During the 2026 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) in London, a moment intended to celebrate cinema drew widespread attention for another reason after an audience member involuntarily shouted a deeply offensive racial slur during the live event. The disturbance took place as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage presenting the award for Best Special Visual Effects.
The person heard making the outburst was John Davidson, a Scottish campaigner and public figure living with Tourette syndrome, a neurological condition marked by sudden, uncontrollable physical and vocal tics. Tics can include involuntary sounds or words, which can sometimes be socially inappropriate or offensive, though they are not intentional. Before the ceremony, event organisers had informed attendees that Davidson, whose life story inspired the film I Swear, would be present and that involuntary outbursts might occur.
Host Alan Cumming addressed the incident during the awards broadcast, explaining that the language was unintentional and a result of Davidson’s condition, and thanked the audience for their understanding. The BBC, which aired the ceremony on a tape-delay basis, apologised after the shouts—including the racial slur—were included in the televised broadcast and on its iPlayer streaming service. The corporation later removed the programme from iPlayer and said future versions would have the offensive language edited out.
Responses to the episode were mixed. Some public figures and viewers expressed shock that the slur was broadcast at all, while disability advocacy groups reiterated that involuntary verbal outbursts linked to Tourette syndrome do not reflect a person’s values or beliefs and called for greater public awareness of the condition.
Despite the controversy, the awards ceremony continued, with the film I Swear, based on Davidson’s life, winning multiple honours, including Best Actor for Robert Aramayo
