Pete Bennett: Tourettes Community Faces Ongoing Abuse

Big Brother star has revealed he and other members of the Tourette's community have faced abuse after John Davidson's BAFTAs controversy, following years of struggling to be 'accepted.'

On Sunday night, John, whose life story inspired the film I Swear, was heard yelling the N-word while black actors and Delroy Lindo presented the first prize of the night at London's Royal Festival Hall.

BAFTA bosses have come under fire for failing to edit out the slur, while John, who suffers from Tourette's, has said he is 'deeply mortified' by the outburst.

Now, Pete, who has Tourette's and won Big Brother back in 2006, has questioned the BBC's decision to have John close to a microphone, despite the fact he had no control over his comments.

The reality star, who is now working as a musician, added that he feels the Tourette's community are being 'attacked too much' in the wake of the controversy. 

He said: 'Like my own tics, his hold no malice. The daily struggle of living with Tourette's is something only those who experience it can truly comprehend, much like the deep pain caused by the N-word, which only black people can fully understand.'

Pete went on to tell The Sun: 'Both communities have fought tirelessly for acceptance and respect. I believe John will be heartbroken over hurting the feelings of others.

'Someone who has battled for acceptance wouldn't intentionally destroy their progress, especially not on ''live'' TV.'

On Sunday, following the slur, Michael and Delroy did not react on stage, however host Alan Cumming later said 'we apologise if it has caused offence' and John made the decision to leave the ceremony halfway after several incendiary outbursts.

John has suffered from a severe form of Tourette's since the age of 12, with the condition characterised by involuntary movements or sounds known as tics.

One of his biggest symptoms is coprolalia, which makes him involuntarily say socially inappropriate words or phrases, including when he famously shouted 'f*** the Queen' at Elizabeth II when he was awarded his MBE in 2019.

Despite there being a two-hour time delay on the BBC's coverage, his BAFTAs slur was aired to millions tuning in on BBC One and could still be heard on iPlayer on Monday morning.

The BBC initially apologised for 'any offence caused' but has now admitted the slur should have been 'edited out prior to broadcast'. The awards ceremony has disappeared from iPlayer while the BBC removes the N-word outburst.

John's outburst has divided opinion, with Django Unchained star Jamie Foxx fuming on social media: 'Out of all the words you could've said Tourette's makes you say that. Nah he meant that s**t. Unacceptable.'

Charity Tourette's Action said it 'deeply understands that these words can cause hurt' but insisted they are 'not a reflection of a person's beliefs, intentions or character'.

High-profile celebrities, including Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi and US star Billie Eilish, have publicly spoken about living with Tourette's.

A Sinners production designer also alleged she was subjected to Davidson's involuntary racial slurs, adding that the situation was made worse by 'the throwaway apology' of 'if you were offended'.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has accused the BBC of making a 'horrible mistake' and called for the Corporation to explain why the slur was not initially 'bleeped out'.

A BBC spokesperson said: 'Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the 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.'

In contrast, the BBC edited out 'Free Palestine' from an acceptance speech made by filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr after My Father's Shadow won the BAFTA for outstanding British debut.

Following the events of Sunday night John has confirmed he chose to leave the auditorium early as he was 'aware of the distress my tics were causing'.

He said: 'I wanted to thank Bafta and everyone involved in the awards last night for their support and understanding and inviting me to attend the broadcast.

'I appreciated the announcement to the auditorium in advance of the recording, warning everyone that my tics are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs.

'I was heartened by the round of applause that followed this announcement and felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me.'

During the broadcast, the awards ceremony's presenter Alan Cumming apologised for the language viewers may have heard.

He said: 'You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight. 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 syndrome is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language. We apologise if you were offended.'

Referencing this, John said: 'In addition to the announcement by Alan Cumming, the and Bafta, I can only add that I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.

'I was in attendance to celebrate the film of my life, I Swear, which more than any film or TV documentary, explains the origins, condition, traits and manifestations of Tourette syndrome.'

'I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette's community and to teach empathy, kindness and understanding from others and I will continue to do so.

'I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing.'