Tourette's advocate John Davidson addresses BAFTA incident, says ‘I was aware of the distress my tics were causing’

A day after Tourette's advocate John Davidson made headlines for saying curse words and using strong language at the BAFTAs, he made his first official statement. The man, who is the main inspiration behind the film ‘I Swear’, was heard cursing and yelling obscene phrases throughout the award show in the background as a part of his involuntary tics because of Tourette's. One such moment, when Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award, he could be heard shouting the n-word, which also went viral online.

John Davidson makes first statement after BAFTA

In a statement shared with Variety on February 23, Davidsone talked about how grateful he was to attend the BAFTAs and how it was a wonderful night. While expressing gratitude, he also addressed whatever happened at the award shows, including the incident with Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.


He stated, “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.”

The 54-year-old further explained that he was grateful for the audience and how understanding they were of everything. “In addition to the announcement by Alan Cumming, the BBC and BAFTA, I can only add that I am, and always have been, deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning,” he further shared.

Davidson also revealed that he did not stay for the full duration of the awards. “I chose to leave the auditorium early in the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing,” he added.

It was also reported that prior to the award event starting, a stage manager had taken John Davidson around the crowd and explained to them that throughout the show, they may hear noises and involuntary words because of Davidson’s Tourette’s syndrome.

About John Davidson’s n-word incident

While the two ‘Sinners’ actors announced the award for the night, Davidson’s ‘n-word’ slur caught many people’s attention. An apology was also issued by the award show’s hosting platform. BBC cited in the report that “We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism.” They shared how sorry they were for not editing out the word and other incidents throughout the show from the final cut.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”