‘I will NEVER apologise for having Tourette’s!’
John Davidson has taken to social media for the first time since inadvertently prompting an ongoing debate following his appearance at last month’s Bafta awards.
Last weekend, the Tourette’s campaigner attended the star-studded event to celebrate a film inspired by his experience of growing up with the condition, I Swear, which stars Robert Aramayo.
The campaigner, who first developed tics and uncontrollable outbursts at the age of 12, has dedicated his life to supporting and empowering those with the condition whilst promoting empathy and understanding from others.
Throughout the first half of the ceremony, he experienced multiple outbursts, including directing an expletive at Bafta chair Sara Putt.
John Davidson experiences involuntary vocal tics as a result of his condition | GETTYWhen actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo appeared on stage to present the best visual effects award to Avatar: Fire and Ash, the N-word was audible from Mr Davidson’s direction.
Host Alan Cumming twice paused proceedings to address the outbursts, thanking the audience—which included the Prince and Princess of Wales—for their understanding.
Despite the ceremony being broadcast with a two-hour delay on BBC One, the racial slur was not removed from the transmission and remained accessible on iPlayer until midday on Monday, when the broadcaster finally withdrew it.
The BBC issued an apology, acknowledging that the offensive language should have been edited out prior to broadcast.
On Sunday night, March 1, Mr Davidson issued a statement on his Facebook page addressing the controversy.
He penned: “I’ve been waiting all week until the dust settles after the weekend at the BAFTAs in London.
“I would like to thank each and every one of you who have shown love, support and solidarity towards myself and the rest of the Tourette’s Community.
“Your kind words and support have got me through a very difficult week.”
John Davidson’s involuntary verbal tics were audible in the broadcast | GETTY The 54-year-old continued: “Whilst I will never apologies for having Tourette syndrome, I will apologise for any pain, upset and misunderstanding that it may create.
“This past week has been tough, and has reminded me that what I do raising awareness for such a misunderstood condition, there is still a long way to go and I will keep on keeping on until this is achieved.”
He signed off: “Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou I love you all. Johnny D x.” (sic)
The activist’s candid post was met with sympathy and understanding from followers, who applauded his bravery.
John Davidson had received assurances that any offensive tics would be removed from the broadcast | GETTY
Taking to the comments section, one penned: “So proud of you darling.”
“Keep being you John,” a second urged, with another writing: “Never change Johnny.”
Someone else shared: “Johnny we’re all behind you pal stay strong don’t let them beat you down. You have shown absolute grace through out this bitter sweet time.
“But you have taken Tourette’s global and made them look and hopefully now will educate themselves before trying to destroy a wonderful person. We all stand with you Johnny Davidson.”
“You’ve made this man shed a tear. Love to you,” someone else commented.
“You’ve done so well!! Not many of us could withstand the pressure and hurt you must have experienced this past week. I know we are all proud of you John keep fighting the good fight,” another echoed. (sic)
