John Davidson
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Tourette's syndrome advocate John Davidson has said he was 'deeply mortified' if anyone considered his involuntary tics at the 79th BAFTA Film Awards to be intentional, after he was heard shouting the N-word while Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award on stage on 22 February.

Davidson attended the ceremony at London's Royal Festival Hall as an executive producer of I Swear, the BAFTA-nominated biopic based on his life with Tourette's syndrome. He had spoken to CNN on the red carpet before the show began, saying crowds and social pressure were known to increase his tics. 'Lots of people around, I'm feeling very, you know, more tics in case I lash out,' he told the outlet.

The incident occurred approximately 25 minutes into the ceremony when Jordan and Lindo - both Black took the stage to present the award for Best Special Visual Effects. Davidson's tics produced an audible shout of the N-word. The two actors paused before continuing their presentation. The award went to Avatar: Fire and Ash. Davidson had also shouted 'Bullshit!' when attendees were asked to refrain from swearing, and 'Shut the f*** up' during BAFTA chair Sara Putt's introductory remarks earlier in the show, The Hollywood Reporter revealed. He left the auditorium of his own accord shortly after and watched the remainder of the ceremony from a screen backstage.

Davidson's Statement on BAFTA Tics

In a statement released on 23 February, Davidson said: 'I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning,' according to Rolling Stone. He thanked BAFTA for announcing to the audience before the show that his tics were involuntary and not a reflection of his personal beliefs, and thanked host Alan Cumming for addressing the matter several times during the ceremony. '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,' Davidson said.

Davidson, who was diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome at the age of 25 and has campaigned for awareness of the condition for decades, did not address Jordan or Lindo directly in his statement. 'I chose to leave the auditorium early in the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing,' he said. '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.'

Speaking to Vanity Fair after the show, Lindo said he and Jordan 'did what we had to do' while onstage and added that he wished 'someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterward.' Representatives for both actors did not respond to requests for comment.

BBC and BAFTA Both Issue Apologies

The BBC did not edit Davidson's outburst from its broadcast, which aired on a two-hour tape delay on BBC One and on E! in the United States. The corporation subsequently removed the clip from its BBC iPlayer platform and issued an apology: 'Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional. We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast,' NBC News reported.

BAFTA issued a separate apology, stating the organisation acknowledged 'the harm this has caused' and the 'very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many.' It apologised 'unreservedly' to Jordan and Lindo, described them as handling the situation with 'incredible dignity and professionalism,' and said it takes 'full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation.' BAFTA also confirmed Davidson 'chose to leave the auditorium' and thanked him for his 'dignity and consideration of others.'

Actor Jamie Foxx wrote in an Instagram comment: 'Nah he meant that shit.' Sinners production designer Hannah Beachler, who attended the ceremony, wrote on X that she heard Davidson shout the slur three times during the night, including once directed at her. 'I understand and deeply know why this is an impossible situation,' Beachler wrote. 'But what made the situation worse was the throw-away apology.'

The Tourette Association of America estimates that between 10 and 15 per cent of people with the condition experience coprolalia - involuntary outbursts of offensive or socially inappropriate words and phrases. UK charity Tourette's Action issued a statement saying Davidson's outbursts are 'not a reflection of a person's beliefs, intentions, or character,' and described the media backlash as 'extremely saddening, particularly given how hard John works to raise awareness and understanding.'

I Swear won two BAFTAs on the night, including best actor for Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson in the film. The film was directed by Kirk Jones and is based on Davidson's experiences growing up with Tourette's syndrome.

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