Tourette’s activist John Davidson apologizes after onstage slur at the 2026 BAFTA Awards
John Davidson, a Tourette’s activist, has reached out to Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo, and production designer Hannah Beachler to apologize for an incident at the 2026 BAFTA Awards, where his tics led him to utter a racial slur while the group was on stage.
Davidson attended the ceremony because I Swear, a film based on his life, was nominated for six awards, including Outstanding British Film, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Actor. In the film, Robert Aramayo portrays Davidson and went on to win Best Actor.
Throughout his life, Davidson has campaigned to raise awareness about Tourette’s and the film delves into the negativity and abuse he has faced as a result of the condition. He has coprolalia, which can cause involuntary use of derogatory words, slurs, and insults.
The onstage use of the n-word drew significant controversy online. Davidson spoke with Variety about the event, with his team confirming that he had reached out to Warner Bros. to apologize to Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo, and Hannah Beachler for shouting the slur while they were onstage.
“I can’t begin to explain how upset and distraught I have been,” he said, adding, “I want people to know and understand that my tics have absolutely nothing to do with what I think, feel or believe. It’s an involuntary neurological misfire.” He noted that this was not the only time he ticked during the ceremony.
“I would appreciate reports of the event explaining that I ticked perhaps 10 different offensive words on the night of the awards,” Davidson stated. “The n-word was one of these, and I completely understand its significance in history and in the modern world, but most articles are giving the impression I shouted one single slur on Sunday.”
Davidson said that he was told by the BAFTAs that any swearing would be edited out by the BBC, and he questioned whether that approach was wise given his seating position and likelihood to tic. He left the ceremony about 25 minutes in to avoid causing further upset, then watched the remainder of the awards from a private room. He acknowledged that the backlash has been upsetting but emphasized that it underscores there is “still so much to do” to raise Tourette’s awareness. He added that negative responses illustrate the importance of seeing the film and understanding an incredibly complex neurological condition.