BAFTA presenter Alan Cumming has spoken out about the controversy surrounding the ceremony’s broadcast, describing it as a “traumatizing piece of crap”.
During the ceremony, as performers of Sinners Michael B. Jordan Delroy Lindo and Delroy Lindo were on stage presenting an award when Tourette’s activist John Davidson, who was there to celebrate the release of a film about Tourette’s life, yelled racial slurs at her.
of BBC failed to cut the disparaging segment from its broadcast of the February 22 event, allowing viewers to watch disturbing moments for more than 12 hours before the program was removed from BBC iPlayer. By then, the case had started making headlines around the world and sparking debate online.
Cumming, the actor and host of the American Traitor show, released a statement saying, “It has been one week since I hosted the American Traitor show.” british academy awards. What was supposed to be a night to celebrate creativity, diversity and inclusion turned into a traumatizing shitshow.
“I am truly sorry for all the pain Black people felt hearing these words echo around the world. I am truly sorry that the Tourette’s community has been reminded of so much lack of understanding and tolerance regarding their condition.”
Mr Cumming said the “only good thing” to come out of the incident was “a reminder that words matter, that we are foolish to rush to judgment about things we are not fully aware of, and that all trauma must be recognized and respected.”
The BBC said it had cut a second racial slur from the ceremony. Other scenes were also edited out, including director Akinola Davis Jr.’s call for “the liberation of Palestine”.
Cumming addressed this at the end, saying: “We are all disappointed in the decisions that have been made, both regarding defamatory broadcasts and free speech censorship. Congratulations to all the artists whose work was overshadowed by the events of the night.”
The host apologized on stage for words that viewers may have heard during the ceremony, but this is the first time he has addressed the impact of the incident.
Lind says the support ‘means a lot’
Over the weekend, Lind traveled to California to attend the NAACP Image Awards, which honor outstanding achievement and performance in the arts by Black and ethnic minorities.
The British-born American actor spoke about the incident on stage with Sinners director Ryan Coogler, saying, “Thank you for all the support and love you’ve shown us following the events of last weekend. It means so much to us.”
“I am honored to be here tonight as a member of our people among so many who have shown us incredible support.
“And this is a classic case of what could have been very negative turned into very positive. We really appreciate the support.”
Lind praised the ceremony, saying, “It’s not unusual for the whole room to be seen, but it’s expected.”
read more:
John Davidson “I Swear”
Who is Robert Aramayo?
What do the BBC and BAFTA say?
The BBC and BAFTA apologized in a statement released last week. The BBC later described the incident as a “serious mistake”. Conducting a “quick” investigation.
Davidson can’t help but scream out words because of Tourette’s. He said he was “deeply sorry” for what happened..
He was attending a ceremony to celebrate his life and struggles, “I Swear,” which was nominated for several awards and went home with two wins: Best Casting for Robert Aramayo and Best Actor.
Aramayo played Davidson in the film, and won the award over Hollywood stars Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio.