Furious row over Tourettes Baftas slur as Jamie Foxx says ‘he meant it’ but charity says it’s ‘NOT intentional!’
JAMIE Foxx has claimed an audience member with Tourettes who shouted a slur at the Baftas “meant it” despite a charity saying it was “not intentional”.
John Davidson, who suffers from Tourette syndrome, let out involuntary shouts including a racial slur due to his condition during the ceremony.
The incident happened at the 79th annual British Academy Film Awards, which took place at the Royal Festival Hall last night.
The slur was shouted as actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan presented the award for special visual effects.
The actors, both stars of vampire horror Sinners, appeared to pause momentarily after the insult was heard but then continued presenting.
But Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx has now blasted John Davidson for his “unacceptable” outburst at the BAFTAs.
A fuming Foxx said on social media: “Out of all the words you could’ve said Tourette’s makes you say that. Nah he meant that s**t. Unacceptable.”
The outburst, which was one of many unintentional interruptions, was explained as coming from John, who has Tourette syndrome.
John’s life story inspired the film I Swear which shares John’s journey from his diagnosis before much was known about the condition.
However, campaigners staunchly defended John after his outburst after criticism from Foxx.
Tourettes Action charity said: “We also want to address the negative comments that have surfaced following John’s involuntary vocal tics during the ceremony.
“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.
“People with Tourettes can say words or phrases they do not mean, do not endorse and feel great distress about afterwards.
“These symptoms are neurological, not intentional, and they are something John – like many others with Tourettes – lives with every single day.”
The title is a nod to his uncontrollable swearing associated with the syndrome.
Earlier, the BBC apologised for the slur after some viewers were left shocked.
And the episode has now been pulled off BBC iPlayer after initial outrage.
The Beeb has confirmed the slur will be edited out of the version uploaded.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards.
“This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional.
“We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.”
The reality of living with Tourette syndrome
TOURETTE syndrome is a condition that causes a person to make involuntary sounds and movements called tics.
It usually starts during childhood, but the tics and other symptoms often improve after several years, and sometimes go away completely.
There’s no cure for Tourettes, but treatment can help manage symptoms.
The most common physical tics include:
- Blinking
- Eye rolling
- Grimacing
- Shoulder shrugging
- Jerking of the head or limbs
- Jumping
- Twirling
- Touching objects and other people
Examples of vocal tics include:
- Grunting
- Throat clearing
- Whistling
- Coughing
- Tongue clicking
- Animal sounds
- Saying random words and phrases
- Repeating a sound, word or phrase
- Swearing
Swearing is rare and only affects about 1 in 10 people with Tourettes.
Some people can control their tics for a short time in certain social situations, like in a classroom.
But this can be tiring, and someone may have a sudden release of tics when they return home.
Aidy Smith, who was diagnosed with Tourettes aged nine, said these are the most common misconceptions about the condition:
- It is a ‘swearing disease’ characterised by repeated bad language
- People with Tourette’s can’t succeed in the workplace
- It’s impossible to control your tics
- ‘Tourettes’ is a ‘dirty’ word
- It’s OK to make jokes about the condition because it isn’t serious
Source: NHS and Aidy Smith
During the broadcast, the awards ceremony’s presenter Alan Cumming also issued an apology for the language viewers may hear.
He said: “You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight. If you have seen the film I Swear, you will know that film is about the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome.
“Tourettes 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.
“We apologise if you were offended.”
But the BBC sparked major backlash after the broadcaster edited out “Free Palestine” during one speech but declined to remove the racial slur at first.
The broadcaster removed the Palestine reference after an acceptance speech made by filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr paid tribute to those who are trying to “obtain a better life for their children”.
Davies Jr. closed his speech by saying: “To the economic migrant. The conflict migrant. Those under occupation, dictatorship, persecution, and those experiencing genocide. You matter.
“Your stories matter more than ever. Your dreams are an act of resistance to those watching at home.
“Archive your loved ones. Archive your stories yesterday, today, and forever. For Nigeria, for London, the Congo, Sudan, free Palestine.”