Tourette’s Debate Sparked at BAFTA Film Awards After Campaigner John Davidson Heard Cursing, Shouting Slurs at Presenters

Hollywood Reporter

by Lily Ford

February 23, 2026

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The BAFTA Film Awards were thrown into chaos when John Davidson, a Tourette’s syndrome campaigner, was heard cursing and shouting slurs throughout the ceremony. Davidson, who inspired Robert Aramayo's portrayal of a man with Tourette’s in the film *I Swear*, which won Best Actor at the awards, caused widespread debate due to his involuntary outbursts. His actions, including shouting obscenities like “Boring!” and the n-word during key moments of the event, sparked discussions about public understanding of Tourette’s syndrome. Host Eddie Iannucci addressed the situation by reminding guests that these tics are involuntary and part of Davidson’s condition, emphasizing the need for patience and respect. The incident occurred as attendees were being briefed on housekeeping rules at the start of the ceremony, with Davidson’s outbursts continuing throughout the evening. He left the event voluntarily after about 25 minutes, but not before Iannucci apologized for any offense caused by his tics, stating they are beyond his control. Prior to the show, attendees were notified that they might hear involuntary noises due to Davidson’s condition, and a floor manager addressed the audience to prepare them. The film *I Swear*, which earned Aramayo the Best Actor award, explores the challenges of living with Tourette’s syndrome, including its often misunderstood symptoms. Aramayo himself praised Davidson for his openness about the condition, calling him “remarkable” and highlighting the importance of education and understanding. The event highlighted how media representation can influence public perception, as *I Swear* brought attention to a rarely depicted condition. The online reaction was mixed, with some viewers commending the incident for raising awareness about Tourette’s, while others expressed discomfort or offense. Critics questioned whether Davidson should have been present at such a high-profile event, given the potential

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/23/2026