BAFTAs apologize after guest with Tourette Syndrome uses racial slur as backlash grows
Tourette Syndrome campaigner John Davidson shouted several involuntary expletives and a racial slur during the BAFTA film awards ceremony, prompting onstage statements from host Alan Cumming, an apology from the, and public criticism from actors including Jamie Foxx and Wendell Pierce.
Tourette Syndrome outbursts interrupted the ceremony
Davidson, who inspired the film I Swear, was heard several times shouting during the ceremony, including at least one occasion when he used the N-word while Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan were on stage presenting the evening’s first prize. Other audible outbursts included “shut the fuck up” during an introductory speech by BAFTA chair Sara Putt and “fuck you” when the directors of Boong accepted the BAFTA for best children’s and family film. 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.
Host and broadcasters respond during the show
Host Alan Cumming made two announcements during the ceremony asking for understanding, telling the audience that Tourette’s tics can include involuntary language and that the person with the condition has no control over their language. He said: “We apologize if you are offended tonight. ” A spokesperson later apologized and said some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta film awards 2026, that it arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome and was not intentional.
Actors and creatives condemn the remarks
Jamie Foxx wrote “Unacceptable” and “Nah he meant that shit” beneath a post about the incident on social media. Wendell Pierce criticised the response to the outburst, calling it “infuriating that the first reaction wasn’t complete and full throated apologies to Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan, ” and saying the insult to those presenters “takes priority. ” Journalist Jemele Hill said Black people are not expected to be ok with being disrespected so others don’t feel bad. Sinners’ production designer Hannah Beachler said she had a racial slur directed at her and called BAFTA’s apology “throwaway. ”
Davidson’s background and his own statement
Davidson was diagnosed with the condition at the age of 25 and his symptoms first began when he was 12; his symptoms include tics and uncontrollable outbursts, often involving cursing. he said he was “deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning, ” that he has spent his life trying to support and empower the Tourette’s community and that he chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony because he was aware of the distress his tics were causing.
How the event was presented and broadcast
Before the ceremony a floor manager introduced Davidson 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 outbursts were not cut from the broadcast, which went out with a two-hour delay on One in the U. K. and on E! in the U. S. producers later said they “didn’t hear” the N-word slur because they were working in a truck.
I Swear, directed, written and produced by Kirk Jones, is up for five BAFTAs, including best leading actor for Robert Aramayo, best supporting actor for Peter Mullan, best original screenplay and casting — casting which it won — and is also competing for outstanding British film. Robert Aramayo was awarded BAFTA’s EE Rising Star award; collecting that award he praised John Davidson and urged more learning about Tourette’s.
Davidson’s statement said he will continue his advocacy and work to teach empathy, kindness and understanding for people living with Tourette’s. The has issued an apology for any offence caused, and the controversy has prompted public criticism from prominent actors and creatives.
