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During the 2026 BAFTA Awards on Sunday, actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo found themselves unexpectedly confronted with the N-word while on stage presenting an award. The incident occurred as the duo, known for their roles in “Sinners,” announced the winner of the best visual effects category, which went to “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”
The disruption came from John Davidson, a campaigner for Tourette’s syndrome awareness, whose vocal outburst was clearly heard by those in attendance. Davidson’s life story is the basis for the BAFTA-nominated film “I Swear,” which brings attention to the complexities of living with Tourette’s syndrome.
Despite the interruption, Jordan and Lindo maintained their professionalism and proceeded with the presentation. Following the incident, the evening’s host, Alan Cumming, addressed the situation, offering an apology to the audience.
“You may have noticed some strong language in the background,” Cumming explained, as reported by Variety. “This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome manifests for some individuals, a reality that the film ‘I Swear’ seeks to portray.”
“You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience,” Cumming told the audience, per Variety.
“Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”
Cumming later addressed the incident further, noting, “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.”
Davidson’s tics could also be heard when he told BAFTA chair Sara Putt to “shut the f–k up” during her introductory speech, and when he shouted “f–k you” at the directors of “Boong,” when they accepted the award for for best children’s and family film.
Davidson appeared to have voluntarily left the awards show during the second half of the ceremony, Variety reported.
He was an “invited guest” and under no circumstances would BAFTA ask him to leave the ceremony, a source told the outlet.
Tourette syndrome is a disorder that involves repetitive movements or unwanted sounds (tics) that can’t be easily controlled, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Tics — “sudden, brief, intermittent movements or sounds” — are a major symptom of Tourette syndrome.
Davidson was the subject of the 1989 BBC documentary, “John’s Not Mad,”when he was 16 years old. The documentary followed his life dealing with severe Tourette’s syndrome.
He is known as an ambassador for the condition, giving talks and workshops about Tourette’s syndrome, for which there is no cure.