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Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson has addressed the controversy that followed a disruption during the 2026 British Academy Film Awards.
The incident happened during the February 22 ceremony in London while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage presenting the Best Visual Effects award. From the audience, Davidson audibly shouted a racial slur, which he later said was caused by involuntary Tourette-related vocal tics.
In a statement issued the next day, Davidson said he was "deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning." He stressed that the outburst was not reflective of his beliefs.
Davidson, 54, said he was grateful to BAFTA organizers for alerting the audience ahead of the ceremony about his condition. "I appreciated the announcement to the auditorium in advance of the recording, warning everyone that my tics are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs," he said.
He added that the audience response made him feel accepted in what is usually a challenging environment for him. "I was heartened by the round of applause that
followed this announcement and felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me," Davidson said.
The advocate attended the awards in support of the film I Swear, which is based on his life with Tourette syndrome. He reiterated his long-standing work within the community, saying, "I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette's community and to teach empathy, kindness and understanding from others and I will continue to do so." Davidson also noted that he chose to leave the auditorium early once he realized the disruption his tics were causing.
Following the broadcast, BAFTA issued an apology, saying it takes full responsibility for placing the presenters in a difficult situation and praising Jordan and Lindo for their professionalism on stage.
The BBC also apologized after the moment was not removed from the delayed television airing. The broadcaster acknowledged that viewers heard offensive language and said the segment would be edited out of the version on BBC iPlayer.
Speaking afterward, Lindo said he and Jordan "did what we had to do" to move forward with the presentation, though he indicated he would have welcomed direct follow-up from BAFTA after the incident.
Tourette's advocacy group Tourettes Action later called for greater public understanding of the neurological condition, emphasizing that vocal tics are involuntary and do not reflect a person's character or intentions.
