BAFTAs presenter Alan Cumming apologized after Sunday’s ceremony was disrupted when a Tourette’s campaigner shouted a racial slur while Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were onstage presenting an award.
John Davidson attended the BAFTAs following the success of I Swear, a film based on his life with Tourette’s, which received five nominations.
Tourette’s syndrome can cause sudden, repeated sounds or movements known as tics. Although there isn’t a cure, many people can manage symptoms with treatment and support.
Some people with Tourette’s experience coprolalia, reported in around 10 to 30 percent of cases.
Coprolalia involves involuntary vocal outbursts that may include swearing or offensive language — including, at times, racial slurs.
As Jordan and Lindo presented the award, Davidson shouted the N word. He was also heard at other moments yelling phrases including “f*ck you” and “shut the f*ck up”.
The actors briefly paused after the slur was heard, before continuing with the presentation for Best Special Visual Effects, the first award of the night.
Cumming, hosting the ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall, addressed the incident onstage after the language was picked up on the broadcast.
The Traitors US host said: “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.
“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.”
The BBC, which aired the ceremony, later issued its own apology for what it described as “strong and offensive language” in a statement provided to Tyla.
“Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards 2026,” a BBC spokesperson said. “This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard.”
According to Variety, Davidson attended alongside members of the film’s cast and crew. The report also says a floor manager had warned guests ahead of time that they “might hear some involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony”.
Variety also reports that Davidson left the auditorium during the second half of the event of his own accord.