BBC issues apology after BAFTAs guest with Tourette's shouts slur during ceremony

The BBC has issued an apology after a guest with Tourette's syndrome shouted a racial slur during last night's 70th annual British Academy Film Awards.

Tourette's campaigner John Davidson had been in attendance at the Sunday night festivities (22 February), ahead of which biographical-drama I Swear had been nominated for a staggering five awards.

The film is based on Davidson's real-life battle with severe Tourette's syndrome - including his childhood, his difficulty maintaining a job, and how the 1989 documentary John's Not Mad later went on to raise awareness of the legitimacy of the incurable condition.

As a reminder, Tourette's is a condition that triggers sudden, repetitive sounds or movements, otherwise known as tics.

Prior to the BAFTAs, I Swear had been nominated for Outstanding British Film, with the tear-jerker's lead actors Robert Aramayo and Peter Mullan also receiving recognition for their portrayals of John and his caretaker, Tommy.

Davidson attended the ceremony alongside the cast and crew behind the biopic, after which the floor manager warned guests that they 'might hear some involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony', as per Variety.

Later on, Sinners actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo took to the stage to present the Best Special Visual Effects award. Their announcement was inadvertently interrupted by Davidson, however, who suffered a tic and shouted the N-word from the audience.

Variety also alleged that Davidson had made the decision to leave the auditorium during the second half of the ceremony.

As we say, in response to discussions on the incident, BBC bosses have issued a statement of regret.

"Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards 2026," it began. "This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional.

The moment occurred when Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award (Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)

"We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard."

Davidson had also yelled 'shut the f**k up' earlier in the ceremony during the show's introductory speech.

Later, whilst the Best Children’s And Family Film award was being presented, he also shouted, 'f**k you'.

The show's host, 61-year-old Scottish actor Alan Cumming, also issued an apology on the evening, for any 'offensive language' observed by viewers.

The Traitors US presenter told attendees: "You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight. If you have seen the film I Swear, you will know that film is about the experience of a person with Tourette's Syndrome.

"Tourette syndrome is a disability, and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language."

Cumming also issued an apology (Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)

Cumming added: "We apologise if you were offended."

Tyla reached out to both the BBC and the BAFTAs for further comment.

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