John Davidson has spoken out(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
A Tourettes campaigner has spoken out after receiving criticism for shouting a ‘racist slur’ while at the BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday night.
John Davidson said he is “deeply mortified” after directing the offensive language towards actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan as they presented an award. On the night (February 22), the two stars, who appeared in nominated move Sinners, presented an award. Moments before the interruption, Jordan said: “Delroy and I are delighted to present the first Bafta of the night, a vital part of movie making.”
The insult was shouted from the audience, but they brushed it off and continued presenting the award for special visual effects. The BBC initially left the insult in the broadcast, but has since apologised.
John said he was ‘mortified’ (Image: Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Im)
Fosters launch rudest beer cans ever so blokes can ‘reconnect’ thanks to ‘Knob Holidays’
Katie Price shows pregnancy test after ‘1% chance’ of getting pregnant diagnosis
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
In a statement to the Press ᴀssociation, John Davidson said said: “I wanted to thank BAFTA and everyone involved in the awards last night for their support and understanding and inviting me to attend the broadcast.
“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.
“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.
“In addition to the announcement by Alan Cumming, the BBC and Bafta, I can only add that I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.
“I was in attendance to celebrate the film of my life, I Swear, which more than any film or TV documentary, explains the origins, condition, traits and manifestations of Tourette Syndrome.
“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.
“I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing”.
John, is the inspiration behind the movie I Swear and was at the show to celebrate the movie’s success. He was diagnosed with the condition at the age of 25, but first started noticing symptoms aged 12.
Robert Aramayo won the BAFTA for his character inspired by John(Image: WireImage)
Brit Robert Aramayo won the award for Best Actor for his performance in the film, which tells John’s story. He beat fellow nominees Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio.
After receiving criticism for leaving the insult in, despite cutting other words from the pre filmed ceremony, the BBC apologies.
A spokesperson said: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards 2026. This arose from involuntary verbal tics ᴀssociated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard.”
Following the ceremony, Robert was questioned by the BBC about his view on the incident. A reporter told him: “You could hear him shouting and words people find offensive.”
Robert responded: “First of all the are tics. He is ticking. We have to understand. The way we perceive Tourette’s is a joint responsibility. It’s not shouting obscenities. It’s not being abusive. Its Tourettes. They are tics. If it can lead to a deeper understanding of Tourettes, and movies are part of that conversation, then it’s an incredible thing.”
