John Davidson takes huge swipe at BBC in first interview after Baftas slur saga: 'They should have been aware!'

"When my coprolalia tics came out, my stomach just dropped," Mr Davidson said.

"As always, I felt a wave of shame and embarrassment hit me all at once. You want the floor to swallow you up."

In a dig at the public broadcaster, the activist told Variety he had anticipated the BBC would remove any such incidents from the broadcast, given the ceremony was recorded with a two-hour delay.

He said: "I have made four documentaries with the BBC in the past, and feel that they should have been aware of what to expect from Tourette’s and worked harder to prevent anything that I said, which, after all, was some 40 rows back from the stage, from being included in the broadcast."

"Bafta had made us all aware that any swearing would be edited out of the broadcast," he went on, before adding that he had "absolutely no choice" when tics occur, describing them as bursting out "like a gunshot."

Mr Davidson revealed that StudioCanal, a production company behind I Swear, had been liaising closely with Bafta ahead of the event, with organisers providing assurances that offensive language would be removed before transmission.

The campaigner also questioned the audio setup in the Royal Festival Hall, noting his seat was positioned roughly 40 rows from the stage.

"As I reflect on the auditorium, I remember there was a microphone just in front of me, and with hindsight I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated, knowing I would tic," Mr Davidson observed.

His representatives have contacted the studio behind Sinners to offer personal apologies to Michael B Jordan, Delroy Lindo, and production designer Hannah Beachler, who was also affected by tics during the evening.

The campaigner emphasised that his vocal tics bear no connection to his thoughts, feelings, or beliefs.

He said: "It's an involuntary neurological misfire.

"My tics are not an intention, not a choice and not a reflection of my values."

The Scotsman stressed that the condition can target the most distressing words possible, explaining: "What you hear me shouting is literally the last thing in the world I believe; it is the opposite of what I believe."

Mr Davidson noted he used approximately 10 different offensive words throughout the ceremony, though media coverage has largely focused on a single slur.

He acknowledged fully understanding the historical and contemporary significance of the racial term used.

"I wanted to disappear. I wanted to hide, just get away from all the eyes," he said.

Throughout the ordeal, he clung to hope that attendees would recognise the nature of his condition.

"My mind was saying: These people have seen the film. They will know I can't help this. They will know it's not me," Mr Davidson explained.

After attempting to calm himself through breathing exercises, Mr Davidson ultimately chose to exit the auditorium to prevent further upset.

Bafta staff arranged for him to watch the remainder of the ceremony from a private room with a monitor.

He only became aware his tics had reached the stage when Mr Jordan and Mr Lindo appeared to look up from their presenting duties, prompting his decision to leave shortly afterwards.

When contacted by GB News about Mr Davidson's comments, the BBC shared the same statement it issued soon after the incident: "Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards.

"This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony, it was not intentional.

"We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer."

Mr Davidson has previously faced severe consequences for his tics, revealing he was once beaten with an iron bar after an involuntary comment to a woman whose boyfriend subsequently attacked him.

A number of GB News stars were quick to come to Mr Davidson's defence.

The People's Channel regular, Leo Kearse, wrote on X: “In Western culture, we accept disabled people in public spaces and make accommodations for their disabilities."

GB News contributor Darren Grimes similarly weighed in on the debate, writing: “Pretty incredible that (a critic of Mr Davidson) is now attempting to cancel a disabled bloke for doing something entirely out of his control.”

Michelle Dewberry, host of Dewbs & Co., posted on X: "I have finally managed to sit and watch ‘I Swear’ in full. Phenomenal. To everyone who has criticised John Davidson or chosen to be offended by his words….I urge you to watch it.

"John Davidson deserves nothing but respect. I wish him every inch of happiness; he truly deserves it. What a remarkable man he is."