The Neurodivergent Experience

Episode: Our Statement on the BAFTA Incident Involving John Davidson

Hosts: Jordan James & Simon Scott
Date: February 27, 2026

Episode Overview

In this candid and reflective episode, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott address the controversial incident involving John Davidson at the 2026 BAFTAs. Through a personal statement originally posted on Facebook (and read aloud by Jordan), they explore the complex intersections of neurodivergence, race, language, media responsibility, and the pain caused by misunderstood behaviors. The hosts use their own lived experience as neurodivergent individuals, particularly Jordan’s experience with Tourette’s Syndrome, to foster understanding and compassion for all communities affected by the event.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Solidarity and Admiration for John Davidson

• Jordan opens by affirming their support for John Davidson, expressing deep admiration for both him and the film based on Davidson’s life, which they describe as “one of the best movies we've ever seen about neurodivergence.”
  • Quote: “I wanted to make it clear of our support of John Davidson, a man that we greatly admire…” (00:16)

2. Personal Context: Tourette’s and Empathy

• Jordan relates his own experience with mild Tourette’s Syndrome to John Davidson’s situation, explaining how involuntary tics can be misunderstood and lead to social challenges.
  • Quote: “My Tourette's isn't severe, but it did mean I was bullied and ostracized as a child and deeply sympathize and empathize with John Davison.” (01:16)
• Acknowledges that despite this connection, he cannot understand the specific pain of hearing an anti-Black racial slur as a white person, but he validates the emotional harm it causes.

3. The Power and Pain of Language

• Jordan acknowledges the deep historical and emotional wounds certain words carry for marginalized communities, comparing anti-Black slurs to the “R word” for disabled people.
  • Quote: “It was white people that viciously used that word to dehumanize and demoralize an entire race of people, similar to the R word for disabled people. It cuts deep and damages us because of its history.” (02:00)

4. Disappointment with Media and Public Reaction

• The hosts express sadness that the positive strides for representation at the BAFTAs have been overshadowed by the incident, leading to division instead of celebration.
  • Quote: “What is also sad is this incident has overshadowed what was so wonderful about this year's BAFTAs. Two minorities… were being celebrated… but now we only have anger and division online.” (02:39)
• Jordan describes witnessing ableist and ignorant comments directed at John Davidson and expresses disappointment in the initial wording of Davidson’s public apology, while still supporting his sincerity.

5. Responsibility and Accountability

• Jordan and Simon emphasize the importance of intent, accountability, and the impact of unintentional harm.
  • Quote: “Even if you don't mean them, it doesn't mean others aren't hurt by them and don't deserve to have their feelings validated.” (05:00)
• The hosts encourage listeners to educate themselves by watching the film before forming an opinion and to recognize the difference between intent and impact.

6. Critique of Institutional Response

• Strong criticism is leveled at the BBC for its editorial choices, highlighting perceived inconsistency in protecting marginalized communities.
  • Quote: “I blame the BBC. They seem perfectly fine to edit out a speech about stopping the evil oppression of Palestinians, yet failed to protect the black community from being subjected to a traumatic incident.” (04:22)

7. Advocacy for Kindness and Media Literacy

• Jordan implores the audience to approach each other with empathy, especially in a digital age rife with division and manipulation.
  • Quote: “Please, please be kind. The world is being run by evil people who manipulate us with algorithms to keep us attacking each other and forget who is the real baddies, the filthy disgusting rich.” (06:03)

8. Gratitude Toward Those Affected

• The episode ends by recognizing the grace and professionalism of actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo during the incident.
  • Quote: “I would also like to thank Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo for their amazing poise and professionalism during the incident… and also hope they are okay.” (06:35)

Memorable Quotes

• “We just at the neurodivergent Experience arm and I wanted to make it clear of our support of John Davidson, a man that we greatly admire and a movie based on his life that is undoubtedly one of the best movies we've ever seen about neurodivergence.” (Jordan, 00:16)
• “My involuntary tics were misunderstood and got me into trouble when I had no malicious intent.” (Jordan, 01:39)
• “It was white people that viciously used that word to dehumanize and demoralize an entire race of people… It cuts deep and damages us because of its history.” (Jordan, 02:00)
• “Many people have been hurt by this and many people continue to be hurt by this.” (Jordan, 04:28)
• “Please… be kind. The world is being run by evil people who manipulate us with algorithms to keep us attacking each other and forget who is the real baddies, the filthy disgusting rich.” (Jordan, 06:03)
• “I would also like to thank Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo for their amazing poise and professionalism during the incident.” (Jordan, 06:35)

Important Timestamps

• 00:16 – Statement of support for John Davidson
• 01:16 – Jordan relates his Tourette’s experience
• 02:00 – On the pain of harmful language
• 02:39 – Incident overshadowing BAFTA's positive milestones
• 04:22 – Criticism of the BBC’s response
• 05:00 – On accountability and the importance of validating feelings
• 06:03 – Plea for kindness and media literacy
• 06:35 – Appreciation for Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo

Tone & Closing Thoughts

The episode is reflective, emotionally raw, and calls for unity and understanding. Jordan and Simon speak from personal experience, balancing compassion for John Davidson with a strong acknowledgment of the pain caused to the Black community. They encourage accountability, education, and critical thinking—urging their audience to be kind and to resist divisive narratives perpetuated through social media and mainstream institutions.