x.com/CHRISF0GLE/status/2027084390833012838
1 correction found
He was told the audience & presenters had been properly briefed; they had not.
BAFTA and multiple contemporaneous reports say the audience was explicitly warned in advance (and again during the show) that John Davidson’s Tourette’s tics could be heard, contradicting the claim that they “had not” been briefed.
Full reasoning
BAFTA’s own official statement about the incident says they “took measures to make those in attendance aware of the tics” by “announcing to the audience before the ceremony began, and throughout” that John Davidson was in the room and that attendees may hear strong language and involuntary noises/movements. That directly contradicts the post’s assertion that the audience (and presenters) “had not” been properly briefed.
Independent reporting also aligns with BAFTA’s account. For example, Screen Daily reports that host Alan Cumming told the audience at the start of the ceremony that Davidson has Tourette’s and they might hear involuntary noises/movements.
Additionally, The Independent reports Davidson himself saying he “appreciated the announcement to the auditorium in advance of the recording, warning everyone” about his involuntary tics—again contradicting the claim that there was no proper briefing.
Given these direct, on-the-record statements from BAFTA and multiple reports describing warnings delivered before/during the ceremony, the claim that the audience/presenters “had not” been briefed is contradicted by strong evidence.
4 sources
- A statement from BAFTA - Bafta
“We took measures to make those in attendance aware of the tics, announcing to the audience before the ceremony began, and throughout, that John was in the room and that they may hear strong language, involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony.”
- Bafta Film Awards stand-out moments: a new host, swearing apology, and memorable speeches | Screen
“Host Cumming said at the start of the ceremony: ‘John has Tourette Syndrome so please be aware you might hear some involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony.’”
- John Davidson ‘deeply mortified’ if anyone felt Bafta N-word incident was intentional | The Independent
Davidson said: “I appreciated the announcement to the auditorium in advance of the recording, warning everyone that my tics are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs.”
- BAFTA and BBC apologize for broadcasting racial slur during awards show | PBS NewsHour
“Host Alan Cumming had earlier told the audience that Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson was in attendance.” (AP report hosted by PBS NewsHour)