John Davidson responds to BAFTAs racial slur controversy

The ongoing fallout from the moment Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson shouted a racial slur at the 2026 BAFTAs has prompted him to issue a statement. Davidson, whose life inspired the BAFTA-winning film I Swear, thanked BAFTA for inviting him and for announcing in the auditorium that his tics are involuntary.

"I wanted to thank BAFTA and everyone involved in the awards last night for their support and understanding and inviting me to attend the broadcast. I appreciated the announcement to the auditorium in advance of the recording, warning everyone that my tics are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs.

I was heartened by the round of applause that followed this announcement and felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me." He added he was "deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.

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