Los Angeles, March 3 – Actor and filmmaker Alan Cumming, who recently hosted the BAFTA awards, has reacted to the recent controversy that unfolded at the recent ceremony.
The actor took to Instagram to address the outburst of Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson at the 79th edition of the ceremony, during which he shouted the N-word while ‘Sinners’ stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were onstage, according to ‘Variety’.
He wrote, “What should have been an evening celebrating creativity as well as diversity and inclusion turned into a traumatic experience. I am so sorry for all the pain that Black people have felt hearing that word echoed around the world. I am so sorry that the Tourette’s community has been reminded of the lack of understanding and tolerance surrounding their condition.”
He continued, “The only possible positive outcome is a reminder that words matter, that rushing to judgment about things we don't fully understand is foolish, that all trauma must be recognized and respected.”
According to ‘Variety’, Cumming added that he felt “disappointed” that the BBC allowed the N-word to be audible on air while simultaneously choosing to “censor free speech.”
The two-time Emmy winner is likely referring to the fact that the network cut out Akinola Davies Jr.’s statement, “free Palestine,” during his speech for winning the outstanding British debut for “My Father’s Shadow.”
At the 79th BAFTA Film Awards in London, John Davidson, a Scottish Tourette syndrome activist and the real-life subject of the film ‘I Swear,’ was seated in the audience when several of his involuntary vocal tics were audible during the ceremony. One such tic included the N-word, which was heard as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award. The BBC’s tape-delayed broadcast initially carried the offensive language before it was later removed from streaming versions.
Davidson publicly expressed remorse for the “pain” caused while clarifying that his tics do not reflect his beliefs. The incident prompted criticism of how the broadcast was handled and a broader discussion about disability representation at awards shows.
Cumming concluded his post by congratulating all the BAFTA award winners.