Tourette’s activist John Davidson has reached out to apologize to Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo, and production designer Hannah Beachler after his condition caused him to say a racial slur while they were on stage the 2026 BAFTAs ceremony.
Davidson attended the awards because the movie based on his life, I Swear, was nominated for six awards including outstanding British film, best original screenplay, and best actor. Robert Aramayo, who played Davidson in the film, won best actor.
The activist has spent much of his life trying to campaign for awareness regarding Tourette’s, and the film examines the negativity and abuse he has faced as a result of the condition. He also has coprolalia, which causes him to involuntarily use derogatory words, slurs, and insults.
Davidson’s use of the n-word at the BAFTAs was met with controversy and debate online, and he opened up about the event for an in-depth interview.
John Davidson says he “ticked perhaps 10 different offensive words” at the BAFTAS
Davidson spoke to Variety about the BAFTAs, with his team confirming that he has reached out to Warner Bros. to apologize to Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo, and Hannah Beachler about shouting the n-word while they were onstage.
“I can’t begin to explain how upset and distraught I have been,” he said, later adding, “I want people to know and understand that my tics have absolutely nothing to do with what I think, feel or believe. It’s an involuntary neurological misfire.” Davidson also explained that it wasn’t the only time he ticked during the ceremony.
“I would appreciate reports of the event explaining that I ticked perhaps 10 different offensive words on the night of the awards,” Davidson said. “The n-word was one of these, and I completely understand its significance in history and in the modern world, but most articles are giving the impression I shouted one single slur on Sunday.”
The activist noted that he was told by the BAFTAs that any swearing would be edited out by the BBC. “I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated, knowing I would tic,” he added.
Davidson left the ceremony 25 minutes into the event, saying that he “made the decision to leave to not cause any more upset,” before watching the rest of the awards in a private room. He also said that the backlash has been equally upsetting, and shows there’s “still so much to do” about Tourette’s awareness.
“The negative responses only go to show the importance of people seeing the film and understanding more about an incredibly complex neurological condition,” Davidson said.
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