Alan Cumming Apologizes After Outbursts at BAFTAs from Tourette’s Advocate

BAFTA Awards host Alan Cumming apologized to the audience after several outbursts during the ceremony from John Davidson, a campaigner with Tourette’s syndrome. Davidson, who is the inspiration for the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear, experienced involuntary vocal tics, including expletives and a racial slur, throughout the evening.

What Happened at the BAFTAs?

During the February 22, 2026, BAFTA Film Awards, Davidson’s tics manifested as disruptive outbursts. According to reports from Variety and TV Insider, these included shouting “shut the fuck up” during BAFTA chair Sara Putt’s introductory speech and “fuck you” when the directors of Boong accepted the award for Best Children’s and Family Film. The most controversial incident involved Davidson shouting a racial slur while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for Best Visual Effects.

Cumming’s Response and Explanation

Cumming addressed the audience, acknowledging the “strong language” and explaining that it was a manifestation of Davidson’s Tourette’s syndrome, as explored in the film I Swear. He emphasized that the tics are involuntary and apologized for any offense caused, requesting understanding and a “respectful space for everyone.” People reported Cumming’s apology and explanation.

Understanding Tourette’s Syndrome

Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements or sounds called tics. These tics can be physical (motor tics) or vocal (phonic tics), and can range in severity. Some individuals with Tourette’s experience coprolalia, the involuntary utterance of obscene words or phrases, as Davidson does. Davidson was diagnosed with Tourette’s at age 25, but experienced symptoms beginning at age 12.

Aftermath and Davidson’s Departure

According to Variety, Davidson left the ceremony of his own accord. The floor manager had informed the audience before the show that involuntary noises or movements might occur due to Davidson’s condition. Despite the two-hour delay before the broadcast on the BBC, the outbursts were included in the televised version.

Awards Highlights

Despite the disruption, the awards ceremony proceeded. Robert Aramayo won the Best Actor award for his portrayal of John Davidson in I Swear, too taking home the BAFTA Rising Star Award. One Battle After Another was the night’s biggest winner, securing six awards, including Best Film and Best Director. Jessie Buckley and Wunmi Mosaku also received awards for their performances.