How the Tourette’s Fallout Unfolded at the BAFTA Film Awards: From Pre-Show Warnings to a “Throw-Away Apology”

Hollywood Reporter

by Lily Ford

February 23, 2026

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The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards took an unexpected turn when John Davidson, a man with Tourette’s syndrome, was heard uttering offensive language during the ceremony, including a racial slur. The BBC, which broadcast the event, initially failed to edit out these remarks, sparking widespread criticism. While the network later apologized and removed the footage from BBC iPlayer, many questioned why warnings about Davidson’s condition weren’t handled more sensitively. Host Alan Cumming repeatedly addressed the situation, explaining that Tourette’s is a serious condition characterized by involuntary tics, but this didn’t fully mitigate the impact of the moment. Davidson, who inspired the film *I Swear*, was informed to attendees before the show began, alerting them to his condition and potential outbursts. Despite these warnings, his outburst during Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo’s presentation of an award to *Avatar: Fire and Ash* left the audience in shock. The incident has sparked a broader debate about ableism in the entertainment industry, with many questioning whether proper protocols were in place to handle such situations. While some defenders argued that the remarks were involuntary, others criticized the lack of immediate action to address the offensive language. The fallout has highlighted the challenges of balancing public awareness with sensitivity when it comes to disabilities like Tourette’s syndrome. Production designer Hannah Beachler expressed frustration over the handling of the situation, calling it “almost impossible” and criticizing the BBC’s “throw-away apology.” Meanwhile, Aramayo’s unexpected win for his role in *I Swear* has further drawn attention to the need for greater understanding and inclusivity in the industry. The incident underscores the importance of addressing ableism and ensuring that individuals with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect, both on stage and behind the scenes.

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/23/2026