Alan Cumming publicly thanked the Baftas audience for demonstrating remarkable respect and understanding during the prestigious film awards ceremony. The appreciation came after Tourette's campaigner John Davidson was heard shouting involuntary expletives throughout the evening's proceedings at London's Southbank Centre Royal Festival Hall.
A Ceremony Marked by Awareness and Compassion
The Traitors presenter, hosting the Baftas for the first time, addressed the situation directly during the 79th annual ceremony. Cumming reminded the star-studded audience that Davidson had "no control" over his outbursts, which are symptomatic of his severe Tourette's syndrome. The condition, as explained by medical professionals, causes sudden, repetitive sounds or movements known as tics.
The Film That Sparked Conversation
Davidson attended the ceremony as the real-life subject of "I Swear," a biographical drama nominated for six Baftas. The film portrays his challenging journey growing up with Tourette's in the 1980s, navigating a society that frequently misunderstood his condition. Actor Robert Aramayo, 33, delivers a powerful performance as Davidson, eventually earning both the EE rising star award and the coveted best actor trophy.
Throughout the evening, Davidson's involuntary shouts included phrases like "shut the f**k up" during Bafta chair Sara Putt's speech and "f**k you" when Arco's directors took the stage. Variety reported that attendees also heard him shout racial slurs during certain presentations. The outbursts reportedly ceased during the ceremony's second half, though it remains unclear whether Davidson left voluntarily.
Preparedness and Professional Response
The Baftas organization demonstrated foresight by preparing attendees for potential disruptions. Before the awards began, the floor manager explicitly welcomed Davidson while explaining that "involuntary noises or movements" might occur during the ceremony due to his Tourette's syndrome. This proactive approach helped create an environment of understanding among the celebrity attendees.
Cumming's on-stage acknowledgment further reinforced this compassionate atmosphere. "You may have noticed some strong language in the background," he told the audience. "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."
A Triumphant Night for "I Swear"
The film celebrating Davidson's life achieved significant recognition, winning best casting in addition to Aramayo's dual acting honors. When accepting his rising star award, Aramayo expressed both nervousness and gratitude, recalling a previous Bafta incident where he dropped an award. His emotional best actor acceptance highlighted the film's importance, noting that Davidson "believes there is so much more we need to learn about Tourette's."
Changing Attitudes Toward Neurodiversity
Director Kirk Jones emphasized the film's timely relevance during red carpet interviews. "Maybe five years ago, if we'd have made it, it wouldn't have done, or maybe five years' time," he reflected. "But I think we're kind of at a place in the world now where everything's so kind of depressing and upsetting, and it's a very hopeful film about a man who never gives up."
Davidson himself expressed pride in the project's impact, telling press that the film has "opened people's eyes to the real issues" he faced, including assault, expulsion from school, and persistent bullying. "People at the time didn't notice because in those days, in the 80s and 90s, people didn't really want to know," he recalled.
The campaigner emphasized that the film intentionally avoids becoming a "pity memoir," instead focusing on raising awareness and fostering kindness. "Everyone with Tourette's don't want people feeling sorry for them," Davidson insisted. "They just want the awareness of people to understand and be kind."
A Celebration of Progress
The evening represented more than just another awards ceremony. It served as a powerful demonstration of how public understanding of neurodiversity has evolved. Davidson noted that "as we've developed as a country and as a human race, we're becoming more empathetic towards neurodiversity and all different kinds of disability."
The ceremony unfolded before a glittering audience including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothee Chalamet, Emma Stone, Kate Hudson, and Paul Mescal, all of whom witnessed firsthand how institutions can accommodate and respect individuals with neurological conditions. The Baftas' handling of the situation, from advance warnings to Cumming's gracious acknowledgment, set a precedent for inclusive event management.
Davidson praised Aramayo's "absolutely phenomenal" portrayal, while the actor returned the compliment by calling Davidson "the most remarkable person I've ever met." Their collaborative success story, combined with the audience's respectful response, created a memorable moment in awards show history that prioritized understanding over disruption.
