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Tourette's Tics: Reality Star Defends Advocate After Slur
25 Feb
Summary
- Reality star Baylen Dupree defended John Davidson after he uttered a racial slur due to Tourette's.
- Dupree emphasized that tics are involuntary neurological impulses, not conscious thoughts or opinions.
- The BAFTAs acknowledged the harm caused and apologized to those impacted by the incident.
Reality star Baylen Dupree has publicly defended Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson after he involuntarily uttered a racial slur during the 2026 British Academy Film Awards. Dupree, who has Tourette's herself, stressed that such outbursts are uncontrollable neurological impulses, not reflections of personal beliefs or intentions.
Davidson's tics, which included offensive language, occurred while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage. He was attending the event to represent the film 'I Swear,' which details his experiences with Tourette's. Host Alan Cumming had alerted the audience to the possibility of tics occurring during the ceremony.
While acknowledging the hurt caused by the slur, Dupree emphasized the distinction between intent and impulse, noting that Tourette's does not stem from hatred but can be triggered by anxiety or taboo subjects. The BAFTAs issued an apology for the incident, acknowledging the profound harm caused and expressing unreserved apologies to Jordan and Lindo.
