Baylen Dupree Stands by John Davidson Amid BAFTAs Racial Slur Controversy
Reality star Baylen Dupree has come forward in support of Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson, who inadvertently shouted a racial slur while experiencing his tics during the 2026 British Academy Film Awards.
“As someone who lives with Tourette’s, I feel compelled to address this,” Dupree, 23, shared in a statement posted on Instagram on Tuesday, February 24. “Living with this disorder means occasionally losing control over your voice, which can be quite frightening.”
Dupree voiced her thoughts on social media after Davidson was heard exclaiming the N-word, along with other profanities, while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting at the illustrious event in London on Sunday, February 22. Lindo, 73, appeared visibly shocked at the occurrence during the presentation of the Best Visual Effects award.
Davidson was at the awards to represent the film, I Swear, which delves into his experiences growing up with Tourette syndrome in 1980s Scotland, where he first encountered verbal and physical tics at age 12.
Host Alan Cumming had informed the audience about Davidson’s presence and cautioned them that they might hear involuntary tics throughout the ceremony. He expressed gratitude to the audience for their “understanding” after the offensive utterance. Jamie Foxx was among the stars who commented on the widely discussed event, calling it “unacceptable.”
“Tics aren’t thoughts, opinions, or hidden beliefs,” Dupree clarified. “They are involuntary neurological impulses—similar to a sneeze or hiccup—except they sometimes attach to words that bear significant weight, history, and pain.”
She indicated that Davidson likely felt “immediate shame” and said words he “didn’t mean” due to his condition. (Davidson addressed the incident publicly in a statement with Variety on Monday, February 23, noting, “I am, and always have been, deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.”)
“People often assume that if a slur is uttered, it must reflect your true feelings,” Dupree continued. “But Tourette’s doesn’t stem from hate; it often arises from anxiety, fear, or the very things you dread saying. The brain misfires on concepts that feel charged or taboo.” (The TLC alum experienced tics in her youth but was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome in 2020, just before her 18th birthday.)
She acknowledged that while Tourette’s “does not excuse the harm a word may inflict,” she added, “Words matter. History matters. Pain matters.” Dupree emphasized, “However, neurological reality matters too. There’s a distinction between intent and impulse.”
“Living with Tourette’s means consistently apologizing for actions you didn’t choose,” Dupree concluded. “It means enduring the fear that one moment could define you permanently. It means recognizing that despite your kindness and beliefs, a single tic could lead the world to label you.”
In response to the controversy, a representative for the BAFTAs released a statement on February 23 addressing the incident.
“We wish to acknowledge the harm caused, discuss what occurred, and apologize to everyone involved,” the statement began. “Earlier in the ceremony, a loud tic that included a profoundly offensive term was heard by many attendees. Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at that moment, and we sincerely apologize to them and to all those affected. We are grateful to Michael and Delroy for their remarkable dignity and professionalism.”
