John Davidson has publicly addressed the controversial moment when he involuntarily shouted a racial slur as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards. The Tourette Syndrome advocate released a statement on February 23, expressing gratitude while clarifying that his involuntary tics do not reflect his personal beliefs.
John Davidson breaks silence after BAFTAs incident
Davidson, who attended the BAFTA ceremony to represent his film I Swear, experienced multiple vocal tics during the broadcast. The controversial moment came when Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo took the stage to present Best Visual Effects, with Davidson involuntarily shouting the N-word. Other tics included “shut the f— up” during BAFTA chair Sara Putt’s opening remarks.
“I wanted to thank BAFTA and everyone involved in the awards last night for their support and understanding and inviting me to attend the broadcast,” Davidson said in his statement. “I can only add that I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning” (via Variety).
Before the ceremony began, a stage manager had informed attendees about Davidson’s presence, advising them they might hear “involuntary noises or movements” during the show. Host Alan Cumming also addressed the audience twice, explaining that Tourette’s symptoms can include involuntary language and thanking guests for their understanding.
The BBC faced criticism after the slur remained uncensored in the delayed broadcast on BBC One and remained available on iPlayer until midday Monday. The network issued an apology, stating, “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony, it was not intentional” (via People).
Davidson revealed he made the difficult decision to leave the auditorium early. Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition that causes individuals to make involuntary and repetitive movements or vocalizations, known as tics. These can range from simple throat clearing to involuntary outbursts of swear words, over which the person has no conscious control. John Davidson, who has lived with these symptoms since childhood, has spent his career advocating for greater understanding of the disorder.
