An uncomfortable moment unfolded at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards when Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were interrupted by a slur shouted from the audience while presenting on stage.
The two actors were announcing the winner for best visual effects when the outburst could be heard inside the venue. The voice was later identified as Tourette’s syndrome campaigner John Davidson, who was attending the ceremony as an invited guest.
Davidson is the inspiration behind the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear, which is based on his life and experiences living with Tourette’s syndrome.
Despite the shocking moment, Jordan and Lindo continued presenting without reacting, keeping the show moving forward.
Host Alan Cumming later addressed the situation from the stage.
“You may have noticed some strong language in the background,” Cumming told the audience. “This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people, as the film explores that experience.”
He added that Tourette’s is a disability and explained that the vocal tics associated with it are involuntary, meaning the individual has no control over what is said.
“We apologize if you are offended tonight,” Cumming said, asking for understanding and respect.
The outbursts reportedly continued at other moments during the ceremony, including during an introductory speech and while filmmakers accepted an award.
According to reports, Davidson appeared to leave the event voluntarily during the second half of the show. A source indicated that he had been invited and was not asked to leave.
Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive movements and vocalizations known as tics. These can include sudden sounds or words that are not intentional or within the person’s control.
Davidson has been a longtime advocate for awareness around the condition. As a teenager, he was featured in the 1989 BBC documentary John’s Not Mad, which followed his life with severe Tourette’s. He has since become a public speaker and ambassador, working to educate others about the disorder.