Tourette's Campaigner 'Deeply Mortified' After Racial Slur at BAFTAs
John Davidson, a prominent Tourette's campaigner and MBE, has spoken out about a distressing incident at the BAFTAs, where he shouted a racial slur during the awards ceremony. Davidson, whose life with severe Tourette syndrome inspired the film I Swear, described himself as "deeply mortified" if anyone perceived his involuntary tics as intentional or meaningful.
Incident Details and Immediate Aftermath
The incident occurred on Monday, 23 February 2026, when Davidson called out the slur while two black actors, Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo, were on stage presenting the first award of the night. The actors paused momentarily before continuing with their presentation, showcasing professionalism in a challenging situation.
Davidson praised BAFTA organisers for notifying the audience about his tics beforehand, clarifying that they do not reflect his personal beliefs. He stated, "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." However, aware of the distress caused, he chose to leave the ceremony early.
BAFTA and BBC Responses
In a statement, BAFTA apologised unreservedly, acknowledging the slur as a source of "incomparable trauma and pain for so many." The academy thanked Jordan and Lindo for their dignity and professionalism, and also expressed gratitude to Davidson for his consideration in leaving the auditorium. BAFTA emphasised its commitment to inclusion and learning from the event.
The ceremony, with the offending moment intact, remained available on BBC iPlayer for over 12 hours before being taken down for editing. The BBC issued an apology, stating, "We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer."
Broader Implications and Context
This incident highlights the complexities of living with Tourette syndrome, a condition characterised by sudden, involuntary tics that can include inappropriate words. It also underscores the importance of awareness and sensitivity in public events. Davidson's advocacy work, including his involvement in I Swear, aims to foster understanding and empathy for those with neurological disorders.
As the film and television industry continues to promote diversity and inclusion, this event serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and the need for compassionate responses in unexpected situations.
