The 2026 British Academy Film Awards took an unexpected turn on Sunday, February 22, when a series of vocal tics disrupted the ceremony during the Best Visual Effects category.
Tourette Syndrome advocate John Davidson has spoken out after yelling a racial slur while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards. Davidson, whose life is the subject of the film “I Swear,” was in the audience to represent the project when his motor disorder caused several involuntary verbal outbursts.
The incident occurred as the “Sinners” actors were on stage, and while a stage manager had previously alerted the crowd to the possibility of “involuntary noises or movements,” the nature of the slur caused immediate tension. Davidson addressed the situation on Monday in a statement.
“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,” Davidson said in his statement obtained by Variety.
Despite the difficult moment, Davidson noted that he initially felt supported by those in attendance.
“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,” he added. However, as his symptoms, which included yelling “Shut the f**k up” and “f**k you,” became more disruptive, he made the decision to exit the venue.
I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing,” Davidson shared.
The BBC has since apologized for the broadcast error, while BAFTA took full responsibility for the situation and apologized unreservedly to Jordan and Lindo. Delroy Lindo, 73, later noted that while he and Jordan did what they had to do during the presentation, he wished there had been more immediate outreach from the organization. Davidson, 54, remains devastated by how the tics were perceived.
Ultimately, Davidson hopes this moment serves as a teaching opportunity regarding the realities of his condition. He believes his film, more than any film or TV documentary, explains the origins, condition, traits, and manifestations of Tourette’s syndrome.
Throughout the fallout, he remains committed to his advocacy work.
“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.”
That idiot knew what he was saying, that was not a disability issue, that was a him issue. All the words that were chosen he wanted to say. The disability does NOT have you spew out obscenities as he did. I DONT care what anyone said he knew what he was doing and did it on purpose. I know people with the disability, and they DO NOT act out of character like that. If that is the case why did he not use words that dehumanize the white race? Because he chose his words! Certain people are so blind.