John Davidson's Tourette Syndrome Outbursts Ignite Global Debate at 2026 BAFTA Awards

The 79th BAFTA Film Awards delivered unforgettable cinema moments on Sunday, February 22 — but it was Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson whose involuntary verbal tics sparked the most explosive conversation of the night. The Scottish activist, whose life story inspired the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear, was heard by audiences worldwide shouting racial slurs and profanities as some of Hollywood's biggest stars took the stage at London's Royal Festival Hall.

Who Is John Davidson? The Man Behind I Swear

Davidson, who was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at the age of 25, first began experiencing symptoms at age 12. His tics include uncontrollable outbursts that often involve cursing. At 16, he was the subject of the BBC documentary John's Not Mad, which focused on living with Tourette's syndrome. He later became an ambassador for the condition, delivering talks and workshops in schools and to police forces, and organizing residential camps for young people with Tourette's.

In 2019, Davidson was awarded an MBE for his service, and in 2023 was invited by researchers at Nottingham University to test a treatment device that helped calm his tics. He has long been considered Britain's leading Tourette's campaigner and public face of the condition.

John Davidson Tourette Outbursts: What Happened at the BAFTAs

Davidson shouted "Boring!" while guests were taken through some of the housekeeping rules, and "Bullshit!" when people were asked not to curse. He also exclaimed "Shut the f**k up" while BAFTA chair Sara Putt made her introductory remarks.

The most jarring moment came when Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo — the stars of Sinners — were presenting the Best Visual Effects award. Jordan and Lindo, who are Black, appeared to pause for a beat after a racial slur was yelled before continuing their presentation. Davidson also shouted "f**k you" when the directors of Boong, winner of Best Children's and Family Film, accepted their award.

Guests were notified before the awards show began that they might hear Davidson's tics. A floor manager welcomed him, saying: "John has Tourette's Syndrome, so please be aware you might hear some involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony."

Alan Cumming's Response and the BBC Controversy

BAFTA host Alan Cumming interrupted proceedings multiple times to address the outbursts. Cumming explained: "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 stated: "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 BBC, which aired the ceremony with a two-hour delay, did not appear to edit out the slur. A BBC spokesperson said: "This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard." Actor Jamie Foxx publicly commented "unacceptable" in a social media post about the incident.

Davidson left the ceremony of his own accord around 25 minutes into the proceedings, and was not asked to leave by BAFTA.

I Swear Wins Big: Robert Aramayo Beats DiCaprio for Best Actor

Despite the controversy, the evening was a triumph for I Swear. The biggest shock of the ceremony came when Robert Aramayo beat out the likes of Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio for Best Actor. Aramayo also won the EE Rising Star Award. Collecting his award, Aramayo said: "John Davidson is the most remarkable man I ever met."

2026 BAFTA Winners: Full Highlights

One Battle After Another won six BAFTAs including Best Film, Director, and Adapted Screenplay for Paul Thomas Anderson. Sinners won three, including Original Screenplay for Ryan Coogler — making him the first Black filmmaker to win in that category.

Tourette Syndrome: A Deeply Misunderstood Condition

The John Davidson Tourette's moment at the BAFTA Awards has reignited worldwide debate about disability, inclusion, and public spaces. Davidson told reporters before the ceremony that he was worried about the involuntary tics, noting: "Certain things — like today, lots of people around, I'm feeling more tics in case I lash out." The CDC defines Tourette syndrome as a nervous system condition causing sudden, repeated twitches, movements, or sounds. There is currently no cure. Notable public figures including Billie Eilish and Lewis Capaldi have also publicly discussed living with the condition.