UPDATE (2/23/26 2:22 p.m. ET): John Davidson is apologizing for comments he made during the 2026 BAFTAS.
Davidson, who has Tourette Syndrome (TS), has faced backlash online for shouting expletives and racial slurs during the Sunday, February 22, awards ceremony, particularly for saying the N-word as Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award.
In a statement released on Monday, February 23, Davidson thanked BAFTA for inviting him to the show and for informing attendees that his TS tics “are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs,” per Deadline. “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,” he added. “In addition to the announcement by Alan Cumming, the BBC and BAFTA, I can only add that I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.”
Davidson went on to praise the filmI Swear for explaining “the origins, condition, traits and manifestations of Tourette Syndrome,” and noted that he has spent his life “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.” Davidson concluded his statement by sharing that he left the awards show early after becoming “awareof the distress my tics were causing.”
In another statement shared on Monday, Emma McNally, CEO of Tourettes Action, addressed the response to Davidson’s on-air comments. “We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt but at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette Syndrome: tics are involuntary,” McNally clarified. “They are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions, or character.”
McNally called the backlash “extremely saddening, particularly given how hard John works to raise awareness and understanding,” adding, “What should have been a night of celebration for him became overwhelming, and he made the difficult decision to leave the ceremony. This moment reflects exactly what I Swear shows so openly: the isolation, misunderstanding, and emotional weight that so often accompany this condition. People with Tourette’s manage their physical and social environments and symptoms on a constant basis. The price of being misunderstood is increased isolation, risk of anxiety and depression and death by suicide.”
McNally concluded, “We hope that those commenting will take the time to watch the film, learn about Tourette’s, and understand the experiences behind moments like these. Education is key, and compassion makes a world of difference.”
ORIGINAL (2/23/26 7:44 a.m. ET):
Alan Cumming issued an apology to the audience during the 2026 BAFTAs ceremony on Sunday night (February 22) after John Davidson, an advocate for Tourette Syndrome (TS), was heard shouting involuntary expletives and a racial slur.
Davidson attended the ceremony to represent the film I Swear, based on his life and experiences with TS. The condition, which Davidson has lived with since age 12, causes involuntary verbal and physical tics. Davidson’s TS also includes Coprolalia, which involves the uncontrollable utterance of culturally taboo or insensitive words and phrases.
According to Variety, the BAFTAs stage manager introduced Davidson to the audience before the show and explained that they might hear some “involuntary noises or movements” during the ceremony.
On the broadcast, which was pre-taped and aired on a two-hour delay on the BBC, Davidson was heard shouting, “Shut the f*** up” while BAFTA chair Sara Putt made a speech. He also yelled “f*** you” during the Best Children’s and Family Film winners’ acceptance speech.
The moment that has caused the most controversy, however, came when Davidson shouted out the N-word while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the award for Best Visual Effects.
BBC YouTube
Cumming addressed Davidson’s outbursts during the show, saying, “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. 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.”
He spoke again on the matter later in the show, this time apologizing to those offended. “Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability, and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette’s Syndrome has no control over their language,” The Traitors host stated. “We apologize if you are offended tonight.”
Variety reports that Davidson left the ceremony of his own accord after he shouted the racial slur.
The situation has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with several prominent figures sharing their thoughts. Actor Jamie Foxx commented on a video clip of the racial slur, writing, “Unacceptable” and “Nah, he meant that s***.”
Journalist Jemele Hill wrote on X, “Asking for more grace for the person who shouted a racist slur instead of for Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, who had to push through being embarrassed in front of their peers. But that’s often the expectation — that Black people are just supposed to be ok with being disrespected and dehumanized so that other people don’t feel bad.”
Wendell Pierce responded to Hill’s comment, adding, “It’s infuriating that the first reaction wasn’t complete and full throatted [sic] apologies to Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan. The insult to them takes priority. It doesn’t matter the reasoning for the racist slur.”
Others have blasted the BBC for airing the slur despite the broadcast being pre-recorded.
A BBC spokesperson said, “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA film awards 2026. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette Syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard.”
The broadcaster also removed the awards show from its on-demand service iPlayer after initially making it available in its full uncensored version, complete with racial slur, reported Deadline.
I Swear won two BAFTA awards, including Best Lead Actor for Robert Aramayo, who portrays Davidson in the movie. The film details Davidson’s tics and compulsions, showing that what he says is involuntary and without malice or intent.