I Swear star hits out at American reaction to BAFTA controversy: 'Absolutely furious!'

Christina Ashford has said she was "absolutely furious" at the reaction from some Americans following this year's Bafta controversy, claiming many critics "hadn't watched the film" before making assumptions about Tourette's syndrome.

Speaking exclusively to GB News at the National Film Awards in London, the I Swear star reflected on the fallout from the February ceremony, where an involuntary verbal tic from Tourette's campaigner John Davidson MBE sparked international headlines.

Ms Ashford, who portrays Queen Elizabeth II in the Bafta-winning drama, said the incident ultimately shone a spotlight on the neurological condition and the challenges faced by those living with Tourette's syndrome.

Asked what brought her to the National Film Awards, the actress said she was proud to support the film because of the awareness it has generated.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

"We've been nominated, and I played a character in the film, and I think it's such an amazing film for raising awareness of Tourette's. So yeah, really here to support it," she said.

Ms Ashford added the film had encouraged important conversations about the condition.

"I think there are so many people who weren't really fully aware of Tourette's and how it actually affects people's lives. So yeah, it's been a massive talking point."

The actress was also asked about the controversy at the Baftas, where Mr Davidson involuntarily shouted the N-word during the ceremony as a result of coprolalia, a rare symptom of Tourette's syndrome.

The BBC later came under heavy criticism after the slur was broadcast unedited despite the ceremony airing on a two-hour delay.

An internal BBC investigation later concluded the corporation had breached its own editorial standards, while Bafta also apologised following an independent review into the incident.

Asked whether the controversy had, despite the circumstances, increased awareness of Tourette's syndrome, Ms Ashford replied: "I think so. I think you have to take a positive from something like that.

"And the fact is, that incident very typically demonstrates what John has had to deal with his entire life."

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• ITV Take Me Out star calls for more protection of reality TV stars amid Married at First Sight saga
• Alex Kingston delivers honest verdict on BBC Strictly's controversial pro dancer exits: 'A shame!'
• EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy was on verge of 'breakdown' after daughter, 9, rushed to hospital

Mr Davidson, who served as executive producer on I Swear, later said he was "deeply mortified" by the incident, stressing that his involuntary tics in no way reflected his beliefs or values.

Ms Ashford also suggested there had been differing reactions on either side of the Atlantic.

"I think the answer to that is yes," she said when asked whether Americans and Britons appeared to understand the issue differently.

"I've got to be careful how I say this... but I think we are more tolerant, on the whole, of people's disabilities.

"I was annoyed at the reaction, I was absolutely furious, and I just thought, they haven't watched the film. They need to see the film.

"Because when people see the film, it does fully explain so much."

She continued: "They were obviously making suppositions of why people swear or shout out or have these problems without really fully understanding the condition."

I Swear tells the true story of Davidson's life, charting his journey growing up with Tourette's syndrome before becoming one of Britain's leading campaigners for greater awareness and understanding of the condition.

The critically acclaimed film, directed by Kirk Jones and starring Robert Aramayo as Mr Davidson alongside Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson, Peter Mullan and Ashford, won three BAFTAs earlier this year and is currently available to stream on Prime Video.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter