A debate has broken out among BAFTA Film Awards attendees and online after Tourette Syndrome campaigner John Davidson was heard cursing throughout the show.
Davidson is the inspiration behind the BAFTA nomination I swear. Robert Aramayo, who played the Scotsman in Kirk Jones’ acclaimed film, took home the BAFTA for best actor on Sunday night, beating out Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Ethan Hawke and Michael B. Jordan.
The film follows the struggle of a man growing up with Tourette syndrome, a condition characterized by sudden, involuntary, repetitive movements or sounds. These are known as tics and often manifest as outbursts such as loud swearing, which occurred numerous times during the first 20 minutes of the BAFTA ceremony when Davidson shouted, “Boring!” while guests had some of the housekeeping rules explained to them before the show began and “Shit!” when people were asked not to curse.
He also exclaimed, “Shut up,” as BAFTA president Sara Putt made her introductory remarks, and later drew gasps when she said the N-word as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for best visual effects. Avatar: Fire and Ash.
In keeping with the evening’s celebratory tone, Cumming interrupted his presentation several times throughout the program to remind viewers: “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This may be part of how Tourette syndrome manifests in some people as the film explores that experience,” he said, referencing I swear. “Thank you for your understanding and helping to create a respectful space for everyone.”
After Davidson left the ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall in London, around 25 minutes after the start of the process, which The Hollywood Reporter understands it was of his own free will, and not as a result of BAFTA asking him to do so. Cumming said again: “Tourette syndrome is a disability and the tics you heard tonight are involuntary, meaning that the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you feel offended tonight.”
Guests were also notified before the awards ceremony began that they might occasionally hear Davidson’s tics. A room manager welcomed him and said, “John has Tourette syndrome, so please be aware that you may hear some involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony.”
BAFTA referred THR to the BBC when asked for a statement about the incident. The broadcaster, which aired the show on a two-hour delay across the UK, did not immediately respond, although questions were raised behind the scenes about the decision not to edit Davidson’s curses.
The incident has sparked debate among the film community attending the BAFTA Film Awards, with many Britons arguing that Tourette syndrome is a deeply misunderstood disease. Others, including those across the pond, were apparently less tolerant of Davidson’s outbursts. Some emphasized that night that his language could have been an emotional trigger for the presenters.
sinners‘ production designer Hannah Beachler took to social media after the show. “I keep trying to write about what happened at the BAFTAs and I can’t find the words,” she wrote on “I deeply understand and know why this is an impossible situation. I know we need to handle this with grace and move on. But what made the situation worse was the ‘if you were offended’ apology.”
Aramayo, who also won the BAFTA Rising Star award on Sunday, told the crowd when accepting the award: “John Davidson is the most extraordinary man I have ever met. He is very forthcoming with education and believes there should still be much more to learn about Tourette syndrome.
“For people living with Tourette’s, we are the ones helping them define what their experience is,” Aramayo said. “So, to quote the movie, they need support and understanding.”
The discussion moved to the Internet, where some users commented that Tourette syndrome is “debilitating” and “really, really horrible.”