Photo: BAFTA via Getty Images
Jonte Richardson says he will no longer serve as a judge in the BAFTAs’ emerging talent category after how they handled the airing of racial slurs at last night’s ceremony. “After considerable soul-searching, I feel compelled to withdraw from the BAFTA emerging talent judging panel. The organisation’s handling of the unfortunate Tourette’s N-Word incident last night at the awards was utterly unforgivable,” he wrote on LinkedIn on February 22. “I cannot and will not contribute my time energy and expertise to an organisation that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its Black guests, members and the Black creative community.”
When Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting on stage, John Davidson, the inspiration for the movie I Swear, about his life with Tourette’s, shouted the N-word, and that moment was included in the broadcast. During the show, host Alan Cumming explained what happened. “You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight,” he shared. “If you have seen the film I Swear, you will know that film is about the experience of a person with Tourette’s syndrome. Tourette’s syndrome is a disability, and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette’s syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you were offended.” The wording of the initial apology during the broadcast did not feel appropriate, especially because other parts of the show were edited out.
“However, when an organisation like BAFTA, with its own long history of systemic racism, refuses to acknowledge the harm inflicted on both the Black and disabled communities and offer an appropriate apology, remaining involved would be tantamount to condoning its behaviour,” Richardson continued. “I hope BAFTA leadership comprehend the damage they and the BBC have caused and take the necessary steps to ensure their production staff are inclusive enough to prevent such an issue in the future.”
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