The incident occurred at the 79th awards ceremony on the evening of 22/2 London time (morning of 23/2 Hanoi time). John Davidson, an advocate for patients with Tourette's syndrome, made numerous severe remarks while in the auditorium. He shouted "shut up" during the opening speech by the BAFTA president and insulted directors of the film Boong as they accepted their award. The situation escalated when he uttered a racist slur while two Black actors, Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, presented the award for outstanding visual effects to Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Michael B. Jordan (left) and Delroy Lindo on stage presenting the award for outstanding visual effects. Photo: BBC One

Following the incident, John Davidson requested to leave the auditorium, watching the remainder of the ceremony on screen. The event's MC, actor Alan Cumming, thanked the audience for their understanding of Davidson's condition and apologized to anyone who felt offended. John Davidson, 55 years old, actively campaigns to raise awareness about Tourette's syndrome. He also inspired the film I Swear, nominated this year, and served as an executive producer for the project.

On 23/2, the British Academy announced it took full responsibility for the awkward situation. They extended an unconditional apology to Jordan and Lindo, thanking both for their composure and professionalism. According to the organizers, Davidson's Tourette's syndrome caused him to lose verbal control, uttering words that do not reflect his personal views. They also expressed appreciation for his decision to leave the auditorium.

Portrait of activist John Davidson. Photo: PA Media

The same day, John Davidson addressed the commotion with Variety, stating he was "extremely embarrassed if others thought his involuntary tics were intentional or carried meaning." While not directly mentioning Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, he acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, recognizing the discomfort his condition causes others. Davidson also thanked the organizers for pre-warning guests and expressed gratitude to Alan Cumming for defending him during the event.

"I was very moved by the applause after they made the announcement, feeling welcomed and understood in an environment I normally wouldn't be able to attend," he added.

Trailer "I Swear". Actor Robert Aramayo plays John Davidson in the film, winning outstanding lead actor BAFTA this year for the role. Video: YouTube/ StudiocanalUK

Despite John Davidson's negative remarks, Rolling Stone reported that most viewers were disappointed with how BAFTA and BBC, the channel broadcasting the program, handled the issue. BBC faced criticism for failing to censor the content before re-broadcasting the program two hours later, retaining Davidson's remarks. This segment also appeared in the version on the video-on-demand (VOD) platform, BBC iPlayer, until the morning of 23/2. The broadcaster apologized and cut the controversial segment.

BAFTA (The British Academy of Film and Television Arts) is the annual award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. It is considered the "British Oscars" and holds significant international influence. This year, Leonardo DiCaprio's film One Battle After Another won big with six awards, including: outstanding film, outstanding director, outstanding adapted screenplay, and outstanding supporting actor (for Sean Penn).

According to the Mayo Clinic, Tourette's syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive involuntary movements or sounds. Patients may blink constantly, shrug repeatedly, or involuntarily utter unusual sounds or profanities. Currently, there is no cure, but supportive measures are available.

By Phuong Thao (via Variety, Rolling Stone)