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‘N word’ at the BAFTAs

(111 Posts)

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theworriedwell Tue 24-Feb-26 19:24:16

The BBC have explained the editing was being done in a van outside and they didn't hear the word. Apparently it wasnt very clear.

Handy bit of BBC bashing.

Allira Tue 24-Feb-26 19:12:57

So, ‘I Swear’, the excellent film about John Davidson and his life with Tourette’s Syndrome wins three awards at the BAFTAs.

It seems to be the height of irony that a man who made a film about the problems he has with Tourette's Syndrome then received complaints because of something he couldn't help because he has Tourette's Syndrome.

I remember watching a film years ago on TV featuring people with Tourette's, it was enlightening.

JaneJudge Tue 24-Feb-26 19:07:06

It’s not ppl with neuro diversity vs people who are black it’s about a broadcaster not dubbing an offensive word

butterandjam Tue 24-Feb-26 18:32:42

Smileless2012

An apology with an explanation was given by the presenter and that IMO should have been enough for those in attendance and for anyone who watched it on tv and heard what was said.

It wasn't broadcast live.

The BBC’s broadcast of the Baftas started two hours after the event itself, allowing editors ample time to edit down proceedings into a two-hour package. The BBC should have edited out the N word before the program was broadcast (as they did with other terms unsuitable for broadcast)

Then the only people who heard it, were those present at the event. Nobody would have heard it "on TV".

Granniesunite Tue 24-Feb-26 18:08:46

They are just ignorant and with a mindset like they have nothing will change them.

Contrast that to the message in the film from a very courageous man.

Jaxjacky Tue 24-Feb-26 17:55:58

This over reaction totally contrasts with understanding and accepting disabilities.
How ignorant of those complaining.

Primrose53 Tue 24-Feb-26 17:55:23

Completely agree with Daddima. Still so much ignorance about Tourette’s. The poor guy cannot control his tics or his language.

I used to watch a series about people with special needs going on dates. It featured a few who had Tourette’s and shouted out very offensive comments but could not stop themselves.
Katie Price’s son, Harvey once did the same on daytime TV and people were saying it was her fault.

Sago Tue 24-Feb-26 17:51:14

It was an unfortunate incident, the BBC should of course have edited out.
Regarding John Davidson, no he should not have apologised.
This is a symptom of hit Tourette’s and should be understood and ignored.

As a teenager and into her twenties our daughter had a lovely male friend with Tourette’s.
Their friendship group always impressed me when he shouted out highly inappropriate things they would totally ignore it and carry on as though nothing happened.

This was the correct response and meant he was less likely to be triggered and tic more.

ViceVersa Tue 24-Feb-26 17:48:40

It's absolutely ridiculous - I bet most of those complaining haven't even seen the film. They need to educate themselves about Tourette's - I'm not sure what part of 'involuntary tics' they don't understand.
However, it's been wonderful to see so many people coming out to speak up in support of John on social media. It's certainly united us here in Scotland! I have friends who are friends with John and have worked with him for years - Galashiels, his home town, isn't that far from me.

Smileless2012 Tue 24-Feb-26 17:47:15

An apology with an explanation was given by the presenter and that IMO should have been enough for those in attendance and for anyone who watched it on tv and heard what was said.

Daddima Tue 24-Feb-26 17:42:01

So, ‘I Swear’, the excellent film about John Davidson and his life with Tourette’s Syndrome wins three awards at the BAFTAs.
John Davidson was in attendance, and when two black actors were onstage to present an award, he had a ‘tic’, in the form of calling out a ‘racial slur’.
Now, we seem to have gone from praise for the film for educating about Tourette’s to massive discussion about BBC not editing out the ‘N word’ ( are we really such delicate wee flowers that we can’t even hear or read the word, no matter what the context?), or should Alan Cumming have apologised, should John Davidson have stayed at home, or , unbelievably, to onliners alleging he was saying it deliberately?