- Comedian Deon Cole has addressed the backlash following a controversial joke he made about John Davidson's involuntary racial slur, caused by Tourette's syndrome, at the Bafta Awards.
- Cole, while hosting the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Awards, said: “If there are any white men in the room with Tourette's, I advise you to tell them to read the room, lord”. The joke initially drew gasps but soon received laughter and applause.
- Many criticised Cole for mocking Davidson's neurological condition, coprolalia, which causes involuntary swearing, despite Davidson having expressed deep mortification over the incident.
- Cole defended his joke, stating that people should “learn how to take a joke,” while actor Jamie Foxx publicly supported his comedic performance.
- Both the BBC and Bafta issued apologies for the incident, with the BBC acknowledging the slur aired 'in error' and Bafta initiating a 'comprehensive review,' as Delroy Lindo also thanked supporters.
IN FULL
Comedian addresses backlash after making joke about John Davidson’s Tourette’s racial slur
