I Swear inspiration John Davidson says he will 'never apologise' for having Tourettes

Mr Davidson, from Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, came under fire after he shouted a racial slur at the Bafta Film Awards in London last weekend.

The 54-year-old could be heard shouting as Sinners actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan presented an award at the ceremony on Sunday. Bafta apologised “unreservedly” to the actors.

Speaking on stage at the annual NAACP Image awards in Los Angeles, said he and Jordan “appreciate all the support and love that we have been shown”, describing the incident as “a classic case of something that could be very negative becoming very positive”.

Mr Davidson said he had wanted to “wait until the dust settles” before commenting extensively on the situation and said he would go on raising awareness of his “misunderstood condition”.

A book written by Mr Davidson was the inspiration for the film, which mirrors his experiences of living with the condition, which he was diagnosed with aged 12.

He said: “I’ve been waiting all week until the dust settles after the weekend at the BAFTAs in London. I would like to thank each and every one of you who have shown love, support and solidarity towards myself and the rest of the Tourette’s Community. Your kind words and support have got me through a very difficult week.

“Whilst I will never apologies for having Tourette syndrome, I will apologise for any pain, upset and misunderstanding that it may create. This past week has been tough, and has reminded me that what I do raising awareness for such a misunderstood condition, there is still a long way to go and I will keep on keeping on until this is achieved. Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou I love you all.”

He previously said the BBC should have “worked harder” to ensure his racial slur was not broadcast, telling US entertainment magazine Variety that he “had an expectation that the BBC would physically control the sound” at the event.

Later, the BBC apologised for not editing out the section of the ceremony, which was broadcast on a two-hour delay. The whole broadcast was then removed from iPlayer. The corporation’s executive complaints unit announced a “fast-tracked investigation” on Wednesday, saying it was a “serious mistake”.

Bafta also issued an apology in the aftermath in which it said it “apologise unreservedly” to the actors who were on stage as well as “all those impacted”.

Accepting his Bafta for best actor for his lead role, playing Mr Davidson in I Swear, Robert Aramayo paid tribute to the Scot as “the most remarkable person I have ever met”.

He said. “John Davidson is the most remarkable person I’ve ever met and he believes there is so much more we need to learn about Tourette’s.

“In the words of the film, they need support and understanding.”

The 33-year-old beat Hollywood stars Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another, Timothee Chalamet for Marty Supreme and Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon to win the award. He also picked up the rising star award, the only category of the night decided by a public vote.