Alan Cumming addressed the audience directly at the 2026 BAFTA award show after several audible outbursts from Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson. Cumming thanked attendees for their patience and later issued an apology.
Alan Cumming requests ‘understanding’ after John Davidson shouts ‘strong language’ at BAFTA
Alan Cumming paused during the 2026 BAFTAs to acknowledge what was described as “strong language” coming from the audience. Davidson, the inspiration behind the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear, has Tourette’s Syndrome. It is a neurological condition that can involve involuntary vocal tics, including swearing.
“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 said. “Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”
The tics included explicit phrases shouted during speeches, including one, “shut the f*** up,” during BAFTA chair Sara Putt’s introductory speech. When the directors of Boong collected their award, Davidson shouted “f*** you” from the audience. Another moment saw him utter a racial slur as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for best visual effects to Avatar: Fire and Ash.
Later in the evening, Cumming returned to the issue. “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.”
John Davidson, who was diagnosed at 25 after experiencing symptoms since childhood, attended the ceremony as an invited guest. He reportedly left during the second half of the show of his own accord.
Davidson became widely known after appearing in the 1989 BBC documentary John’s Not Mad. His life story now forms the basis of I Swear, directed by Kirk Jones and starring Robert Aramayo. The film earned multiple nominations at the BAFTA 2026 awards and won in the casting category. Aramayo also received the EE Rising Star award.
Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on ComingSoon.
