John Davidson Explains Tourettes Tics in Interview After BAFTA N-Word

Variety

by Clayton Davis

February 24, 2026

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John Davidson, a Scottish advocate for Tourette’s syndrome and the real-life inspiration behind “I Swear,” found himself at the center of attention during the 79th BAFTA Awards. His vocal tics, a symptom of his condition known as coprolalia—where individuals involuntarily utter offensive language—affect around 10-30% of those with Tourette’s. During the ceremony, Davidson inadvertently uttered racial slurs while presenting an award alongside Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. In an interview, he explained that these tics are involuntary neurological responses, not reflections of his intentions or values. He has since reached out to apologize to those affected, including Jordan, Lindo, and production designer Hannah Beachler. Tourette’s syndrome is often misunderstood, with many associating it solely with coprolalia, the use of obscenities. While this symptom can be distressing, it does not define the condition, which encompasses a range of physical and vocal tics. Davidson shared how his severe tics leave him unable to predict or control their occurrence, likening it to a pressure cooker that must release its contents unpredictably. This lack of control is crucial in understanding such incidents. The incident at BAFTA highlights the broader challenges faced by individuals with Tourette’s. The social stigma and misconceptions surrounding the condition can lead to discrimination and isolation. Davidson’s experience

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Originally published on Variety on 2/24/2026