Number One: Mr. Davidson's condition is not something he can control. Wishing harm to come to him is not ok. Arguing in general that disabled people with disabilities which may disturb the general public to be kept out of large societal events is a very inhumane argument. Let's not do this.
Number two: MBJ and Delroy Lindo, too, cannot control their dark skin.
Number three: IMPACT over INTENT. Suddenly pretending that a slur which carries hundreds of years of violence and trauma coming out of the mouth of a disabled person cancels out its IMPACT because it's intent was not to be racist is intellectually disingenuous. We live in a world ravaged by the violent consequences of White Male Imperialism or what is otherwise called White Supremacy (a term I will not use because there's nothing supreme about the so-called white race and using that term still subconsciously perpetuates the ideology). No matter the INTENT behind the word, those impacted by it being said will be hurt. Their hurt must be recognised and they are owed apologies and in the future PROTECTION. Trying to talk your way around that simply spells out to me that you expect descendants of Africans to relinquish their humanity and dignity to make everyone around them comfortable. That's it.
BAFTA edited out the words "Free Palestine" in another winner's speech, but for some reason chose to keep the racially charged slur in the edit.
Did you read what I just wrote? Read that again. Punishment must ensue immediately.
Do you see who we're dealing with? I won't say anymore because it speaks for itself, really.
Number 5: This situation and this moment is so painful that I as a black woman cannot watch the video or listen to the audio. Just knowing it's out there being shared is making me feel nauseous.
My heart hurts so much for MBJ and Delroy Lindo.
In tandem, I am becoming more and more enraged with the inaptitude and carelessness of the producers. Apparently Mr. Davidson was already unsure about being there. A movie about him was made, educating on a very debilitating condition. He should have a right to be there. BAFTA should have organized a myriad of accomodations for this man so that he wouldn't have to leave the event early, which he then did. Which I find just unfortunate.
As a person with a disability that often makes me not go to events because losing control of my body will put me in danger, that really breaks my heart.
Issuing a statement saying "sorry if you are offended" is the most....backwards PR and crisis management move I have ever seen. People aren't offended, people in front of the camera and behind the screen were hurt. Your apology is lackluster and incorrect. Correct it.
And for last, due to their own inaptitude, this situation is taking the moment of joy and success from the Ryan Coogler, Wunmi Mosaku and Robert Aramayo. Killing the moment for all of the winners of your OWN EVENT, BAFTA.
It doesn't get dumber than this honestly.