At the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards in London, Tourette’s syndrome campaigner John Davidson made several involuntary outbursts, including the N-word, during the ceremony. Host Alan Cumming addressed the audience to explain the situation and apologize for any offense. The incident occurred as Davidson, the real-life inspiration for the film I Swear, attended the event.
The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards took place on Sunday, February 22, in London, England. Before the ceremony began, a floor manager informed the audience that John Davidson, a Tourette’s syndrome campaigner diagnosed at age 25 with symptoms starting at 12, might make involuntary noises or outbursts due to his condition.
Throughout the event, Davidson’s vocal tics were audible. He shouted “shut the f*k up” during BAFTA chair Sara Putt’s introductory speech and “f*k you” when the directors of Arco won for best children’s and family film. The most notable incident happened during Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo’s presentation of the best visual effects award, won by Avatar: Fire and Ash. Davidson shouted the N-word at that moment, but Jordan and Lindo professionally continued without interruption.
Host Alan Cumming addressed the outbursts twice. First, he said, “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience. Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.” Later, he added, “Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette’s Syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you are offended tonight.”
According to Variety, Davidson left the ceremony voluntarily during the second half and was not asked to leave by BAFTA. The film I Swear, based on Davidson’s life, received BAFTA nominations and wins. Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson in the movie, won leading actor, beating nominees like Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, and Jesse Plemons. In his acceptance speech, Aramayo said, “I absolutely can’t believe this... Everyone in this category blows me away.” He also praised Davidson: “John Davidson is the most remarkable man I ever met... They need support and understanding.” Aramayo additionally won the EE Rising Star Award.
It’s unclear if the outbursts will appear in the later broadcast. So, in a night of triumphs and tics, did the BAFTAs handle the drama with grace?
