The 2026 Bafta awards at London's Royal Festival Hall on 22 February became a flashpoint for controversy when John Davidson, a figure known for his advocacy on Tourette's syndrome, made racist outbursts, including yelling the N-word during a presentation by actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan. This incident has sparked intense debate over the boundaries of acceptance for neurological disorders and the right to feel safe in public spaces.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
John Davidson, who lives with a rare form of Tourette's called coprolalia, which forces involuntary shouting of obscene and offensive phrases, disrupted the Bafta ceremony with his slurs. In the days following, outrage shifted towards the award organizers and the BBC for not editing the outburst, especially after reports emerged that producers had cut a "Free Palestine" reference while leaving the racial slur. This has deepened the scandal and revived discussions on how society accommodates disabilities.
A Personal Perspective on Tourette's
As a journalist covering Canada for the Guardian, I have navigated a successful career while managing Tourette's syndrome for over 30 years. My symptoms include motor and vocal tics like head shakes, eye blinks, and throat clearing, which peak during adolescence. Unlike Davidson, I do not have coprolalia, but the disorder's common symptoms are relentless and often lead to social withdrawal.
I frequently opt for phone interviews over in-person meetings to avoid distractions from my tics, fearing they might hinder my work. The urge to suppress these involuntary movements is both emotionally draining and physically painful, leaving me sore and frustrated. This condition has made me decline public appearances, such as conference panels or TV spots, to prevent my tics from overshadowing my reporting.
Societal Reactions and Debates
The Bafta incident has elicited strong reactions from various quarters. Oscar winner Jamie Foxx bluntly stated that Davidson "meant that shit," while journalist Jemele Hill criticized the apology directed at the audience rather than the Black actors affected. Hill argued that Davidson's inclusion should not prioritize his well-being over that of other guests, highlighting a tension between disability accommodation and preventing harm.
Some individuals with Tourette's, including a Canadian source, believe Davidson should not have attended the event to avoid causing offense. Others, including Black women with coprolalia, have expressed support, but many with visible symptoms already choose to avoid public spaces to prevent embarrassment. This reflects a broader reality where those with overt forms of the disorder often self-isolate.
The Limits of Inclusion
The Bafta awards exposed the limitations of the movement to accept disabilities. Organizers faced a complex situation with no easy answers, balancing inclusion against the pain caused by involuntary slurs. The anger towards those who perceived Davidson's outbursts as intentional is understandable, yet it forces a confrontation with the neurological basis of his actions.
Historically, people with Tourette's have been excluded from places like gyms and schools due to their tics, leading many to retreat inward. As a father of two young children, I fear passing on this condition and worry that my efforts to appear "normal" have contributed to a society hostile to differences. My sons, aged two and four, may inherit Tourette's, which typically appears around age seven, placing me in a state of uncertainty.
Moving Forward with Kindness
The debate surrounding the Bafta incident has compelled me to reconsider my responsibilities to others with Tourette's. While I do not shout offensive words like Davidson, the disorder often drives a desire to hide. I am now striving to make more public appearances that reveal my tics, hoping to demonstrate to my children that the world is larger than personal struggles.
There are no simple solutions, but fostering kindness and forgiveness towards others and oneself is crucial. As the dust settles on the Bafta controversy, it serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges in achieving true inclusion for those with neurological disorders.
