John Davidson: john davidson’s outbursts prompt Alan Cumming plea at BAFTAs

Host Alan Cumming thanked the audience for their understanding after a number of audible outbursts from john davidson during the BAFTA Film Awards on February 22. Davidson, the Tourette’s campaigner who inspired the film I Swear, was diagnosed at the age of 25 and first experienced symptoms at 12.

John Davidson introduced as MBE

Before the ceremony began the floor manager introduced John Davidson MBE, saying: “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. ” The film I Swear follows Davidson at the age of 25 after his appearance in the seminal documentary John’s Not Mad. I Swear was directed, written, and produced by Kirk Jones.

Incidents during Bafta speeches

A number of outbursts were audible throughout the ceremony. During an introductory speech from BAFTA chair Sara Putt, “shut the fuck up” was shouted. When the directors of Boong accepted the BAFTA for best children’s and family film Davidson shouted “fuck you. ” During the presentation for best visual effects, when Michael B, Jordan and Delroy Lindo announced the win for Avatar: Fire and Ash, the audience heard Davidson shout the n-word. The context given notes that Davidson’s symptoms include tics and uncontrollable outbursts, often involving cursing.

Cumming’s on-stage explanation

Cumming addressed the audience early in the ceremony and later again, asking for “understanding. ” 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. ” His later statement 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 audience included the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Departure and broadcast decisions

The outbursts could not be heard in the second half of the ceremony when Davidson appeared to have left the room. He left of his own accord and was not asked to leave by BAFTA. Davidson was an “invited guest” and under no circumstances would he be asked to leave the ceremony. BAFTA did not respond to comment on whether the outbursts would be cut for the broadcast; the ceremony goes out with a two-hour delay on One in the U. K. and in the U. S. it goes out on E! Bafta also said the UK broadcast complied with its pre-watershed slot.

Aramayo wins and other highlights

Robert Aramayo was one of the biggest winners of the night, taking best actor for I Swear and also receiving the EE Rising Star award, which is voted for by the public. The film I Swear is up for five BAFTAs, including best leading actor for Aramayo, best supporting actor for Peter Mullan, best original screenplay and casting (the latter of which it won), and it is also competing for outstanding British film. Collecting his EE Rising Star award, Aramayo said: “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 Tour”

Host debut and speeches

Scottish actor and presenter Alan Cumming was making his debut as host this year, following two years with David Tennant hosting. His opening monologue included jokes such as: “One Battle After Another, Sentimental Value, Pillion – it’s been a great year for daddy issues” and: “Please familiarise yourself with your nearest film star; your closest one could be behind you, if you play your cards right at the after-party”. He also played a game where he brought mostly American celebrities classic UK snacks: Hula Hoops to Emma Stone, Hob Nobs to Leonardo DiCaprio and Scampi Fries to Timothee Chalamet.

Industry remarks and winners

One Battler After Another and Sinners led the winners of the night. Several speeches referenced the power of the big screen despite mounting industry challenges. Paul Thomas Anderson said: “Anybody who says movies aren’t good anymore can piss right off because this was a good fucking year. ” Joachim Trier described Sentimental Value as part of “a big group of films this year that are made for the big screen… films that are made for deep, humanist viewing. ” Donna Langley, collecting her BAFTA fellowship, warned of “moments of change and disruption”, urging the industry to shape the future “by the risks we take and the people we back. So, let us continue to adapt, be resilient, and make room for new voices. ” Clare Binns, receiving the outstanding British contribution to cinema award, said: “I’m still having to shout out for more women and more diversity in our industry - it matters and I truly believe we are missing a business trick if we don’t move faster than we have. ” Unlike last night’s Berlinale closing ceremony, the speeches mostly stayed clear of politics.

A write-up related to the ceremony carries bylines Orlando Parfitt and Ellie Calnan with a timestamp 2026-02-22T22: 14: 00+00: 00.

Closing: The ceremony combined recognition for films such as I Swear, One Battler After Another and Sinners with an on-stage appeal from Alan Cumming for understanding of involuntary Tourette’s symptoms after the audible outbursts by john davidson.