The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards were marked by unexpected disruptions Sunday night as John Davidson, a campaigner with Tourette’s syndrome and the subject of the nominated film I Swear, experienced a series of involuntary outbursts during the ceremony. The incidents, which included the use of expletives and a racial slur, prompted an apology from host Alan Cumming and sparked a conversation about navigating inclusivity and understanding at high-profile events. The incident underscores the challenges faced by individuals with Tourette’s syndrome and the complexities of representing their experiences in public forums.
Davidson’s tics, which manifest as sudden, repetitive movements and vocalizations – often including cursing – began in his youth, with a formal diagnosis coming at age 25, according to Variety. His presence at the awards was connected to the nomination of I Swear, a biopic detailing his life and struggles with the condition. During the broadcast, which was delayed by two hours on the BBC, Davidson was heard shouting profanities on multiple occasions.
According to reports from USA Today and Variety, Davidson’s outbursts included shouting “fuck you” when the directors of “Boong,” the winner of Best Children’s & Family Film, accepted their award, and “shut the fuck up” during an introductory speech by BAFTA chair Sara Putt. Most concerningly, he was too heard using a racial slur while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for Best Visual Effects to “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”
Cumming addressed the audience twice, acknowledging the disruptions and explaining that such outbursts can be a manifestation of Tourette’s syndrome. He stated, “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.” 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 apologise if you are offended tonight.”
Despite the unexpected nature of the outbursts, BAFTA officials reportedly took steps to prepare attendees. Variety reported that a floor manager informed the audience before the show began that Davidson’s Tourette’s might result in “involuntary noises or movements” during the ceremony. Despite this warning, the incidents were not edited from the final BBC broadcast.
Davidson reportedly left the ceremony of his own accord during the second half of the evening. According to Variety, as an invited guest, he would not have been asked to leave. The situation has prompted discussion about the balance between allowing individuals to experience public events authentically and maintaining a respectful environment for all attendees.
The BAFTA ceremony also celebrated several film achievements. Robert Aramayo’s portrayal of Davidson in I Swear earned him the Best Actor award, a surprise win over nominees including Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet. Aramayo also received the BAFTA Rising Star Award. One Battle After Another dominated the awards, taking home six prizes, including Best Film and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson. Jessie Buckley was named Best Actress for Hamnet, and Wunmi Mosaku won Best Supporting Actress for Sinners.
The ceremony also featured musical performances, including a rendition of “Golden” from the Netflix animation KPop Demon Hunters by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, and a moving performance of Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were” by Jessie Ware during the In Memoriam segment.
The incident involving John Davidson raises significant questions about representation, inclusivity, and the challenges of accommodating individuals with disabilities in public spaces. While BAFTA’s response aimed to create a respectful environment, the situation highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and understanding regarding conditions like Tourette’s syndrome.
The BBC has not yet released a statement regarding the decision to air the outbursts. Further discussion regarding the incident and BAFTA’s handling of the situation is expected in the coming days.
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