‘I Despair’… the reaction to John Davidson’s tics at the BAFTAs is another example of the BBC falling on its face, writes Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco.

I Swear, which tells the real life story of Galashiels man John Davidson, won three BAFTAs on Sunday evening, including the Leading Actor prize for Robert Aramayo.

Yet, what should have been a triumphant moment for Davidson, Aramayo, and Scottish cinema was overshadowed by controversy.

Because, as Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the BAFTA for Best Special Visual Effects earlier in the show, Davidson shouted the “n-word” — the worst possible thing one could say about two black men in front of a global audience.

Michael B Jordan was presenting an award when the slur was heard.

Two hours later, the BBC inexplicably aired the segment on television, with Davidson’s shout audible in the background. 

Several other tics were also broadcast during the ceremony, after which Davidson appeared to leave part-way through.

And then the pile-on began. 

“People with Tourette’s aren’t shouting slurs left and right… unless they’re racist,” one X user posted.

“In my opinion he seems a little too comfortable using the n-word in the manner that he did," another user wrote.

“Reminds me........

© Herald Scotland