The BAFTA Film Awards ceremony on was marked by both celebration and controversy, as involuntary outbursts from Tourette Syndrome campaigner John Davidson, a subject of the nominated film I Swear, disrupted the event. The incident has prompted apologies from BAFTA and the BBC and sparked a wider conversation about inclusivity and responsible broadcasting.
Davidson, who experiences severe tics including involuntary vocalizations, was present as a guest at the awards. During presentations by Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo for Best Special Visual Effects, and by the directors of Boong for Best Children’s & Family Film, he was heard shouting profanities, including a racial slur. He also directed disruptive language towards BAFTA chair Sara Putt during an introductory speech. BAFTA host Alan Cumming addressed the situation during the ceremony, explaining that such outbursts can be a manifestation of Tourette’s Syndrome and acknowledging the film I Swear’s exploration of the condition. He asked for understanding and a respectful environment.
“You may have noticed some strong language in the background,” Cumming stated to the audience. “This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience. Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.” He later reiterated that Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability and that the tics are involuntary, offering an apology to anyone who was offended.
Despite a floor manager informing attendees before the show that involuntary noises or movements from Davidson might occur, the offensive language was not edited from the BBC’s broadcast of the ceremony, which aired with a two-hour delay. This oversight led to a second apology from the BBC, who stated that producers “didn’t hear” the slur while working from a broadcast truck. The coverage was subsequently removed from BBC iPlayer and is being re-edited.
The incident has drawn criticism from within the film industry. BAFTA has since issued an “unreserved” apology to Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo, and other guests affected by the outbursts, acknowledging the harm caused and pledging to learn from the experience. The statement emphasized the organization’s commitment to inclusion and the power of film to foster compassion and empathy. However, the apology did not address the initial failure to censor the broadcast.
Davidson himself has expressed deep regret if his involuntary tics caused offense, stating he is “deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.”
The fallout extends beyond the immediate apologies. Actor Hannah Beachler reported hearing the slur multiple times during the evening, including directed towards her personally. Prominent figures like Jamie Foxx and Wendell Pierce have also voiced their concerns, prompting BAFTA to issue the more extensive apology following initial criticism.
The awards ceremony also saw significant wins for other films and individuals. Robert Aramayo surprised many by taking home the Best Actor award for his performance in I Swear, beating out established stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet. He also received the BAFTA Rising Star Award. One Battle After Another dominated the night, winning six awards including Best Film and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson. Jessie Buckley was named Best Actress for Hamnet, while Wunmi Mosaku won Best Supporting Actress for Sinners, a film that also secured awards for Best Screenplay and Best Score.
The ceremony also featured musical performances, including a rendition of ‘Golden’ from KPop Demon Hunters by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, and a moving performance of Barbra Streisand’s ‘The Way We Were’ by Jessie Ware during the In Memoriam segment.
The incident involving John Davidson raises complex questions about balancing inclusivity with the need to protect audiences from harmful language, even when that language is involuntary. It also highlights the challenges of live broadcasting and the importance of robust editorial oversight. BAFTA’s response, and the subsequent scrutiny from the BBC and the wider film community, underscore the growing demand for accountability and sensitivity in the entertainment industry.
