Empathy Over Outrage: Stan Collymore’s Measured Take on the BAFTAs Storm

In a week where social media has been primed to pounce on every misstep, Stan Collymore has gone the other way—urging empathy and a bit of British common sense after a controversial moment at the BAFTAs. The former Liverpool, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest forward weighed in after an involuntary outburst from Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson triggered a storm during the live broadcast.

What actually happened on the night

At London’s Royal Festival Hall, as Hollywood duo Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo took to the stage to present the first award, Davidson—whose life story inspired BAFTA-nominated film “I Swear”—experienced several vocal tics that were audible on the broadcast, including a slur. Host Alan Cumming paused to calmly explain to viewers that such language can be a symptom of Tourette’s, asking the audience for understanding so everyone could be respected.

Collymore’s call for empathy

Collymore’s take on X struck a balance that too often goes missing in the pile-on era. He acknowledged the pain that such language can cause, especially in a setting as high-profile as the BAFTAs, but stressed that Davidson’s outburst was not a choice. Coprolalia—the involuntary use of taboo words—is a recognised facet of Tourette’s, and those living with it deserve understanding, not vilification. He also noted that UK disability law offers protections for people with such conditions, a crucial point as the online discourse veered towards blame.

The former England striker even outlined how he’d have handled it had he been on stage: feel the sting in the moment, step backstage to find out what happened, then seek Davidson out, share a hug and defuse the tension with a touch of humanity. He rounded off his thoughts by urging people to learn more about Tourette’s and the lived experiences behind it, pointing viewers toward Tourettes Action UK.

BBC responds

The BBC came under fire for broadcasting the slur in the initial airing. In response, the corporation apologised and confirmed that the word would be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer, conceding it should have been edited out before transmission.

Pundit’s view: two truths, one lesson

Here’s the rub. Two things can be true at once: the word heard is hurtful, and the person who said it didn’t intend harm—because intent wasn’t in play. That’s not a get-out; it’s a plea for grown-up nuance. Collymore’s stance lands squarely in that space, and it’s the right place to be.

For live events, the takeaway is obvious. Better pre-briefs, crisper communication to audience and viewers, and swift, compassionate explanation on air. Cumming did well to steady the room, while the BBC’s edit on replay is the sensible call. Most of all, it’s a reminder that disability isn’t a headline to be weaponised. It’s a reality demanding respect.

In football, we talk about reading the game. This was about reading the room. Empathy first, outrage later—if at all. And when a high-profile ex-pro like Collymore leads with understanding rather than baying for blood, it sets the tone. It’s not about excusing language; it’s about recognising a condition and protecting the people who live with it every day.

For more from us—including our guides to the best betting sites—head back to the homepage. But on this story, the final word should be simple: learn before you leap, and remember that sometimes the kindest response is also the smartest one.