Alan Cumming Addresses Strong Language from BAFTA Nominee with Tourette’s Syndrome
Alan Cumming paused the BAFTA Film Awards twice to express gratitude and understanding toward the audience amid interruptions from nominee John Davidson, who has Tourette’s syndrome.
The Traitors presenter acknowledged the involuntary vocalizations from Davidson, an activist featured in the biopic I Swear.
Davidson, seated in the Royal Festival Hall, was audible during the BBC broadcast as his tics were picked up by microphones. His comments disrupted presenters and award winners on stage, with Davidson shouting phrases such as “boring” and “f**k off” during opening remarks from BAFTA chair Sara Putt.
He also uttered the N-word when Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for Best Visual Effects to Avatar: Fire and Ash, creating another notable interruption.
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Cumming addressed the audience in between awards, acknowledging the “strong language” and thanking attendees for fostering a “respectful space for everyone.” He later expressed apologies for any offense caused, emphasizing that Davidson’s tics are involuntary.
At one point during the ceremony, Davidson left the auditorium, and it remains unclear if he returned to his seat; however, the interruptions appeared to cease following his exit.
Davidson serves as a prominent advocate for individuals with Tourette’s syndrome, lending support through public speaking and activism. In 2018, he received recognition from Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to raising awareness about the condition. He was previously featured in the 1989 documentary John’s Not Mad.
In a 2022 interview with BBC News, Davidson expressed the challenges of living with Tourette’s, stating, “Tourette’s is such an awful condition that most of the time I don’t want to be the centre of attention. I want to be able to walk down the street and not be noticed because I’m shouting or swearing.”
In I Swear, he is portrayed by Robert Aramayo, who described Davidson as “the most remarkable man I’ve ever met” during his acceptance of the Rising Star prize. The film was nominated for Outstanding British Film.
