BAFTA attendee who shouted N-word at “Sinners” stars explains what led to outburst and why he couldn't suppress it
BAFTA attendee who shouted N-word at “Sinners” stars explains what led to outburst and why he couldn't suppress it
Ryan ColemanWed, February 25, 2026 at 3:38 AM UTC
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John Davidson at the 2026 BAFTAsCredit: Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty
Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson, who came under fire for uttering various slurs and curses during Sunday's British Academy of Film and Television Arts, including shouting the N-word while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award, has issued a lengthy explanation of the incident from his perspective.
"I can't begin to explain how upset and distraught I have been as the impact from Sunday sinks in," Davidson told Variety in an interview published Tuesday. "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. My tics are not an intention, not a choice, and not a reflection of my values."
Davidson explained that "the real challenge isn’t the tics themselves, but the misconceptions surrounding them. Understanding the full range of Tourette's helps reduce stigma and supports everyone living with the condition. When socially unacceptable words come out, the guilt and shame on the part of the person with the condition is often unbearable and causes enormous distress."
Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan at the 2026 BAFTAsCredit: Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty
"Depending on the severity of the condition, people either have an ability to suppress what they are saying for short periods of time, or they don't," Davidson continued. "Suppressing can be compared to taking a full bottle of Coca-Cola and shaking it each time you feel the need to tic. Before long, the pressure is so intense it has to be released, and it bursts out — and on occasion, that can lead to a tic attack."
In Davidson's particular case, his tics "have always been so aggressive that I have no idea when they are coming or what they will be. I have almost no ability to suppress, and when the situation is stressful, I have absolutely no choice but to tic — it simply bursts out of me like a gunshot."
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BAFTAs host Alan Cumming apologized for Davidson's overheard remarks during the ceremony, explaining that "Tourette's syndrome is a disability, and the tics you've heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette's syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you are offended tonight."
The awards organization followed, noting in a statement shared with EW on Monday that "last night our guests heard very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many. We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened, and apologize to all." BAFTA added that it "took measures to make those in attendance aware of the tics," including announcing Davidson's presence and cautioning about his tics that other attendees may overhear.
Lindo, who could be seen hearing Davidson's outburst while he presented alongside Jordan, shared in the aftermath that he hoped "someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterwards."
"I want to be really clear that the intent behind them is zero. What you’re hearing is a symptom — not my character, not my thought, not my belief. Tourette's can feel spiteful and searches out the most upsetting tic for me personally and for those around me," Davidson continued to Variety. "What you hear me shouting is literally the last thing in the world I believe; it is the opposite of what I believe. The most offensive word that I ticked at the ceremony, for example, is a word I would never use and would completely condemn if I did not have Tourette's."
Davidson's comments weren't limited to explanation of his condition or apology for whatever harm his words may have caused. He stated that he shouted out "perhaps 10 different offensive words" on Sunday, contrary to some claims that he only shouted out the racial slur during Lindo and Jordan's presentation. He also questioned whether it was "wise" for the BAFTA to place a microphone in front of him, "knowing I would tic."
The national advocate for those living with the condition was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome in his teens. He rose to national prominence at 16 as the subject of the BBC TV documentary John's Not Mad, which shone a spotlight on those living with Tourette's. He was present at the BAFTAs to support the nominated film I Swear, starring Robert Aramayo as a character with the condition based on Davidson. Aramayo went on to win the Best Actor prize in one of the night's more shocking turns.
on Entertainment Weekly
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
