Last night’s British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) saw Alan Cumming pause his hosting quips and jokes to issue a clarification.
While actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage to present the award for best visual effects, John Davidson shouted a racial slur.
The campaigner for Tourette’s had also yelled out the likes of ‘shut the f**k up’ and ‘f**k you’ during the ceremony. And following the outburst of the N-word, which was picked up and clipped online, Davidson made a move from the BAFTAs.
The 54-year-old is the inspiration for new film I Swear, which depicts a young Scottish man suffering from the disorder.
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In real life, he was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome at the age of 25 and his symptoms include tics and uncontrollable outbursts, which often involve cursing.
During the second half of the ceremony, it appears Davidson left the room at London’s Royal Festival Hall with outbursts no longer heard.
Variety reports that it’s understood the campaigner left of his own accord and was not asked to leave by BAFTA. A source told the outlet that he was an ‘invited guest’ and under no circumstances would Davidson be asked to leave the awards ceremony.
Cumming gave the audience a bit of a clarification and apology for the language as 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.”
And he later issued a further statement to explain: “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 apologise if you are offended tonight.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the BBC, which broadcast the awards show on a time delay, said: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards 2026. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard.”
Davidson had also been introduced to the audience before the ceremony began as the floor manager said: “I’d like to welcome John Davidson MBE from one of our nominated films I Swear. John has Tourette’s Syndrome so please be aware you might hear some involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony.”
Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson in the film, beat out the likes of favourite Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio as he picked up the BAFTA for best actor as well as best newcomer.
“I honestly cannot believe that I have won this award,” the Hull-born 33-year-old said as he added during his rising star award: “John Davidson is the most remarkable man I ever met. He’s so forthcoming with education and he believes there should be still so much more we need to learn about Tourette’s. Especially, I just want to say for people who are living with Tourette’s it’s the buzz around them that helped define what their experience is so, to quote the film, 'They need support and understanding.'”
LADbible has contacted BAFTA for comment.
What is coprolalia (involuntary swearing)?
Coprolalia affects one in 10 people with Tourette's syndrome, and it means they will involuntarily blurt out obscene language.
The Tourette Association of America writes: "Particularly embarrassing for some individuals with coprolalia are involuntary outbursts within social contexts, such as racial or ethnic slurs in the company of the very people who would be most offended by such remarks.
"A minority of people with coprolalia have this particular problem. It is crucial to understand that these words or complex phrases do not necessarily reflect the thoughts, beliefs or opinions of the person with coprolalia."
The CDC emphasises that people with Tourette's cannot control their tics, saying many people compare it to 'having an itch or having to sneeze'.
The website explains: "You may try to stop the feeling, but eventually you will probably scratch or sneeze and you will feel a little better until the urge comes back.
"When people try to hold back their tics, it can cause stress, and the tic may become worse."
Who is John Davidson?
Davidson was the subject of 1989 BBC documentary John's Not Mad, which followed him as a 16-year-old schoolboy diagnosed with severe Tourette's syndrome.
He appeared in several follow-up documentaries as he grew up, and his story has been adapted into the film I Swear.
Davidson went on to be honoured with an MBE in 2019, and due to his nerves exacerbating his tics, he swore in front of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
He told the BBC: "I began ticcing and shouting and I was absolutely mortified.
"But then I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was one of the Royal Archers, the Queen's bodyguards while she's in Holyrood, and a voice said 'Don't stress, she knows all about your condition'.
"That to me was huge because I've struggled so much with everyday life, with people misunderstanding, and if the Queen of the United Kingdom can understand and ignore the tics and the swear words then why can't the rest of society?"
Topics: BAFTAs, Michael B Jordan
Jess Battison