Jayme Lawson, an actor from the show Sinners, believes BAFTA took advantage of John Davidson and that the BBC acted irresponsibly during the controversy sparked by Davidson’s Tourette’s-related outburst at their recent awards ceremony.
During an event at the Royal Festival Hall last month, John, a 54-year-old man with Tourette’s syndrome, unintentionally shouted a racial slur while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award.
John later explained he was very embarrassed by what he said, and that a medical condition he’s had since he was 12 unexpectedly caused him to react that way.
The BBC had to apologize for accidentally broadcasting a racial slur during a televised program. The offensive language wasn’t removed from the footage before it aired.
Jayme, who worked with Michael and Delroy, has shared their thoughts on the incident, telling The Hollywood Reporter at Saturday’s NAACP Image Awards that John’s disability was taken advantage of that evening.
On the red carpet, she began by praising Mike and Delroy, saying we should continue to recognize their poise and grace in how they handled a difficult situation. She also commended the entire team for maintaining their professionalism and composure.
The events of this weekend highlighted a couple of issues. It’s clear we, as an organization, still haven’t fully grasped what true inclusion looks like.
Simply inviting someone doesn’t equal true inclusion. If you don’t also provide the support needed to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being, you’re not being inclusive – you’re taking advantage of them.
That man was taken advantage of because of his disability, resulting in several wrongdoings. BAFTA bears responsibility for allowing this to happen, and the BBC was reckless in broadcasting the footage.
It wasn’t just a mistake; it seemed like a deliberate disregard for those two Black men. The BBC is known for protecting its interests and actively suppressed discussion of certain subjects, demonstrating they control what gets talked about.
The speech by Akinola, director of the fantastic film My Father’s Shadow, was silenced. By doing so, not only was one Black voice suppressed, but the safety of two other Black individuals was also compromised. This demonstrates a disregard for our respect and basic human rights.
I’m so passionate about our art, but it’s frustrating when people admire it without actually supporting the artists. That’s honestly why I champion films like ‘Sinners,’ and why I have so much respect for Ryan Coogler, the director. It’s about showing up for each other, finding those spaces – like the NAACP – where we can feel safe and truly celebrated. Those are the places that matter to me.
This statement follows Delroy’s own comments about the uproar caused by a slur shouted at him while he was accepting his BAFTA award.
Delroy has expressed his gratitude to fans for their support following the recent event, and again while attending the NAACP Image Awards.
As a huge fan, it meant so much to me to see Delroy accept the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor for his work in ‘Sinners.’ He was so gracious, and he shared that he and the whole cast really appreciate all the love and support everyone has shown them after everything that happened last weekend. It was genuinely touching to hear.
We’re truly honored to be here with all of you tonight, surrounded by so many who have given us such amazing support.
This situation really turned things around for the better – what could have been a bad experience actually ended up being quite positive. I really appreciate all the support.
The actor, who was born in Britain, described the event as a place where people aren’t just seen, but truly acknowledged and celebrated.
Oh my gosh, can you believe it? When Regina Hall came out to give the very first award, she actually said Delroy and Michael’s names! I nearly lost it! It was such a small mention, but still… they were acknowledged! I’ve been telling everyone about it, it was the highlight of the whole night for me, honestly.
She expressed her appreciation to the two kings present, sending them both her best wishes for their work and leadership.
I was at the event, and Deon Cole was hilarious! He addressed the whole situation with a really clever joke. He basically said, ‘If any white men in the audience have Tourette’s, maybe tell them to be mindful of what comes out tonight.’ It got a huge laugh, but it was also a really pointed comment.
John caused a global uproar after using a racial slur while Michael and Delroy, two Black actors, were presenting an award on stage.
John is well-known in the UK for living with Tourette’s syndrome, a condition that causes him to involuntarily swear, shout, and make sudden movements or sounds.
In 2019, he received an MBE from the late Queen for his efforts to increase awareness and understanding of his condition. Famously, he disrupted the ceremony by shouting an expletive about the Queen – a moment that opens the film.
Michael and Delroy didn’t visibly react when the outbursts happened, but the BAFTAs host, Alan Cumming, explained to the audience that Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability. He clarified that the tics – the involuntary movements and sounds – are beyond the person’s control and apologized to anyone who was offended.
As a lifestyle expert, I’ve been following the recent controversy, and it’s clear John’s behavior sparked a lot of debate. Actor Jamie Foxx, known for his work in films like Django Unchained, voiced his strong disapproval on social media. He essentially said that using Tourette’s syndrome as an excuse didn’t ring true, and that John’s words were intentionally offensive. He made it very clear – he found the language completely unacceptable, and I think a lot of people agree.
Filmmaker Jonte Richardson has resigned from his position as a Bafta judge because of how the organization dealt with a recent situation.
Jonte announced on LinkedIn that he is stepping down from the Bafta emerging talent judging panel after careful consideration.
Okay, so the BBC had to say something after what happened at the BAFTAs, and honestly, I was already defending them! They basically said some people might have heard some… strong language, but it wasn’t meant to be offensive at all. It turns out the presenter has Tourette’s, and those were just involuntary tics – they explained it all during the show, so everyone knew it wasn’t intentional. Honestly, it was a bit shocking, but I totally get it and I’m glad they addressed it! It’s just… part of who they are, and I still think they were amazing hosting!
We’re sorry this wasn’t removed before the program aired, and it’s now being taken down from BBC iPlayer.
Read More
- Clash of Clans Unleash the Duke Community Event for March 2026: Details, How to Progress, Rewards and more
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Jason Statham’s Action Movie Flop Becomes Instant Netflix Hit In The United States
- Kylie Jenner squirms at ‘awkward’ BAFTA host Alan Cummings’ innuendo-packed joke about ‘getting her gums around a Jammie Dodger’ while dishing out ‘very British snacks’
- Hailey Bieber talks motherhood, baby Jack, and future kids with Justin Bieber
- eFootball 2026 Jürgen Klopp Manager Guide: Best formations, instructions, and tactics
- KAS PREDICTION. KAS cryptocurrency
- Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Episode 8 Release Date, Time, Where to Watch
- How to download and play Overwatch Rush beta
- Quadruped Teams Navigate Clutter with Adaptive Roles
2026-03-02 13:19