Big Brother winner Pete Bennett has claimed that he and fellow members of the Tourette's community have experienced abuse in the aftermath of John Davidson's involuntary racial slur at the Bafta Film Awards.
Mr Davidson, whose life story inspired the film I Swear, was heard involuntarily shouting the N-word during Sunday's ceremony whilst black actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting on stage.
Mr Bennett, 43, who was diagnosed with Tourette's at 14 and won the Channel 4 reality show in 2006, expressed concern about the backlash affecting those with the condition.
"I feel like we're being attacked too much," he told The Sun. "Everyone with Tourette's will be having a really hard time with this — I am. It took years to get to a place where we were accepted."
Pete Bennett attended the screening of John Davidson's biopic I Swear last year
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The reality star questioned why the BBC and Bafta chose to position Mr Davidson close to a microphone, given organisers were fully aware he could not control his verbal outbursts.
"It's no wonder it happened," Mr Bennett said. "An environment of pressure and energy can trigger you."
Mr Davidson himself has raised similar concerns, telling Variety he recalled a microphone being placed directly in front of him.
"With hindsight, I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated, knowing I would tic," he said.
John Davidson was invited to this year's Baftas | PAThe 54-year-old Scottish campaigner has stated the BBC assured him any involuntary language would be removed from the broadcast.
However, despite a two-hour delay on the BBC's coverage, the slur was aired to millions watching on BBC One.
Mr Bennett defended Mr Davidson, emphasising that neither his own tics nor those of the 54-year-old carry any ill intent.
"Like my own tics, his hold no malice," he said. "The daily struggle of living with Tourette's is something only those who experience it can truly comprehend, much like the deep pain caused by the N-word, which only black people can fully understand."
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Pete Bennett won Big Brother back in 2006
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The reality star-turned-musician drew parallels between the two communities' experiences of discrimination.
"Both communities have fought tirelessly for acceptance and respect," Mr Bennett added. "I believe John will be heartbroken over hurting the feelings of others."
The Big Brother winner added: "Someone who has battled for acceptance wouldn't intentionally destroy their progress, especially not on 'live' TV."
Mr Davidson has suffered from a severe form of Tourette's since he was 12 years old. One of his most prominent symptoms is coprolalia, which causes him to involuntarily utter socially inappropriate words and phrases — including when he famously shouted "f*** the Queen" at Elizabeth II whilst receiving his MBE in 2019.
Mr Davidson's involuntary verbal tics were audible in the broadcast | GETTY The BBC initially apologised for "any offence caused" but has since acknowledged the slur should have been removed before transmission.
Its director-general confirmed that a "fast-tracked" investigation into the incident will now take place.
Mr Davidson confirmed he chose to leave the auditorium early during the ceremony. "I was aware of the distress my tics were causing," he explained, adding that he was "deeply mortified" if anyone considered his involuntary outbursts to be intentional.
When contacted by GB News, a BBC spokesperson reiterated its existing statement on the incident. "The BBC has been reviewing what happened at Bafta on Sunday evening," the statement began.
"This was a serious mistake and the Director General has instructed the Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) to complete a fast-tracked investigation and provide a full response to complainants."