John Davidson outbursts prompt Alan Cumming to ask for ‘understanding’ at BAFTAs
At the BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday night, john davidson — the Tourette’s campaigner who inspired the film I Swear — produced a number of audible involuntary outbursts during the ceremony, prompting host Alan Cumming to ask the audience for understanding and for organisers and broadcasters to apologise for any offence caused. The episodes were heard in the auditorium and on the delayed television broadcasts, and organisers said the campaigner later left the room.
Alan Cumming thanked the room and addressed involuntary tics with the Prince and Princess of Wales present
Host Alan Cumming told the audience, which included the Prince and Princess of Wales, that some strong language could be heard in the background and that "this can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience. " He later 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. " Cumming also thanked attendees for their understanding and for helping create a respectful space.
Specific shouts interrupted speeches and presentations
Several outbursts were audible at moments through the ceremony. During an introductory speech from BAFTA chair Sara Putt, someone shouted "shut the fuck up. " When the directors of Boong accepted the award for best children’s and family film, an individual shouted "fuck you. " During the presentation of the award for best visual effects to Avatar: Fire and Ash, the audience heard an outburst that included the n-word while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage; both presenters appeared to pause and then continued. A clip of a member of the audience shouting as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo appeared on stage has circulated online.
Organisers introduced John Davidson MBE and warned of possible involuntary noises
Before the ceremony began, the floor manager introduced John Davidson MBE to the audience, 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 documentary John’s Not Mad; davidson was diagnosed with Tourette’s at 25 and first showed symptoms at 12, with those symptoms described as tics and uncontrollable outbursts often involving cursing.
Film nominations, wins and Robert Aramayo’s remarks
I Swear was directed, written and produced by Kirk Jones and was up for five BAFTAs, including best leading actor for Robert Aramayo and best supporting actor for Peter Mullan, plus best original screenplay and casting — the latter of which the film won. It was also competing for outstanding British film. Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson at 25, was awarded the EE Rising Star prize on the night and also won best actor at the BAFTAs for his performance in I Swear, beating Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio. Collecting an 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 Tourette’s it’s the bu" — the quotation ends mid-sentence and is unclear in the provided context.
Departure, broadcast handling and health guidance on Tourette syndrome
The outbursts could not be heard in the second half of the ceremony when john davidson appeared to have left the room. Organisers said he left of his own accord and was not asked to leave by BAFTA; earlier statements indicated he was an invited guest and would not be asked to leave the ceremony. The outbursts were not cut for the broadcast, which went out with a two-hour delay in the U. K. and in the U. S., and the awards body did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A broadcaster apologised for the strong and offensive language heard during the ceremony and attributed the outbursts to an attendee with Tourette syndrome.: "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. " Health guidance noted that Tourette syndrome causes sudden, repetitive sounds or movements called tics; there is no cure but the condition can be managed through treatment, and tics can be triggered by stress, excitement or tiredness. Another public health body adds that only around one in 10 people with the condition suffer from coprolalia, where a tic is the excessive or uncontrollable use of inappropriate language.
