The BAFTAs were held this past weekend and the award show included a lot of intense moments. One of them being when Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award.
Keep reading to learn more.
Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson was present at the BAFTA awards which took place this past weekend on 22nd February 2026 in London. Davidson caused several disruptions due to his Tourette syndrome diagnosis. Davidson, who is the inspiration behind the movie I Swear was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at age 25. His symptoms also include sudden outbursts which at times contains cursing and other tics.
The audience was told before the event of John’s presence with a floor manager for the ceremony telling them, “I’d like to welcome John Davidson MBE from one of our nominated films, I Swear. John has Tourette’s syndrome, so please be aware you might hear some involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony.”
According to reports, John shouted “shut the fuck up” while BAFTA chair Sara Putt gave an introductory speech and “fuck you” as the Best Children’s & Family Film award was accepted.
The host for the ceremony, Alan Cumming was forced to apologize when the actors, Michael and Delroy presented the Best Visual Effects award early on in the evening and another similar incident occured. As the two men were on stage to present the award, in the background John could be heard shouting the n-word.
“Good evening. Delroy and I are delighted to be presenting the first BAFTA of the night for a vital part of movie making,” Michael B. Jordan was saying when John suddenly shouted the word, the moment saw both men visibly react before the instantly acquired a mask of calm and continued. Delroy took over and said, “We’re here to celebrate the artists who expand what’s possible on screen.”
The ceremony was prerecorded and not broadcast live. While John’s disruptions could be heard during the TV broadcast, what he was saying was not clearly audible to viewers who watched the show.
After the team for Avatar: Fire and Ash accepted the award, according to reports, Alan told the live audience, “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. Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.” However, this apology was not aired for viewers on the show.
He however made another apology later on in the evening which was aired, in which he said, “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.”
Reports said John left the ceremony halfway through however he did so without being asked to. A source told media, that John was an ‘invited guest’ and that he would not have been asked to leave.
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