Guest with Tourette’s Shouts Racial Slur at Baftas

Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson has spoken publicly for the first time following controversy at Sunday’s British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Film Awards, where one of his involuntary verbal tics included a racial slur during the live broadcast.

John Davidson, whose life story inspired the film I Swear, shouted the N-word as Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the first prize of Sunday’s ceremony.

The ceremony, aired on a two-hour delay by the BBC, did not initially edit out the moment, prompting backlash from viewers.

In a statement, Davidson said he was “deeply mortified” if anyone believed his involuntary tics were intentional or carried meaning. He thanked BAFTA and organisers for informing the audience in advance that his Tourette’s syndrome can cause uncontrollable vocal outbursts, including offensive language.

“I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette’s community,” Davidson said, adding that he left the ceremony early after realizing his tics were causing distress.

The BBC later apologised for failing to remove the slur before broadcast and confirmed it would be edited out of the version available on iPlayer. BAFTA also issued an apology to Lindo, Jordan and viewers, acknowledging the harm caused and accepting responsibility for the situation.