Tourette’s debate at BAFTA Film Awards after John Davidson heard cursing during ceremony

Ceremony prompts discussion after Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson’s involuntary tics were heard

A debate unfolded at the BAFTA Film Awards after Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson was heard cursing and shouting during the ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall.

Davidson is the inspiration behind I Swear, in which Robert Aramayo portrays the Scotsman living with Tourette’s syndrome. Aramayo won the BAFTA for best actor on Sunday, ahead of nominees including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothee Chalamet, Ethan Hawke and Michael B. Jordan.

Tourette’s syndrome is characterised by sudden, involuntary and repetitive movements or sounds known as tics. During the opening stages of the ceremony, Davidson shouted “Boring!” as housekeeping announcements were delivered and “Bullshit!” when guests were asked not to curse.

He also exclaimed, “Shut the fuck up,” during introductory remarks by BAFTA chair Sara Putt and later said the n-word while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for best visual effects to Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Host Alan Cumming addressed the audience several times, saying: “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 explores that experience. Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”

After Davidson left the ceremony of his own accord, Cumming added: “Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette’s Syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you are offended tonight.”

Guests had been informed before the ceremony that they might hear involuntary noises. Discussion continued online, with some describing Tourette’s as “debilitating” and “really, really awful”, while others raised concerns about the impact of the language used.

Aramayo said in his acceptance speech: “John Davidson is the most remarkable man I ever met. He’s so forthcoming with education and he believes there should be still so much more we need to learn about Tourette’s.”