Narinder Kaur, a presenter on Good Morning Britain, criticizes the BAFTAs for broadcasting footage of Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson shouting the N-word during the ceremony while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo stood on stage.
Kaur’s Strong Condemnation
In a heated social media post on X, Kaur describes the incident as “wildly unacceptable on so many levels.” She acknowledges Davidson’s condition but argues it subjected Jordan and Lindo to racial trauma. Kaur states, “We can all understand he has a condition, but this is subjecting Jordan and Lindo to racial trauma, which everyone needs to understand is unacceptable on every level.”
She further notes that the BAFTAs issued a public apology to the audience but failed to directly address Jordan and Lindo, calling it a continuation of prioritizing white comfort over Black trauma.
Backlash from Followers
One follower responds, “Posts and attitudes like this are the exact reason John Davidson campaigns for Tourette’s.” Kaur replies, “Posts like what? I said we ‘understand.’ But your post is the exact reason we must continue teaching you all about racism.”
Another criticizes her, saying, “We all knew you’d be an idiot about it. There’s no ‘but’ when it’s a disease you ableist f***. This is the reality of Tourette’s, you should not apologise for things you cannot control. Watch the film, learn a few things.” Kaur counters, “And Black people shouldn’t have to be attacked with racism as a result. Stop excusing racism. Both things can exist.”
BAFTAs’ Response and Context
Host Alan Cumming addresses the crowd, urging understanding for the “strong and offensive language.” He explains that Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability with involuntary tics and adds, “We apologise if you are offended tonight.”
Davidson features in the British indie film I Swear, which portrays a man living with Tourette’s. On the red carpet, Davidson es concern about his tics, stating, “Certain things—like today, lots of people around, I’m feeling very, you know, more tics in case I lash out. Different situations can trigger different emotions and tics and stuff.”
Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson in the film, wins the best actor award at the ceremony.
