Tourette’s Activist John Davidson Apologizes After Slur at BAFTA Film Awards

Tourette’s activist John Davidson has spoken out after shouting a racial slur during Sunday night’s BAFTA Film Awards, saying his outburst was an involuntary tic linked to his Tourette syndrome.

The incident happened during the ceremony at the BAFTA Film Awards. Davidson, who has said he began experiencing tics at age 12, made several vocal outbursts in the first half of the show. At one point, he shouted profanity during opening remarks by BAFTA chair Sara Putt. Later, while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the visual effects award to “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” he was heard shouting the N-word.

In a statement, Davidson thanked BAFTA and organizers for warning the audience in advance that his tics are involuntary and not a reflection of his beliefs. He said he felt supported after the audience applauded the announcement.

“I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning,” Davidson said. He added that he chose to leave the ceremony early because he was aware his tics were causing distress.

Host Alan Cumming addressed the situation twice during the broadcast, thanking the audience for their understanding and later apologizing “if you are offended tonight.”

The BBC confirmed that the slur was not edited out of the delayed U.K. broadcast on BBC One or the version initially uploaded to iPlayer. The broadcaster later removed it and apologized, saying the language stemmed from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome.

Davidson is the subject of the film I Swear, which explores his life with Tourette syndrome. In the movie, he is portrayed by Robert Aramayo, who won a leading actor award for his performance. The film received five nominations and also won for casting.

Production designer Hannah Beachler, who was nominated for her work on “Sinners,” later wrote on X that the slur was directed at her after the ceremony and criticized what she described as a “throw away apology.”

Tourette’s Action, a charity Davidson works with, defended him in a statement. CEO Emma McNally said tics are involuntary and not a reflection of a person’s beliefs or character. She also said the backlash had been upsetting and called for greater understanding of Tourette syndrome.

Organizers had warned attendees before the ceremony that Davidson might make involuntary noises or movements. Despite that, the incident has sparked debate online about awareness, accountability and broadcast standards.