Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson has issued an emotional statement following a deeply distressing moment during Sunday night’s EE BAFTA Film Awards, after an involuntary verbal tic was heard during the live ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
The 54-year-old, who lives with Tourette syndrome, could be heard shouting an offensive racial slur while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage presenting the award for Special Visual Effects. The incident prompted an immediate apology during the broadcast from host Alan Cumming, as well as responses from BAFTA and the BBC in the hours that followed.
Speaking to the Press Association after the ceremony, John said he was "deeply mortified" that anyone might believe his involuntary tics reflected his personal views.
"I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning," he said.
John explained that he chose to leave the auditorium early after becoming aware that his symptoms were causing distress among fellow guests on what had otherwise been intended as a celebratory evening.
© Gareth Cattermole/BAFTA/Getty Im"I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing," he shared, adding his gratitude to BAFTA organisers for their understanding and support throughout the night.
Ahead of the broadcast, audiences inside the venue had been informed that John, who has campaigned for decades to raise awareness of Tourette syndrome, was in attendance and might experience involuntary vocal or physical tics during the ceremony. He said he felt encouraged by the response from guests following that announcement.
© Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Im"I was heartened by the round of applause that followed and felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me," he said.
John attended the awards to celebrate the success of I Swear, the BAFTA-nominated film based on his life and experience living with Tourette syndrome, on which he serves as executive producer. The project aims to educate audiences about the neurological condition and the realities faced by those living with it daily.
"I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette’s community and to teach empathy, kindness and understanding," he added. "I will continue to do so."
© Getty ImagesIn a statement released on Monday evening, BAFTA apologised to guests and viewers affected by the incident, acknowledging the harm caused by the language heard during the ceremony while emphasising that Tourette syndrome can include uncontrollable verbal tics.
A spokesperson said the organisation takes "full responsibility" for placing guests in a difficult situation and offered an unreserved apology to Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo and those impacted.
BAFTA confirmed that measures had been taken before the ceremony to inform attendees about Davidson’s condition and noted that he later chose to continue watching the event away from the main auditorium.
© Getty Images for BAFTAThe BBC also issued an apology after the slur was broadcast live, confirming the moment would be edited from versions of the ceremony available on BBC iPlayer.
"Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards," a spokesperson said. "This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome and was not intentional. We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast."
According to the NHS, Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition that causes sudden, repetitive movements or sounds known as tics. In rare cases, this can include involuntary use of offensive language, a symptom known as coprolalia, which individuals cannot control.
Charity organisations including Tourettes Action and Tourette Scotland have since urged compassion and understanding, noting that such symptoms are neurological rather than intentional expressions of belief or character.
In a statement, Tourettes Action said people living with the condition can experience "great distress" following vocal tics and stressed that the words spoken do not reflect personal views or intent.
John, who was awarded an MBE in 2019 for services to Tourette syndrome awareness, has long been recognised for his advocacy work supporting families and improving public understanding of the condition.
Scottish actor Thierry Mabonga, who appears in I Swear, also defended John following the ceremony, sharing a video explaining that Tourette syndrome is defined by a lack of control over vocal expressions.
"This is the condition," he said. "John cannot control what he says. That’s the whole point of why we made this film."
