The translation of the text «Скандал на BAFTA 2026: Джон Дэвидсон и синдром Туретта» into English is: «Scandal at BAFTA 2026: John Davidson and Tourette Syndrome»
23 february 2026 в 20:13
John Davidson became the subject of discussion after the 2026 BAFTA Awards ceremony when reports emerged online that someone was shouting racist slurs. Davidson, 54, is known as an activist fighting against Tourette syndrome—a neurological disorder that causes involuntary, repetitive movements and/or tics.
A BBC representative confirmed that a guest at the ceremony with Tourette syndrome did indeed utter those words. In a statement received by NBC News, the representative said, «Some viewers may have heard coarse and offensive language during the 2026 BAFTA ceremony. This occurred due to involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome and was not intentional. We apologize for any offense caused by the language heard».
Learn more about Davidson, his career as an activist, Tourette syndrome, and the events at the 2026 BAFTA below.
Davidson is an activist and advocate for the rights of people with Tourette syndrome. The Scot has been a nationally recognized ambassador for decades, and in 1989, a BBC documentary titled «John is Not Crazy» was made about his life and experiences with Tourette syndrome.
Tourette syndrome manifests differently in each individual, and in Davidson’s case, it includes tics, coprolalia, echolalia, and sudden body movements, as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Despite the challenges associated with this condition, Davidson continues to help others living with Tourette syndrome. He has visited schools and conducted seminars to raise public awareness, as well as organized an annual camp for teenagers in Galashiels.
The 2025 film «I Swear» is a biographical film about Davidson, with actor Robert Aramayo portraying him. Aramayo received a BAFTA for Best Actor and the BAFTA Rising Star Award for his work.
While accepting the Rising Star Award, Aramayo praised Davidson in his speech, calling the activist «the most remarkable person I have ever met».
«He is so willing to share his knowledge and believes we still have much to learn about Tourette syndrome», - the actor said. «I especially want to tell people living with Tourette syndrome that the noise around them helps define their experience, so, quoting the film, ‘they need support and understanding.'»
The film tells Davidson’s story after the release of the documentary «John is Not Crazy» in 1989, when Tourette syndrome was not widely known.
Aramayo is best known for his roles in «Game of Thrones» and, more recently, in «The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power».
As mentioned, Davidson disrupted the order several times during the 2026 BAFTA ceremony. Multiple media outlets reported that he shouted racist slurs, including the «N-word», - when Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for Best Visual Effects.
At one point during the ceremony, host Alan Cumming commented on the incident, saying, «Tourette syndrome is a disability, and the tics you heard tonight are involuntary, meaning that a person with Tourette syndrome does not control their language. We apologize if you were offended tonight»
A BBC representative confirmed that a guest at the ceremony with Tourette syndrome did indeed utter those words. In a statement received by NBC News, the representative said, «Some viewers may have heard coarse and offensive language during the 2026 BAFTA ceremony. This occurred due to involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome and was not intentional. We apologize for any offense caused by the language heard».
Learn more about Davidson, his career as an activist, Tourette syndrome, and the events at the 2026 BAFTA below.
Davidson is an activist and advocate for the rights of people with Tourette syndrome. The Scot has been a nationally recognized ambassador for decades, and in 1989, a BBC documentary titled «John is Not Crazy» was made about his life and experiences with Tourette syndrome.
Tourette syndrome manifests differently in each individual, and in Davidson’s case, it includes tics, coprolalia, echolalia, and sudden body movements, as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Despite the challenges associated with this condition, Davidson continues to help others living with Tourette syndrome. He has visited schools and conducted seminars to raise public awareness, as well as organized an annual camp for teenagers in Galashiels.
The 2025 film «I Swear» is a biographical film about Davidson, with actor Robert Aramayo portraying him. Aramayo received a BAFTA for Best Actor and the BAFTA Rising Star Award for his work.
While accepting the Rising Star Award, Aramayo praised Davidson in his speech, calling the activist «the most remarkable person I have ever met».
«He is so willing to share his knowledge and believes we still have much to learn about Tourette syndrome», - the actor said. «I especially want to tell people living with Tourette syndrome that the noise around them helps define their experience, so, quoting the film, ‘they need support and understanding.'»
The film tells Davidson’s story after the release of the documentary «John is Not Crazy» in 1989, when Tourette syndrome was not widely known.
Aramayo is best known for his roles in «Game of Thrones» and, more recently, in «The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power».
As mentioned, Davidson disrupted the order several times during the 2026 BAFTA ceremony. Multiple media outlets reported that he shouted racist slurs, including the «N-word», - when Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for Best Visual Effects.
At one point during the ceremony, host Alan Cumming commented on the incident, saying, «Tourette syndrome is a disability, and the tics you heard tonight are involuntary, meaning that a person with Tourette syndrome does not control their language. We apologize if you were offended tonight»
© Smirnova Olga
