British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Film Awards host Alan Cumming paused the ceremony on Sunday night to address a series of involuntary outbursts from John Davidson, a Tourette’s syndrome campaigner and the real-life inspiration behind BAFTA-nominated film I Swear.
Davidson, who was an invited guest at the ceremony, experienced multiple tics throughout the evening—including shouted expletives and, at one point, the “n-word” during a presentation by Black actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.
Who Is John Davidson?
Davidson is a Scottish Tourette’s syndrome campaigner who 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, a 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 Is Tourette’s Syndrome?
Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by involuntary and repetitive movements and vocalizations known as tics. There is no cure.
Davidson’s symptoms—which include uncontrollable outbursts, often involving cursing—are among the more visible and widely misunderstood manifestations of the condition.
Since Davidson first went public with his diagnosis, a number of other public figures have also revealed they live with Tourette’s, including musicians Billie Eilish and Lewis Capaldi. Emma McNally, CEO of support and research charity Tourettes Action, said told Variety of Sunday’s ceremony that I Swear had already generated significant public interest, with viewers saying the film gave them “a far more accurate understanding of what Tourette’s can look like and how it affects the individual.”
What Happened at the BAFTAs?
Davidson attended Sunday’s BAFTA Film Awards at the Royal Festival Hall in London as an invited guest. Before the ceremony began, a floor manager introduced him to the audience and noted that involuntary noises or movements might occur during the show.
Despite the advance warning, several outbursts drew attention throughout the evening. “Shut the f*** up” was shouted during an introductory speech by BAFTA chair Sara Putt, and “f*** you” was heard when the directors of best children’s and family film winner Boong accepted their award. During a presentation by Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, Davidson shouted the “n-word” from the audience.
Cumming addressed the outbursts twice during the ceremony:
“You may have noticed some strong language in the background,” he told the crowd, which included the Prince and Princess of Wales. “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.”
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.”
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
Davidson appeared to leave the venue during the second half of the show. A source familiar with the matter told Variety he did so of his own accord and was not asked to leave.
BAFTA confirmed he was an invited guest and said under no circumstances would he have been removed from the ceremony.
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