The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards were overshadowed Sunday night by an unexpected and deeply uncomfortable incident: an audience member shouted a racial slur during the presentation of the award for Best Visual Effects. The outburst, delivered by Scottish activist John Davidson, who lives with Tourette’s syndrome, occurred as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were onstage.
Davidson is the subject of the critically acclaimed British independent film I Swear, which explores his life with Tourette’s. The film itself garnered two BAFTA wins, including Best Actor for Robert Aramayo, who portrays Davidson. The incident immediately prompted an apology from BAFTA host Alan Cumming, who addressed the audience directly.
“You may have noticed some strong language,” Cumming stated, explaining that Davidson’s outburst was a manifestation of his condition. “Tourette’s syndrome can present itself in this way, as the film shows. Thank you for your understanding and for creating a respectful space for everyone.” He further clarified that Tourette’s is a disability and that the tics, including involuntary vocalizations, are beyond the individual’s control, offering a direct apology to anyone who was offended.
Both the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and the BBC, which broadcast the ceremony, issued formal apologies. The BBC acknowledged that the offensive language “arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional.” The broadcaster initially aired the slur, despite the show being broadcast on a two-hour delay, but later removed the program from its streaming service and stated the slur would be edited out.
Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by involuntary movements and sounds, known as tics. These can range from simple motor movements like eye blinking or shoulder shrugging to complex vocalizations, including repeating words or phrases, and, in rare cases, uttering socially inappropriate language. As CNN reported, Davidson himself acknowledged the potential for his tics to be triggered by large gatherings, noting he was already experiencing motor tics prior to the ceremony.
The incident quickly ignited a debate online, with reactions ranging from understanding and empathy to outrage and calls for accountability. Actor Jamie Foxx expressed his dismay on social media, stating the word used was “unacceptable” and questioning why it was uttered at all. Actor Wendell Pierce took a more critical stance, arguing that the initial response lacked a sufficient apology to Jordan and Lindo, emphasizing that the harm caused by the racial slur took precedence over the explanation of Davidson’s condition.
The situation is particularly complex given the context of I Swear, a film intended to raise awareness and understanding of Tourette’s syndrome. The film’s success at the BAFTAs, with Aramayo winning Best Actor, underscores the growing recognition of the condition and the importance of representing lived experiences with nuance and sensitivity. However, the incident also highlights the challenges of navigating involuntary behaviors and the potential for harm, even when unintentional.
According to reports, Davidson left the Royal Festival Hall voluntarily after the incident, though not at the request of BAFTA organizers. The organization had reportedly issued a pre-show notice informing attendees of Davidson’s condition and the possibility of involuntary vocalizations. This proactive step, while intended to prepare the audience, ultimately did not prevent the deeply upsetting moment from occurring.
The fallout from the incident raises questions about the balance between protecting individuals with disabilities and safeguarding against harmful language. While acknowledging the involuntary nature of Davidson’s outburst, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the impact of racial slurs and the responsibility of broadcasters to prevent their dissemination, even in unforeseen circumstances. The BBC’s initial decision not to cut the slur, and the subsequent removal of the program, demonstrate the sensitivity and complexity of the situation.
The incident at the BAFTAs serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals living with Tourette’s syndrome and the need for continued education and understanding. It also underscores the enduring power of language and the importance of addressing racial prejudice in all its forms. The event will likely prompt further discussion within the film and television industry about protocols for handling unexpected events and ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all attendees and viewers.
