BAFTA Film Awards 2026: BBC apologises after Tourette's campaigner John Davidson interrupted ceremony with racial slur
The BBC has issued an apology after Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson was heard yelling verbal tics throughout the BAFTA Film Awards, including a racist slur as Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award.
Davidson, who is a prominent Tourette syndrome campaigner, was heard verbally ticcing throughout the broadcast of the annual awards ceremony, which was shown on BBC One on Sunday evening (February 22).
During one moment close to the start of the ceremony, Davidson could be heard yelling a racist slur as Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo took to the stage to present an award. The duo could be seen momentarily pausing before continuing to present the award.
Davidson was also heard swearing during other moments in the ceremony, including yelling ‘shut the f*** up’ during an introductory speech by BAFTA chair Sarah Putt. He also was heard yelling ‘f*** you’ while the directors of Boong accepted the award for Best Children’s and Family Film.
Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder in which those with the condition often present with uncontrolled movement or vocal tics. Coprolalia, which affects around one in 10 people with Tourette’s according to the CDC, is when vocal tics are comprised of obscene, offensive or taboo words and phrases, which the person saying is unable to control.
Tourette Association of America says: “The public often views these behaviors as either strange or offensive and hostile. However, the presence of coprolalia symptoms is not related to one’s intelligence or character.”
In a new statement, the BBC has apologised for “any offence caused” by Davidson's vocal tics which were heard in the broadcast. A statement from the broadcaster read: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards 2026.
“This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard.”
Ceremony host Alan Cumming also referenced the incidents during the broadcast of the show, explaining the outbursts heard from the audience. He said: “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 also 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 apologize if you are offended tonight.”
Ed Palmer, vice chairman of Tourettes Action, told Times Radio that the BBC should have considered cutting the offensive remarks out of the pre-recorded show. At the time of writing, the version as broadcast on Sunday evening is still available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Palmer said: “This is really one of the most acute examples of where something that is a disability can cause quite understandably huge amounts of offence to someone.So, if it’s being pre-recorded now, then bleeping it out, for example, might be a reasonable compromise. But I think it has to be taken on a case-by-case kind of decision and scenario.
“But I’m very, very mindful of the people that would have quite understandably been hugely offended by whatever word was said, or an offensive word that’s used by somebody with tics and Tourettes.”
Davidson was in attendance at the BAFTA Film Awards 2026 with his biopic film I Swear. The film, in which he is played by Robert Aramayo, tells the story of his life from developing Tourette’s as a young boy to how it has impacted his life ever since.
His verbal tics at last night’s ceremony, in particular the incident involving Jordan and Lindo, has sparked controversy online. While some have been understanding of Davidson’s condition, others have demanded an apology for his use of the offensive word.
Actor Jamie Foxx took to social media where he claimed that Davidson “meant that” when he used the racist slur. Commenting on the incident, Foxx said: “Out of all the word you could’ve said Tourette’s make you say that? Nah he meant that s***”.