Alan Cumming, host of the much-debated recent BAFTA Awards, has broken his silence to lash out at the BBC after Tourette star’s racist outburst was broadcast to millions
BAFTAs host Alan Cumming has opened up about the 79th edition of the film awards last month – hitting out at the BBC for what he terms a ‘‘triggering sh**show’ after Tourettes sufferer John Davidson shouted the ‘N’ word – and it remained in the televised broadcast.
The Scottish star, 61 who also hosts The Traitors US, apologised for what happened but said “ we were let down” as he discussed the incident that soon became the talking point of the glitzy ceremony. The slur could be heard as actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the first award for special visual effects at London’s Royal Festival Hall – leading to stunned looks on both the Sinners’ actors’ faces.
The interruption came from John Davidson, a Scottish man who suffers from Tourettes, which can lead to involuntary tics, and whom the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear, was based on.
Despite there being a two-hour delay between the live ceremony and the BBC’s coverage, however, the shocking racial slur was not cut from the final broadcast and could be heard by viewers at home.
During the ceremony, Alan issued an apology for the language viewers may have heard, saying: “We apologise if you were offended.” But breaking his silence on the furore now for the first time, he has laid the blame squarely at the door of the BBC for broadcasting the moment.
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He also blasted the broadcaster’s decision to edit out the words “Free Palestine” from filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr’s acceptance speech. Writing on Instagram, he said: “What should have been an evening celebrating creativity and inclusion turned into a trauma triggering sh**show.
“I’m so sorry for all the pain Black people have felt hearing that word echoed round the world. I’m so sorry the Tourette’s community has been reminded of the lack of understanding and tolerance that abounds regarding their condition.
“We were all let down by decisions made to both broadcast slurs and censor free speech. Congratulations to all those artists whose work was overshadowed by the night’s events.”
Various involuntary outbursts were heard by Davidson, 54, throughout the ceremony, which he later explained led him to leaving the room half-way through.
Following the event, the Scotsman also spoke out to slam the BBC for not editing out his involuntary comments, admitting he felt “mortified”. John said: “I have made four documentaries with the BBC in the past. I feel that they should have been aware of what to expect from Tourette’s…
“They should have worked harder to prevent anything that I said from being included in the broadcast. I remember a microphone just in front of me, and with hindsight I have to question whether this was wise, knowing I would tic.”
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