Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson apologizes after BAFTA involuntary tic controversy

Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson has said he is “deeply mortified” if anyone believed his involuntary outburst at the BAFTA Film Awards was intentional.

The incident occurred during Sunday’s ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall as presenters Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage. Davidson, who has Tourette syndrome, involuntarily shouted a racial slur, prompting backlash and a formal apology from BAFTA.

In a statement to Variety, Davidson thanked BAFTA and the BBC for warning attendees in advance that his tics are involuntary and not reflective of his beliefs. “I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning,” he said. He added that he left the auditorium early after recognizing the distress caused.

Ahead of the broadcast, host Alan Cumming had informed the live audience that Davidson experiences involuntary vocal tics, which can include sudden outbursts. BAFTA later said it took “full responsibility” for the situation and issued an unreserved apology to Jordan and Lindo.

Davidson is the inspiration behind the Bafta-winning drama I Swear, which explores the realities of living with Tourette syndrome.

Tourette’s is a neurological condition characterized by motor and vocal tics. A small percentage of people experience coprolalia, involving involuntary swearing or socially inappropriate remarks, classified medically as complex vocal tics rather than intentional speech.