John Davidson shouts N-word during BAFTAs while Jordan and Lindo present

During the 2026 BAFTAs, Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the award for best visual effects to "Avatar: Fire and Ash" when Tourette’s syndrome campaigner John Davidson could be heard shouting the N-word. The presenters continued despite the moment.

Host Alan Cumming apologized to the audience, noting that strong language can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience. He added that tics are involuntary and said, "We apologize if you are offended tonight." Davidson’s tics were also audible when he told BAFTA chair Sara Putt to "shut the f–k up" during her introductory speech and when he shouted "f–k you" at the directors of "Boong" as they accepted the award for best children’s and family film.

He appeared to leave the ceremony during the second half on his own accord. Davidson is the inspiration for the BAFTA-nominated movie "I Swear" and is known as an ambassador for Tourette’s syndrome, giving talks and workshops about the condition for which there is no cure.

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