Baftas apologise after guest with Tourette Syndrome uses racial slur during ceremony
The star-studded Bafta ceremony was disrupted by repeated involuntary outbursts from John Davidson, the campaigner whose life inspired the film I Swear, prompting apologies from ceremony hosts and broadcasters and sparking public criticism from actors including Jamie Foxx and Wendell Pierce. The exchanges have sharpened focus on how tourette syndrome can present in public settings and how organisers respond when offensive language is heard live or in delayed broadcasts.
Alan Cumming explained tics to the audience
Host Alan Cumming addressed the auditorium twice, telling the audience — which included the Prince and Princess of Wales — that the noises and words were involuntary. Cumming said that Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability and that the tics heard were not under the control of the person concerned, and he offered an apology: “We apologize if you are offended tonight. ” The floor manager had also introduced John Davidson earlier, 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. ”
Outbursts heard during stage presentations
Several strong expletives were audible in the auditorium and on the delayed broadcast, including “shut the fuck up” during a speech by BAFTA chair Sara Putt and “fuck you” when the directors of Boong accepted the award for best children’s and family film. During the presentation for best visual effects — announced while Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan were on stage — Davidson shouted the N-word as Avatar: Fire and Ash received that prize, a moment that fuelled much of the subsequent backlash.
Reactions from actors and creatives
Jamie Foxx wrote in response to online posts about the incident, calling the behaviour “Unacceptable” and adding “Nah he meant that shit. ” Wendell Pierce said the first reaction should have been “complete and full throated apologies to Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan, ” adding that the insult to them “takes priority” regardless of the reason for the slur. Journalist Jemele Hill commented that Black people are expected to accept disrespect so others “don’t feel bad. ” Production designer Hannah Beachler said she had a racial slur directed at her during the event and criticised what she called the ceremony’s “throwaway” apology for those offended.
Tourette Syndrome context and Davidson’s statement
Variety noted Davidson was diagnosed at 25 and first experienced symptoms at 12, with his symptoms including tics and uncontrollable outbursts often involving cursing. ’s coverage described tourette syndrome as a motor control disorder characterised by muscular and vocal tics and said some 10-20% of people with the condition are affected by loud, involuntary swearing, known as coprolalia. Davidson said he was “deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning, ” and that he has worked to support the Tourette’s community. He said he left the auditorium early because he was aware his tics were causing distress.
Broadcast and production notes
The outbursts were not cut from the delayed television broadcast, which went out with a two-hour delay on One in the U. K. (and on E! in the U. S. ). A spokesperson apologised, saying viewers “may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta film awards 2026” that arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with tourette syndrome and that it was not intentional. producers said they “didn’t hear” the N-word slur because they were “working in a truck. ” Variety understood Davidson left of his own accord and was not asked to leave by organisers, and an earlier source described him as an invited guest who would not be asked to leave.
I Swear, its nominations and awards
The film I Swear, inspired by Davidson’s life, was nominated for multiple awards. It was up for five BAFTAs including best leading actor for Robert Aramayo, best supporting actor for Peter Mullan, best original screenplay and casting (the latter of which it won), and it was competing for outstanding British film. The film was directed, written and produced by Kirk Jones. Robert Aramayo, who portrays Davidson at 25, won BAFTA’s EE Rising Star award and called Davidson “the most remarkable man I ever met, ” saying he is “so forthcoming with education” about Tourette’s and that there is “still so much more we need to learn about Tourette’s. ”
Organisers and broadcasters have issued apologies and statements; the immediate next steps confirmed in the coverage are ongoing broadcaster responses and the public statements from Davidson and the as the awards fallout continues.
