BAFTAs host Alan Cumming took to Instagram on Monday to address the outburst of Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson at the 79th edition of the ceremony, during which he shouted the N-word while “Sinners” stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were onstage.
“What should’ve been an evening celebrating creativity as well as diversity and inclusion turned into a trauma triggering shitshow,” Cumming wrote. “I’m so sorry for all the pain Black people have felt at hearing that word echoed around the world. I’m so sorry the Toruettes community has been reminded of the lack of understanding and tolerance that abounds regarding their condition.”
He continued, “The only possible good that could come of this is a reminder that words matter, that rushing to judgement about things of which we are not fully cognisant is folly, that all trauma must be recognised and honoured.”
BAFTA did not immediately respond to Variety‘s request for comment.
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Cumming added he felt “let down” that the BBC allowed the N-word to be audible on air while at the same time choosing to “censor free speech.” The two-time Emmy winner is likely referring to the fact that the network cut out Akinola Davies Jr. saying “free Palestine” during his speech for winning the outstanding British debut for “My Father’s Shadow.”
Cumming concluded his post by congratulating all the BAFTA award winners.
From Variety US