John Davidson unwittingly became the centre of a storm at the Baftas on Sunday when he shouted a racial slur at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo during the ceremony.
The campaigner, who lives with Tourette syndrome and coprolalia, has since apologised, explaining that his tics are “involuntary”. John left the ceremony of his own accord during its second half after becoming aware of the “distress” that his tics were causing.
John, 54, has campaigned for awareness around Tourette’s, fronting several workshops and school visits, and in 2019, he was awarded an MBE. However, due to his condition, during the ceremony, after being introduced to the late Queen, he yelled: “[Expletive] the Queen.”
The incident was embarrassing for the campaigner, but speaking to the Daily Telegraph in October 2025, he revealed that the late monarch brushed off the moment.
© Getty ImagesJohn (right) was awarded an MBE in 2019
“She said: ‘Congratulations, Mr Davidson.’ Then I started to relax, because she said: ‘I believe you’ve done lots of television appearances trying to improve people’s knowledge of Tourette’s,'” he explained. “And I said, ‘Yeah, ma’am, I’ve done five documentaries.’ Then she said, ‘Gee whizz. I’ll have to get the boys to show me some of these one day.'”
While typically people remain at an investiture as further people are given MBEs and the like, John was given royal assent to leave the event early due to his tics.
Baftas incident
John was present at the Baftas on Sunday night to celebrate the success of I Swear, a biopic based on his life. The film had been nominated for five awards, and on the night, it won Best Actor and Best Casting.
During the ceremony, John was heard shouting several times, including a racial slur at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo as they presented the first award of the evening.
WATCH: Bafta ceremony interrupted by John Davidson’s vocal tics (censored)
The shouts were particularly audible for those in the room at London’s Royal Festival Hall, and a source told HELLO!: “The auditorium fell completely silent during the speeches, making the sudden outbursts clearly audible. The reaction in the room was one of visible shock, yet no one openly responded.”
Awards host Alan Cumming apologised to viewers and attendees for the language, saying: “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. We apologise if you are offended.”
© PA Images via Getty ImagesJohn headed to the Baftas to celebrate his biopic, I Swear
The incident has sparked plenty of debate, and on Tuesday, Bafta judge Jonte Richardson decided to step down from the organisation over its handling of the matter.
In a statement posted on LinkedIn, Jonte said: “After considerable soul-searching, I feel compelled to withdraw from the BAFTA emerging talent judging panel. The organisation’s handling of the unfortunate Tourette’s N-Word incident last night at the awards was utterly unforgivable. I cannot and will not contribute my time, energy and expertise to an organisation that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its Black guests, members and the Black creative community.”
The filmmaker continued: “This is particularly unfortunate given that this year’s cohort boasts some incredible black talent, especially one of my favourite shows of 2025 Just Act Normal. However, when an organisation like Bafta, with its own long history of systemic racism, refuses to acknowledge the harm inflicted on both the black and disabled communities and offer an appropriate apology, remaining involved would be tantamount to condoning its behaviour.
“I hope Bafta leadership comprehend the damage they and the BBC have caused, and take the necessary steps to ensure their production staff are inclusive enough to prevent such an issue in the future.”
Tourette syndrome
According to the NHS, Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition that causes sudden, repetitive movements or sounds known as tics. In rare cases, this can include involuntary use of offensive language, known as coprolalia, which individuals cannot control.
© Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty ImJohn was ‘mortified’ involuntary tics
Charity organisations including Tourettes Action and Tourette Scotland have since urged compassion and understanding, noting that such symptoms are neurological rather than intentional expressions of belief or character.
In a statement, Tourettes Action said people living with the condition can experience “great distress” following vocal tics and stressed that the words spoken do not reflect personal views or intent.