John Davidson at the BAFTAs: john davidson’s Tourette’s outburst interrupts awards

john davidson, the campaigner whose life inspired the film I Swear, was heard cursing and twice shouting a racial slur during the BAFTA Film Awards, drawing an onstage explanation from host Alan Cumming and prompting widespread debate among attendees. The incident unfolded during presentations and afterparties, and the broadcaster later apologized for not editing the language from the delayed transmission.

Outburst during Sinners presentation targeted Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo

The most shocking moment came while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the BAFTA for best visual effects to Avatar: Fire and Ash. John Davidson shouted the N-word at the pair, which followed earlier audible tics and expletives from Davidson during the ceremony. Robert Aramayo, the I Swear star inspired by Davidson, was among those in the room; the outburst drew gasps from the audience and left Michael B. Jordan visibly startled.

Alan Cumming addressed tics onstage after earlier monologue

Host Alan Cumming interrupted his hosting at points to explain the situation to the audience after Davidson’s outburst. Cumming 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 for helping create a respectful space for everyone. ” Later he reiterated: “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. ”

Housekeeping warnings, early expletives and a 25-minute exit

Guests had been warned before the show that Davidson’s tics might be audible. 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. ” Over the first 20 minutes, Davidson was heard shouting things including “Boring!” during housekeeping, “Bullshit!” when attendees were asked not to curse, and “Shut the fuck up” during BAFTA chair Sara Putt’s introductory remarks. He left the ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall around 25 minutes into the proceedings of his own accord.

Afterparties, dinner and reactions from Delroy Lindo and other guests

After the ceremony, at a Warner Bros. after-party, Delroy Lindo said he and Michael B. Jordan “did what we had to do” while presenting, and that he wished “someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterward. ” Lindo was later seen in good spirits chatting with his costar Wunmi Mosaku, who won the BAFTA for best supporting actress. Robert Aramayo also had a notable night: he won the BAFTA rising-star award and the lead-actor prize over Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio. BAFTA hosted a dinner for nominees and guests after the ceremony, where the Davidson incident was widely discussed.

Broadcaster apologizes and removes slur from future broadcasts; other edits noted

The ceremony had been aired on a tape delay, but the slur remained in the broadcast. A broadcaster spokesperson said: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional. We apologize that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed. ” That same broadcaster did not air Akinola Davies Jr. saying “free Palestine” at the end of his speech and said that “all edits were made to ensure the program was delivered to time. ”

Discussion in the film community and accounts from production designer Hannah Beachler

The incident sparked debate among attendees and online about Tourette’s syndrome and how involuntary tics are understood. Some guests emphasized that Tourette’s is deeply misunderstood; others said the language could have been emotionally triggering for presenters. Sinners production designer Hannah Beachler wrote on social media that the situation was “almost impossible… it happened 3 times that night, and one of the three times was directed at myself on the way to dinner after the show. ”

• Key figures named in the night’s events: John Davidson; Alan Cumming; Michael B. Jordan; Delroy Lindo; Robert Aramayo; Wunmi Mosaku; Sara Putt; Hannah Beachler; Akinola Davies Jr.; Timothée Chalamet; Leonardo DiCaprio; Ethan Hawke; Ryan Coogler.