Host Alan Cumming apologized to the audience at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) after John Davidson, a nominee and prominent advocate for Tourette’s Syndrome, repeatedly disrupted the ceremony with involuntary vocalizations, including a racial slur.
The most jarring incident occurred as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for Best Visual Effects, when Davidson audibly shouted the N-word. Earlier in the evening, Davidson interrupted BAFTA chair Sara Putt’s remarks with shouts of “boring” and “fuck off,” and directed a “fuck you” toward the directors of Arco as they accepted the award for Best Children’s and Fantasy Film.
Cumming addressed the outbursts twice during the broadcast. “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,” Cumming stated, referencing the nominated biopic I Swear, which chronicles Davidson’s life. He later added, “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. We apologize if you are offended tonight.”
Davidson, who was previously honored by Queen Elizabeth II for his advocacy work, left the ceremony of his own accord, according to Variety. Event organizers did not inquire him to leave, having welcomed him as an invited guest.
I Swear, starring Robert Aramayo who won the Best Actor in a Leading Role award, was nominated in five categories at the 2026 BAFTAs. The film’s nomination and Davidson’s presence at the awards were intended to raise awareness and understanding of Tourette’s Syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements and vocalizations known as tics.
