Feb 25 • 11:15 UTC 🇫🇷 France Le Figaro

"I am mortified": John Davidson, who has Tourette's syndrome, regrets his racist words at the Baftas

John Davidson, a Scottish man with Tourette's syndrome, expressed deep regret for uttering racist remarks at the Baftas, attributing them to his uncontrollable tics.

John Davidson, known for inspiring the main character in the dramedy 'I Swear', publicly addressed an incident that occurred during the 79th BAFTA awards, where he inadvertently made racial slurs due to his Tourette's syndrome. Davidson, who has struggled with this neurological condition since he was 12, felt mortified by the offense he caused and emphasized that these utterances were not intentional but rather a manifestation of his involuntary motor and vocal tics.

In his official statement to the press agency PA, Davidson conveyed his embarrassment and regret for shocking the audience with his outbursts. He clarified that he understands how others may misinterpret the nature of his condition, and he was deeply upset to think that anyone might believe his tics had a conscious meaning behind them. This highlights the challenges faced by individuals with Tourette's syndrome, wherein involuntary actions can lead to misunderstandings and societal stigma.

Davidson’s statement serves as a call for greater awareness and understanding of Tourette's syndrome and other neurological disorders. By sharing his experience, he aims to foster empathy and reduce misconceptions about the condition, particularly in contexts where such behaviors can draw public scrutiny, such as high-profile events like the BAFTAs.

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