John Davidson is speaking out after a deeply troubling moment at the 2026 British Academy of Film and Television Arts Film Awards drew widespread reaction.
The Tourette Syndrome advocate addressed the incident a day after he involuntarily shouted a racial slur while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were onstage presenting an award. In a statement shared with Variety, John Davidson said he was grateful for the support shown before the ceremony began.
“I appreciated the announcement to the auditorium in advance of the recording, warning everyone that my tics are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs,” Davidson said. “I felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me.”
Why are people acting like Tourette’s makes you say racial slurs? And on top of that, acting like Black folks are supposed to just overlook this vile shit.
— Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline) February 23, 2026
And hearing that the UK broadcaster chose not to bleep it makes it 10X worse.
Tourette Syndrome activist John Davidson… pic.twitter.com/sBJdnlolcz
Davidson attended the ceremony in London to represent I Swear, which is based on his life and experiences with Tourette’s syndrome.
“I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional,” he added.
He also explained why he left the auditorium early. “I was aware of the distress my tics were causing,” Davidson said. “I have spent my life trying to teach empathy, kindness and understanding.”
Following the incident, BAFTA issued an apology and took responsibility, while the BBC said it regretted not removing the language from its delayed broadcast.
