The British Academy Film Awards (Baftas) ceremony became the center of controversy after activist John Davidson, who has Tourette syndrome (TS), involuntarily shouted a racial slur during a live presentation. The incident ignited debate among actors, journalists, and the public, exposing a deep lack of understanding about the neurological condition.
The Incident and Immediate Backlash
The outburst occurred as Davidson presented alongside actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan. Actors like Jamie Foxx and Wendell Pierce quickly condemned the use of the slur, prioritizing offense taken by those targeted over the involuntary nature of the tic. Jemele Hill, a journalist, echoed this sentiment, stating that Black people should not be expected to “be ok with being disrespected” regardless of the cause. This reaction underscored a critical tension: while the harm caused by racist language is undeniable, assigning intent where none exists overlooks the core reality of TS.
Understanding Tourette’s: Involuntary Tics and Coprolalia
Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements and vocalizations, known as tics. Some individuals with TS experience coprolalia, a rarer symptom involving involuntary swearing or outbursts. The key is that these are not deliberate acts, but rather neurological glitches. As David Whitlam, who also has TS, explained: “An ‘involuntary slur’ is oxymoronic.” His own experience demonstrates this vividly—he involuntarily uttered the same slur while traveling in Texas decades ago, despite never having used the word before.
The Irony of Recognition and Misunderstanding
The incident gained further irony given that Davidson’s film, I Swear, about living with TS, won multiple awards at the same ceremony. This created a situation where the person whose story was being celebrated was simultaneously vilified for something outside of his control. Whitlam pointed out that while Gervais, former host of the Baftas, was free to be rude, a person whose film was winning an award was branded racist for an involuntary outburst.
Coping Mechanisms and Long-Term Effects
Individuals with TS often develop coping strategies to minimize outbursts in public. Whitlam avoids “neuro-stimulating situations” by attending concerts or playing music, while others like James from Canada, who was expelled from school due to his tics, have seen their condition diminish with age. The long-term effects can be severe: James lost his place at a prestigious university due to his symptoms.
The Role of Awareness and Empathy
The Baftas incident, despite its controversy, may lead to increased awareness of TS. Gavin Higgins, a composer with TS, hopes that the discussion will foster understanding. Higgins added that the condition has even shaped his own creative work, leading him to write loud, fast music as a way to cope with his tics.
A Call for Kindness and Understanding
The Baftas controversy underscores that Tourette’s is often misunderstood and dismissed as a joke. The incident brought the involuntary nature of the condition into sharp focus, highlighting the need for empathy. Patrick Hamlyn emphasized that greater understanding comes from open conversation—learning about the experiences of others, whether regarding race, disability, or neurological conditions.
Ultimately, the Baftas outburst serves as a stark reminder that kindness and understanding are essential. The incident may have caused harm, but if it leads to a more informed and compassionate response to Tourette’s syndrome, it will have sparked a positive change.
