Topics: Baftas, Celebrity, Michael B. Jordan, Film and TV
A Tourette syndrome charity has defended an activist after he shouted a racial slur at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo at the BAFTAs.
The incident occurred while Sinners actors Michael and Delroy were presenting the award for special visual effects at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Sunday.
John Davidson, a campaigner for Tourette syndrome, shouted the N word while the two actors were on stage and could also be heard yelling ‘f*ck you’ and ‘shut the f*ck up’ during other intervals.
Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes people to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements, which in some incidences can result in offensive language being used, that cannot be controlled, according to the NHS. There is no cure for Tourette syndrome but treatment can help sufferers to manage their tics.
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Following the incident, Tourettes Action spoke out in defense of Davidson, saying it was 'incredibly proud' of the activist and those involved in the film I Swear, which tells the story of his life, having developed the condition when he was 12. The movie received five nominations at this year's BAFTAs.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “We also want to address the negative comments that have surfaced following John’s involuntary vocal tics during the ceremony.
“We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt but, at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome, tics are involuntary. They are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions or character.
“People with Tourette’s can say words or phrases they do not mean, do not endorse and feel great distress about afterwards.
“These symptoms are neurological, not intentional, and they are something John – like many others with Tourette’s – lives with every single day.”
It went on to say that it had found the “backlash” to the incident “deeply saddening” and added that Davidson had made a decision to leave the ceremony early.
The incident prompted the BAFTA Film Awards to be removed from BBC iPlayer.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards 2026.
“This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard.”
During the original broadcast, the awards ceremony’s presenter Alan Cumming issued an apology for the language viewers may hear.
He said: “You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight. If you have seen the film I Swear, you will know that film is about the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome.
“Tourette syndrome is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language. We apologise if you were offended.”
