Delroy Lindo, the talented actor known for his powerful performances in movies such as “Malcolm X” and “Get Shorty”, has recently expressed his disappointment with the organizers of the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA). And it’s not because he was overlooked for an award, but because of an unfortunate incident that took place during the ceremony.
John Davidson, a fellow actor who is diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome, shouted a racial slur at Lindo and his ‘Sinners’ co-star Michael B. Jordan while they were on stage. This incident left Lindo feeling disheartened and wishing that “someone from BAFTA spoke to us” about it.
For those who may not be familiar, Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes a person to make involuntary sounds and movements called tics. These tics can range from mild to severe and can often include the use of inappropriate or offensive language.
It is not uncommon for people with Tourette’s syndrome to face discrimination and misunderstanding due to their condition. However, it is disappointing to see such an incident happening at a prestigious event like the BAFTA Awards.
Lindo, who has been in the industry for decades, knows all too well the struggles that actors of color face in Hollywood. He has been vocal about the lack of diversity and representation in the industry and has used his platform to bring attention to these issues. So, to have this incident happen during a moment that was supposed to celebrate diversity and inclusivity, must have been a hard blow for him.
In an interview with NME, Lindo shared his thoughts on the incident, “It was unfortunate and it would have been nice if someone from BAFTA spoke to us about it. I have been in this business for a long time and I have seen and experienced a lot, but this was a first for me.”
Despite the incident, Lindo handled the situation with grace and professionalism. He continued with the ceremony and delivered a powerful speech about the importance of representation in the film industry.
It is commendable to see Lindo using his platform to speak up about issues that are often swept under the rug. He could have easily ignored the incident and moved on, but instead, he chose to use it as an opportunity to shed light on the discrimination and challenges faced by people with Tourette’s syndrome.
Moreover, Lindo’s response to the incident is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we must continue to push for change and stand up for what is right. As he said in his speech, “Our voices matter, our stories matter, and representation matters.”
It is also important to acknowledge the impact that this incident may have had on John Davidson. As someone with Tourette’s syndrome, he may have felt embarrassed and ashamed for his actions, which were beyond his control. It is crucial for people to educate themselves about Tourette’s syndrome and other neurological disorders, to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
In the end, it is clear that the incident at the BAFTA Awards was a wake-up call for the film industry. It is time for organizations like BAFTA to not only celebrate diversity but also take concrete steps towards creating a more inclusive and understanding environment for all individuals.
Delroy Lindo’s call for someone from BAFTA to speak to him about the incident should not be ignored. It is necessary for the organizers to address the issue and ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future.
In conclusion, let us all take a moment to appreciate Delroy Lindo for his resilience and courage in the face of adversity. He has once again shown why he is not only a talented actor but also a role model for many. We can all learn from his response to the incident and strive towards creating a more inclusive and understanding society. As Lindo said, “Our voices matter, and they must be heard.”
