TikTok star Baylen Dupree defends John Davidson's racial slur as Tourette's sufferer explains 'tics are not thoughts' and it is like your 'brain betraying you'
TikTok star and Tourette's sufferer Baylen Dupree has spoken out to defend John Davidson following his racial slur at the BAFTAs on Sunday night. John was heard shouting the N-word as actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan presented the award for special visual effects at the prestigious awards in London. The BBC later apologised for not editing the offensive slur out of the delayed broadcast and John himself also released a statement of his own, saying he was 'deeply mortified if anyone considered my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning'.And taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Baylen addressed her 2.6million followers as she defended John's tics, saying 'tics are not thoughts' and are often what your brain is 'most scared of saying'. She penned: ''I need to speak on this as someone who lives with Tourette's.'When you live with this disorder, you lose control of your own voice sometimes,' she continued, before going on to call that reality 'a terrifying thing.' TikTok star Baylen Dupree defends John Davidson's racial slur as Tourette's sufferer explains 'tics are not thoughts' and it is like your 'brain betraying you' The BBC later apologised for not editing the offensive slur out of the delayed broadcast and John released a statement, saying he was 'deeply mortified''Tics are not thoughts. They are not opinions. They are not secret beliefs hiding underneath the surface,' she continued. 'They are involuntary neurological impulses - like a sneeze or hiccup except sometimes they attach themselves to words that carry weight, history, and pain.'She asked: 'Can you imagine how heartbreaking it is to say something you don't mean?'Making it clear that what you say doesn't reflect your beliefs she continued: 'People think if a slur comes out, it must reflect what's in your heart,' she wrote. 'But Tourette's doesn't pull from hatred — it often pulls from anxiety, from fear, from the very thing you're most scared of saying. 'The brain misfires on what feels charged or taboo.'Acknowledging the hurt that the racial slur carries, she added: 'Words matter. History matters. Pain matters. But so does neurological reality. There is a difference between intent and impulse.''Living with Tourette's means constantly apologizing for something you didn't choose,' she penned. 'It means living with the fear that one moment could define you forever. It means knowing that no matter how kind you are, no matter what you believe, one tic could make the world decide who you are. And that's devastating'. 'You can hold space for the harm of a word while also holding space for the reality of a disorder. Compassion doesn't cancel accountability - but education matters. She wrote: 'When you live with this disorder, you lose control of your own voice sometimes,' she continued, before going on to call that reality 'a terrifying thing''Please understand this: when someone with Tourette's says something offensive as a tic, it is not coming from their heart. It's coming from a brain that sometimes doesn't give them a choice.'Read More Bafta judge resigns after 'utterly unforgivable' handling of Tourette's sufferer's N-word outburst Baylen shares her journey dealing with Tourettes on her TLC reality show Baylen Out Loud. 'Every day, Baylen faces a variety of extreme and uncontrollable vocal and motor tics while navigating the challenges of becoming an independent adult.,' TLC said in a statement when the series was announced back in 2024. 'Supported by her loving family in West Virginia, including her five siblings, devoted boyfriend, Colin, protective father, Allen, and strong and independent mother, Julie, Baylen learns to manage the complexities of Tourette and embrace life fully.'Meanwhile, 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.Referencing this, John said: 'In addition to the announcement by Alan Cumming, the BBC 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.'On Tuesday it was announced award-winning writer, director and producer Jonte Richardson has stepped step down from the Bafta emerging talent judging panel over the academy's handling of the incident. Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo present the Special Visual Effects Award on stage during the Bafta Film Awards at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday, when the slur was shouted outJonte wrote on LinkedIn: 'After considerable soul-searching, I feel compelled to withdraw from the Bafta emerging talent judging panel.'The organisation's handling of the unfortunate Tourette's N-Word incident last night at the awards was utterly unforgivable. I cannot and will not contribute my time energy and expertise to an organisation that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its Black guests, members and the Black creative community.'This is particularly unfortunate given that this year's cohort boasts some incredible Black talent, especially one of my favourite shows of 2025 'Just Act Normal'.'However, when an organisation like Bafta, with its own long history of systemic racism, refuses to acknowledge the harm inflicted on both the Black and disabled communities and offer an appropriate apology, remaining involved would be tantamount to condoning its behaviour.'I hope Bafta leadership comprehend the damage they and the BBC have caused and take the necessary steps to ensure their production staff are inclusive enough to prevent such an issue in the future.'
