LONDON — The British Academy Film Awards and the BBC issued apologies on Monday after a racial slur was inadvertently aired during Sunday’s event, involving two stars from the movie “Sinners.”
The individual behind the outburst, a campaigner for Tourette syndrome, expressed feeling “deeply mortified,” emphasizing that the remark did not reflect his personal beliefs.
The offensive term was overheard as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, both of whom are Black, were announcing the winner for best visual effects. Earlier, host Alan Cumming had introduced John Davidson, an advocate for Tourette syndrome, who was present in the audience.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts responded by apologizing for the “offensive language that evokes immeasurable trauma for many,” while commending Michael and Delroy for their “incredible dignity and professionalism.”
Davidson, a Scottish advocate and inspiration for the BAFTA-nominated film “I Swear,” stated on Monday that he was “deeply mortified” if anyone interpreted his involuntary tics as intentional or meaningful.
The charity Tourettes Action urged the public to foster a greater understanding of the condition.
“We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt but at the same time, it is vital 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.
Tourette syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder, is characterized by sudden, involuntary movements or sounds called tics that tend to wax and wane but can worsen with excitement or anxiety, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. They may appear to be purposeful but are not, and the NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke’s Tourette information page says people trying to suppress them often report a buildup of tension before a tic erupts.
The Tourette Association of America says about 10-15% of people with the syndrome experience a kind of vocal tic called coprolalia – involuntary swearing, slurs or other socially unacceptable words or phrases.
Several shouts were audible during the first part of the ceremony, although what was said wasn’t intelligible to an Associated Press reporter in the press room.
After the slur was shouted during Jordan and Lindo’s presentation, Cumming apologized to the audience at London’s Royal Festival Hall for the “strong and offensive language.”
“Tourette syndrome is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language,” Cumming said. “We apologize if you were offended.”
Davidson said in his statement that “I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing.”
The epithet could be heard when the BBC broadcast the ceremony about two hours after the live event. The broadcaster apologized for not editing it out before the broadcast, though the offensive word could still be heard on its iPlayer streaming service on Monday morning. The program was later removed, and the BBC said the slur would be edited out.
“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 during the ceremony it was not intentional.
“I Swear” won two BAFTAs, including best actor for Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson.
Representatives for the film and for Jordan and Lindo did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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AP Medical Writer Lauran Neergaard in Washington and National Writer Jocelyn Noveck in Paris contributed reporting.
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