrences in future events.