Who Is John Davidson? Campaigner With Tourette's Shouted the 'N-word' at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo at the BAFTAs

A moment during the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards that took place on Sunday placed Scottish campaigner John Davidson at the centre of international attention after he shouted a racial slur during a live presentation by Sinners cast members, Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.

The outburst occurred as the pair presented the award for Best Visual Effects at London's Royal Festival Hall. Davidson, who lives with Tourette's syndrome, was attending the ceremony as the real-life subject of the nominated biographical film I Swear.

However, according to reports, organisers had warned the audience before the show that Davidson experiences involuntary vocal tics, including swearing, but the specific moment and its timing have sparked worldwide conversations.

What Happened During the BAFTA Incident

The disruption took place during the early part of the ceremony. As Jordan and Lindo stood on stage, Davidson shouted the N-word from the audience. In the clip, which is widely circulated on social media, Gasps were heard inside the venue.

Earlier in the evening, other audible tics included phrases such as 'shut the fu*k up' and 'fu*k you' during speeches. BAFTA host Alan Cumming addressed the audience directly, stating that Tourette's syndrome can involve involuntary vocalisations, and apologising if anyone was offended.

According to reports, Davidson left the ceremony voluntarily after approximately 25 minutes, and organisers confirmed he was an invited guest and had not been asked to leave.

Neither Michael B. Jordan nor Delroy Lindo issued immediate public statements about the incident, though both continued with the presentation professionally as it was seen in the clip.

Who Is John Davidson?

Davidson, 54, is a long-time advocate for awareness of Tourette's syndrome, a neurological condition characterised by involuntary motor and vocal tics. In some cases, it includes coprolalia, the involuntary utterance of socially inappropriate or offensive words.

Born in Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, Davidson reportedly began experiencing symptoms around age 12. He was later diagnosed in his teens. His condition led to bullying and isolation during adolescence, experiences documented in the 1989 BBC film John's Not Mad, which introduced many viewers in the UK to Tourette's for the first time.

Over the following decades, Davidson became a prominent campaigner, delivering talks in schools, working with police forces, and organising support camps for young people with Tourette's.

In 2019, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to Tourette's awareness.

Inspiration for the Film 'I Swear'

Davidson's life story inspired and was the central subject of the 2025 drama 'I Swear,' directed by Kirk Jones. Davidson's character was portrayed by actor Robert Aramayo in the film, which chronicles his teenage years and adult advocacy work.

The film received multiple BAFTA nominations in 2026, including Outstanding British Film. Aramayo, who won both the EE Rising Star Award and Best Leading Actor, praised Davidson's openness in educating the public about the condition during his acceptance speech.

Meanwhile, Davidson was spotted speaking on the red carpet before the ceremony about how high-pressure environments can increase tic frequency. He noted that large crowds and heightened emotion can trigger more severe vocalisations.

Public Reaction Is Polarised

Reactions to the specific BAFTA incident were mixed on social media. While some viewers expressed shock at the language used, particularly given its racial context, others have emphasised that Tourette's-related vocal tics are involuntary and can worsen under stress.

Actor Jamie Foxx also weighed in on the moment by adding comments under an Instagram post discussing the BAFTA incident. He said, 'naah, he meant that sh*t.'

According to experts on the condition, while coprolalia affects only a minority of people with Tourette's, when it does occur, it is not deliberate or reflective of personal beliefs.

Also, no evidence has emerged suggesting any racial intent or malice on Davidson's part. His leaving the ceremony on his own accord may also indicate that he understood what was happening and chose not to create more confusion.

The incident has since become the most widely discussed moment from BAFTA, with reactions and opinions still pouring in.