Alan Cumming Asks for Understanding After Tourette Campaigner John Davidson Shouts Slurs at BAFTAs

Alan Cumming thanked the audience for their understanding after a series of audible outbursts from Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson disrupted the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Sunday, 22 February. The interruptions — including profanity and a racial slur during several presentations — prompted the host to pause and explain the situation, an intervention that shaped the night’s tone and raised questions about how live events handle involuntary tics.

Alan Cumming pauses the show and asks for understanding

As host, Alan Cumming moved through his opening monologue despite early heckling and then later paused the ceremony to address the disruptions. He thanked the audience for creating a respectful space and explained that some strong language heard in the room can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome manifests for some people. Cumming described the tics as involuntary and offered an apology to anyone who felt offended. The audience that heard his remarks included the Prince and Princess of Wales.

John Davidson’s outbursts: words, context and departure

John Davidson, a Tourette’s campaigner and the inspiration for the film I Swear, was among those in the audience and was introduced before the ceremony as John Davidson MBE from one of the nominated films. The floor manager warned attendees they might hear involuntary noises or movements. Davidson was diagnosed with Tourette’s at 25, with symptoms that first began when he was 12; those symptoms include tics and uncontrollable outbursts that often involve cursing.

Several audible outbursts occurred during the event. One shouted comment of "shut the fuck up" came during an introductory speech from BAFTA chair Sara Putt. When the directors of Boong accepted the award for best children’s and family film the room heard "fuck you. " During the presentation of best visual effects by Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo — when the award was given to Avatar: Fire and Ash — Davidson was heard to shout the n-word. These interruptions were not limited to the live room; many were audible on the television feed.

Davidson appeared to leave the room before the ceremony’s second half, and the outbursts were not heard after his departure. He left of his own accord and was not asked to leave by organizers. Earlier in the evening an individual had characterized Davidson as an invited guest who would not be asked to leave under any circumstances.

"I Swear, " Robert Aramayo and awards context

The film I Swear features Robert Aramayo portraying John Davidson at age 25, following his earlier appearance in the seminal documentary John’s Not Mad, which first introduced Tourette’s to a wider audience. I Swear was directed, written and produced by Kirk Jones and was nominated across five BAFTAs, including leading actor for Robert Aramayo, supporting actor for Peter Mullan, original screenplay and casting; the film won the casting award and was also listed among contenders for outstanding British film.

Robert Aramayo was recognized during the ceremony with the Rising Star award and went on to win the Best Actor prize for his role in I Swear. While collecting his Rising Star recognition he described John Davidson as a remarkable man who is forthcoming with education, argued there remains much to learn about Tourette’s, and said that the buzz around people living with Tourette’s helped define their experience.

Venue, celebrity attendees, broadcast questions and public reaction

The ceremony took place at the Royal Festival Hall on 22 February and drew a high-profile audience; among those who arrived were Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan and Emma Stone. Interruptions such as calls of "boring" and expletives were heard at various points and were audible to viewers of the televised feed.

Organizers did not comment on whether the outbursts would be edited from the delayed U. K. broadcast; the ceremony is shown on a delayed feed in some territories and is distributed on an international streaming service in others. Recent updates indicate this situation remains one where details may evolve.