I Swear's John Davidson 'Deeply Mortified' After Shouting N-Word at BAFTAs

Variety

by K.J. Yossman

February 23, 2026

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John Davidson, a Tourette’s syndrome activist, found himself at the center of controversy after inadvertently shouting the N-word during the BAFTA Film Awards. The outburst occurred while presenting an award alongside Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo for "Avatar: Fire and Ash." Davidson, known for his condition, had already made several disruptive comments earlier in the ceremony, including shouting obscenities during the opening remarks. Despite being warned about his involuntary tics by host Alan Cumming, the incident sparked widespread backlash. Davidson issued a statement expressing deep remorse, emphasizing that his outbursts were unintentional and not reflective of his personal beliefs. He acknowledged the support he received from BAFTA and the audience but highlighted the challenges of living with Tourette’s, which often leads to involuntary actions. Davidson also noted that he left the auditorium early due to the distress caused by his tics. The film "I Swear," which chronicles his life and diagnosis, won an award for casting at the event. The BBC faced criticism for not censoring the broadcast, with some viewers finding it offensive. Hannah Beachler, a production designer and BAFTA nominee, shared her own experience of being targeted by Davidson’s tics during the event. The BBC later apologized and removed the uncensored footage from its platform. Tourettes Action charity praised Davidson for his efforts in raising awareness about Tourette’s syndrome through "I

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Originally published on Variety on 2/23/2026