Tourette’s activist John Davidson apologizes for BAFTAs outburst

During the 2026 BAFTA Awards, Tourette's activist John Davidson shouted a racial slur, leading to widespread reactions from attendees and the public. Davidson later expressed deep regret for the incident.

Incident at the BAFTAs

While presenting an award, Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were interrupted by Davidson's outburst. He later clarified it was an involuntary tic due to his Tourette Syndrome and apologized for any distress caused.

BAFTA issued an apology, acknowledging the challenging situation for their guests during the ceremony. Host Alan Cumming also addressed the audience, explaining the nature of Tourette's syndrome tics.

Reactions and Aftermath

Delroy Lindo commented on the incident, noting no one from BAFTA personally reached out to him or Jordan afterward. He expressed a wish for more direct communication following the event.

The incident drew reactions from various celebrities. Jamie Foxx criticized Davidson's actions as unacceptable, while actor Robert Aramayo defended him, emphasizing understanding of Tourette's syndrome.

Tourette's Syndrome Awareness

Tourette's syndrome involves involuntary movements or sounds known as tics. Davidson is featured in "I Swear," a film exploring his life with Tourette's, which aims to increase awareness and understanding of the condition.