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By Dan Gooding
Associate News Editor
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Tourette's syndrome activist John Davidson said Monday that he left the BAFTA Awards in London early Sunday after his tics caused "distress" after he was heard involuntarily using the "N-word."
Davidson, who was the subject of the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear, uttered the slur during a presentation by Black actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.
"In addition to the announcement by Alan Cumming, the BBC and BAFTA, I can only add that I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning," Davidson said in a statement to Variety.
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"I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette’s community and to teach empathy, kindness and understanding from others and I will continue to do so. I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing.”
Why It Matters
Host Alan Cumming addressed the interruptions in real time, reminding the audience that Davidson’s tics were involuntary and something that he has no control over.
The clip quickly ignited debate online, with many accusing Davidson of racism while others pushed back, citing the nature of coprolalia—a symptom affecting some people with Tourette’s that can cause spontaneous, unwanted utterances of profanities or other inappropriate language.
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What To Know
The incident prompted the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) to apologize for “offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many." The BBC apologized after the moment was broadcast unedited.
In his statement, Davidson thanked BAFTA and all involved in Sunday's ceremony, adding that he appreciated the announcement in advance of the recording, which warned the audience about his involuntary tics.
"I was heartened by the round of applause that followed this announcement and felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me," he said.
What is the Film 'I Swear' About?
Davidson, a Scottish Tourette's syndrome campaigner, first gained public attention in 1989 after appearing in a seminal BBC documentary, John's Not Mad, which introduced millions of viewers to the realities of living with the condition.
Davidson, who began experiencing symptoms at age 12 but wasn't diagnosed until he was 25, has spent four decades advocating for greater awareness and understanding of Tourette's.
He is now the real-life inspiration behind I Swear, the BAFTA-nominated film directed by Kirk Jones that chronicles his life.
The film stars Robert Aramayo—known for Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power—as Davidson and is nominated for five BAFTAs, including best leading actor, best supporting actor, best original screenplay, and outstanding British film. It took home the award for casting on Sunday night.
What People Are Saying
Alan Cumming, BAFTA host: "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."
Leader of Britain's opposition party, the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, told Good Morning Britain: "Someone with Tourette's said something they shouldn't have done, we are not going to blame their disability, but it should have been bleeped. That is a huge error, that is the first thing that the apology should've been made for."
Robert Aramayo, EE Rising Star Award winner: "John Davidson is the most remarkable man I ever met. He's so forthcoming with education and he believes there should be still so much more we need to learn about Tourette's."
Emma McNally, CEO of Tourette's Action told Variety: "Viewers have told us that seeing John's real story portrayed with such depth and honesty has given them a far more accurate understanding of what Tourette's can look like and how it affects the individual."
What Happens Next
The BBC said Monday that the moment would be removed from the streaming recording of Sunday's ceremony.
This article contains reporting by The Associated Press.
Update 2/23/26, 3:44 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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