Baylen Dupree Says Tourette Syndrome ‘Doesn’t Pull from Hatred’ as She Speaks Out Following BAFTAs Incident

In the wake of an incident at the recent BAFTA Film Awards, Tourette syndrome advocate Baylen Dupree has spoken publicly about the complexities of living with the disorder. The unfortunate event unfolded on February 22, as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award during the ceremony when John Davidson, another advocate for Tourette’s, yelled a racial slur from the audience.

John Davidson, who has lived with Tourette syndrome since he was twelve, attended the BAFTAs to represent the film “I Swear,” a project inspired by his own journey with the condition. His outburst has raised significant discussion around the implications of verbal tics associated with the disorder, particularly given the charged and historical nature of the word he used.

Baylen Dupree, known for sharing her personal experiences with Tourette syndrome on social media, took to Instagram two days later to express her thoughts on the incident. She began her statement by highlighting the impact of the disorder, stating, “When you live with this disorder, you lose control of your own voice sometimes,” emphasising the distress this can cause.

Dupree further explained that Tourette’s tics are not reflective of one’s thoughts or beliefs. “Tics are involuntary neurological impulses—like a sneeze or hiccup,” she elaborated, stressing that they can sometimes manifest as words with significant emotional weight and historical baggage. She encouraged her followers to consider the emotional toll of involuntarily using such language, stating, “It’s heartbreaking to say something you don’t mean.”

Acknowledging the pain associated with Davidson’s choice of words, Dupree highlighted that while societal understanding of such instances is crucial, it is equally important to recognise the nature of Tourette syndrome. “Tourette’s does not excuse the hurt a word carries. Words matter. History matters. Pain matters,” she said, calling for compassion in discussions surrounding the disorder.

Dupree also reflected on the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with Tourette syndrome, articulating the burden of living in fear that an uncontrolled tic could define their identity. “It means living with the fear that one moment could define you forever,” she lamented, reminding audiences that compassion and understanding should coexist with accountability and education.

The incident also drew a response from both Jordan and Lindo, who addressed the situation during an afterparty. Lindo expressed his desire for more communication from BAFTA following the incident, indicating a need for greater awareness and sensitivity surrounding such topics in public forums.

Meanwhile, Davidson issued his own statement following the BAFTAs. He expressed gratitude towards BAFTA for their prior announcement concerning his involuntary tics, which he felt helped create a more understanding atmosphere. However, he also conveyed his distress at the notion that his tics were viewed as intentional, stressing his lifelong commitment to supporting the Tourette community.

The BAFTA organisation has since issued an apology, acknowledging the distress caused by the incident. Their statement apologised to viewers and particularly to Jordan and Lindo, recognising the significant weight of the term that was heard in the ceremony. The BBC, which broadcast the awards, also apologised for failing to edit out the incident from its transmission, acknowledging the impact it had on audiences.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) also weighed in on the situation, supporting Lindo and Jordan while condemning the racial slur. They called for respect and dignity for Black talent within such spaces, asserting that no professional should have to endure such incidents, irrespective of the context.

Dupree’s insights into this incident reflect a broader conversation about the challenges faced by individuals living with Tourette syndrome and the importance of fostering an environment of understanding. The BAFTA incident highlights the ongoing need for education and awareness about neurological disorders, ensuring that discussions surrounding them are sensitive, compassionate, and informed.