Tourette’s Advocate ‘Deeply Mortified’ if Anyone Thought BAFTA Tics Were ‘Intentional’
Rolling Stone
by Jon BlisteinFebruary 23, 2026
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John Davidson, a Tourette’s syndrome advocate known for his role in the biopic *I Swear*, addressed the involuntary outburst of the N-word during the BAFTA Film Awards. Davidson, who suffers from Tourette’s, clarified that these tics are unintentional and do not reflect his personal beliefs. He expressed deep regret if anyone perceived his actions as deliberate or meaningful. During the event, while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award, Davidson’s tic caused distress, prompting him to leave early to avoid further disruption.
The biopic *I Swear*, which earned a BAFTA nomination, sheds light on Tourette’s syndrome, exploring its origins, traits, and manifestations. Davidson has dedicated his life to advocating for the Tourette’s community, emphasizing empathy and understanding. He praised the BAFTAs for issuing a pre-show warning about his condition, acknowledging the importance of fostering an inclusive environment. Host Alan Cumming’s remarks and the subsequent applause from the audience further demonstrated support and acceptance.
The incident sparked criticism not towards Davidson but toward the BAFTAs and BBC for their handling of the situation. The BBC muted the outburst despite a two-hour tape delay, while the BAFTAs issued a formal apology, taking responsibility for putting guests in an awkward position. They expressed gratitude to Jordan and Lindo for their professionalism and praised Davidson’s dignity. The organization vowed to improve its approach to
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Originally published on Rolling Stone on 2/23/2026