The surprise moment of the evening at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards was not due to an envelope mishap, but because of an interruption at the ceremony. The show, hosted by Alan Cumming, was briefly stopped twice due to interruptions from Tourette’s syndrome sufferer John Davidson, who is featured in the nominated biopic ‘I Swear.’
Davidson, who was at the Royal Festival Hall in London, has Tourette’s syndrome, and his tics were picked up by the microphones at the venue, which broadcast them live on television. During remarks by BAFTA chair Sara Putt, shouts of “boring” and “f— off” were heard from the audience. Later, when ‘Best Visual Effects’ went to ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash,’ presented by Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, Davidson was heard shouting the N—-.
BAFTA audience disruption sparks discussion of Tourette’s syndrome awareness
Speaking to the audience, Cumming said, “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people, as the film [I Swear] explores. Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.” He later said, “Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability, and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person has no control over their language. We apologize if you are offended tonight.”
Davidson’s presence had apparently been talked about beforehand by the BBC and those running the awards. Eventually, however, the interruptions ceased when Davidson left the auditorium, although it is not clear if he was ever seen again in the auditorium.
Davidson is, in reality, seen as one of the most well-known advocates in raising Tourette’s syndrome awareness. He was given an MBE in 2018 by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his services to people with Tourette’s syndrome. Many people may also recall him from John’s Not Mad, a documentary released in 1989. In interviews, he has talked about the difficulties faced in living with a condition that can often bring unwanted media attention. In I Swear, which was up for an Outstanding British Film award, Davidson is played by Robert Aramayo, who recently said of him, “The most remarkable man I have ever met. I have had the privilege of meeting him, actually, at this awards show, and I won a Rising Star Award.”
