A British film awards ceremony was disrupted Sunday night by outbursts from a man in the audience identified as John Davidson, a campaigner for Tourette’s syndrome and the subject of the nominated film, I Swear. Davidson repeatedly shouted during the BAFTA Film Awards, including instances of offensive language directed at presenters Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, according to multiple reports.
The incidents occurred despite prior warnings to the audience that involuntary tics, including swearing, might occur. Host Alan Cumming addressed the disruptions during the broadcast, requesting “understanding” and explaining that Tourette’s syndrome is a disability causing involuntary tics. A BBC spokesperson later issued a statement attributing the language to “involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette’s syndrome,” as reported by CNN.
Davidson, who has been open about his concerns regarding potential outbursts during the event, had expressed his anxieties before the ceremony, stating that large crowds and heightened emotions could trigger tics. According to CNN, he asked questions of actor Robert Aramayo, who portrays him in I Swear, about the experience of having tics, including their origins and triggers.
Aramayo went on to win the BAFTA for best actor for his performance in I Swear, and also received the BAFTA Rising Star award, making him the first actor to win both awards in the same year. The film depicts Davidson’s life and struggle with Tourette’s syndrome. The Hollywood Reporter noted that Aramayo’s win came over competition from established actors including Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet.
The outbursts included shouts of “Boring!” and “Bullshit!” during housekeeping announcements before the show began, and a racial slur directed at Jordan and Lindo as they presented an award, according to the Hollywood Reporter and CNN. Cumming interrupted his hosting duties several times to remind viewers about Davidson’s condition and to apologize for any offense caused.
Jessie Buckley won the award for best actress for her role in Hamnet, marking the first time an Irish actress has received the honor. Prince William, the president of BAFTA, and Princess Catherine attended the ceremony, with the Princess of Wales revealing she had watched Hamnet and found it emotionally affecting, stating she ended up with “very puffy eyes.” The Prince of Wales indicated he had not yet seen the film, saying he needed to be in a “calm state” to watch it.
