John Davidson's name has drawn attention around the world overnight after his appearance at the BAFTAs took a controversial turn due to his involuntary tics. The awards show was stacked with memorable moments, from the Prince and Princess of Wales' glamorous arrival to One Battle After Another sweeping the categories with six wins. But amid all the excitement and celebration of the best film and TV releases of the year, the BBC has faced backlash after broadcasting a racial slur shouted out during the ceremony.
The BBC was forced to apologise after Tourette Syndrome campaigner John, who is the inspiration for the BAFTA-winning film I Swear, let out involuntary shouted strong and offensive language while Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award on stage. As the moment continues to be an international talking point, read on for all you need to know about Scottish campaigner John Davidson.
Who is John Davidson?
© Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty ImJohn, 54, is known for his work as a campaigner for Tourette syndrome and as the inspiration behind the 2025 biographical drama, I Swear. John was diagnosed with a severe form of Tourette's when he was 25 years old after developing uncontrollable tics and outbursts from when he was 12.
According to the NHS, the condition, which has no cure, "causes you to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements (tics)." Feelings of stress, excitement, or tiredness can trigger tics. Over the years, John has been the subject of multiple films about living with Tourette's, including the 1989 television documentary, John's Not Mad, when he was just 16 years old, and the 2009 follow-up documentary, Tourettes: I Swear I Can't Help It.
John has worked with charities such as Tourettes Action and was awarded an MBE for his activism work to raise awareness for Tourette's in 2019. In 2025, his life story inspired the award-winning film, I Swear, directed, written and produced by Kirk Jones, and starring Game of Thrones actor Robert Aramayo, who portrays John on-screen.
Why was he at the BAFTAs?
John joined the cast and creatives of I Swear at the BAFTAs on Sunday night after the film was nominated for five awards, including best actor for Robert Aramayo's performance as John. Robert took out the win on the night, beating fellow nominees Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet, who have been favourites on the 2026 awards circuit. He was also awarded the EE Rising Star trophy.
I Swear additionally won the BAFTA for best casting. The film was up for best original screenplay, outstanding British film, and actor Peter Mullan for the best supporting actor category. John was pictured walking the red carpet ahead of the awards show and later backstage with Robert after his win.
© Graeme Hunter PicturesWhat happened at the BAFTAs?
While Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan were presenting the award for special visual effects, John, who was in the audience, reportedly let out involuntary outbursts. The racial slur was heard on the BAFTA broadcast, which was televised on BBC One.
A source told Best Quality Designer Handbag : "The auditorium fell completely silent during the speeches, making the sudden outbursts clearly audible. The reaction in the room was one of visible shock, yet no one openly responded."
Host Alum Cumming addressed the strong language heard during the ceremony: "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," he said.
"Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone." He added: "We apologise if you are offended."
© Getty Images for BAFTAResponse to the BAFTA incident
The BBC issued an apology after not editing out the slur from the BAFTA coverage. The moment remained on BBC iPlayer on Monday morning before being removed.
"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," a spokesperson from the BBC said in a statement.
It continued: "We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard."
Hollywood actor Jamie Foxx reacted to the BAFTA moment with The Neighborhood Talk. The actor insisted: "Nah, he meant that [expletive]."
"Out of all the words, you could've said Tourette's makes you say that?", he continued, adding it was "unacceptable."
UK-based charity Tourettes Action shared a statement addressing the "negative comments that have surfaced following John’s involuntary vocal tics during the ceremony".
“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. They are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions, or character," the statement read.
