John Davidson's Tourette's Outbursts at the 2026 BAFTAs Ignite Global Debate Over I Swear, Alan Cumming, and Michael B. Jordan

The most talked-about moment from the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards wasn't a winner's speech — it was John Davidson, the 54-year-old Scottish Tourette's syndrome campaigner who inspired the acclaimed film I Swear, whose involuntary outbursts from the audience at London's Royal Festival Hall stopped the ceremony in its tracks, forced host Alan Cumming to intervene twice, and sparked a fierce online debate about disability, race, and public accountability.

Who Is John Davidson MBE?

John Davidson developed tics and uncontrollable vocalisations as a teenager. He wasn't diagnosed with Tourette's until he was 25 years old and has spoken of his tics being a deep embarrassment to him at that time in his life. He has suffered many unjust experiences throughout his life due to his Tourette's causing uncontrollable outbursts, including being remanded once for assault — a case that was later dismissed.

Davidson is a remarkable ambassador for his disability, helping support others through public speaking and other activism. In 2018, he was awarded an honor by Queen Elizabeth II for his work in increasing understanding of the condition. He was featured in the 1989 documentary John's Not Mad. "Tourette's is such an awful condition that most of the time I don't want to be the centre of attention," Davidson told BBC News. "I want to be able to walk down the street and not be noticed because I'm shouting or swearing."

What Happened at the BAFTAs — Minute by Minute

Davidson's outbursts punctuated the first 20+ minutes of the ceremony. He shouted "Boring!" while guests were taken through housekeeping rules before the show began, and "Bullshit!" when people were asked not to curse. He exclaimed "Shut the f*** up" while BAFTA chair Sara Putt made her introductory remarks — and later prompted gasps when he said the n-word as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage presenting the Best Visual Effects award to Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Before the ceremony began, the floor manager introduced Davidson to the audience: "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."

Davidson left the ceremony approximately 25 minutes into the proceedings — of his own accord, and not as a result of being asked to leave by BAFTA.

Alan Cumming's On-Air Response

Alan Cumming twice halted the show to address the audience, which included Prince William and Princess Catherine. "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, Cumming 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."

The Michael B. Jordan Moment Divides the Internet

On X, several users called for a formal apology. One wrote: "Two things can be true at once. John Davidson having the outburst due to Tourette's Syndrome is an unfortunate situation. However, Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo being called that in a room full of their peers can't feel great either. They deserve a public apology." Another posted: "Tourettes or not it always falls on Black people to hold it together and be the bigger person and make accommodations for everyone else — it's exhausting. Michael and Delroy deserve an apology from the BAFTAs and John Davidson."

I Swear — The Film at the Center of It All

Robert Aramayo pulled off one of the all-time BAFTA upsets, beating Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Timothée Chalamet, Jesse Plemons, and Michael B. Jordan to take home Best Actor. "I absolutely can't believe this," a tearful Aramayo said. "John Davidson is the most remarkable man I ever met. They need support and understanding."