London, England — At the 2026 BAFTA Awards held on Sunday, February 22, in London's Royal Festival Hall, host Alan Cumming paused the ceremony to address audible outbursts from the audience, attributing them to the involuntary tics of Tourette's syndrome experienced by activist John Davidson.
Cumming, the 61-year-old Scottish actor known for his roles in films like GoldenEye and the TV series The Good Wife, was hosting the British Academy of Film and Television Arts event when several instances of strong language disrupted proceedings. According to a report from Variety, the outbursts included shouts of “Shut the f*** up” during a speech by BAFTA chair Sara Putt, and “F*** you” as the directors of the film Boong accepted their award. Another reported incident involved the use of the n-word when actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the Best Visual Effects award to Avatar: Fire and Ash.
Davidson, who serves as the real-life inspiration for the BAFTA-nominated biographical film I Swear, was present in the audience. The film explores the challenges of living with Tourette's syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by sudden, unwanted, and uncontrolled rapid and repeated movements or vocal sounds known as tics, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Prior to the ceremony beginning, a floor manager introduced Davidson to the audience, saying, “I’d like to welcome John Davidson MBE from one of our nominated films I Swear. John has Tourette’s Syndrome so please be aware you might hear some involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony,” as reported by Variety.
Cumming first addressed the situation midway through the event, thanking the crowd for their patience. “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,” he said. “Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”
The host followed up with a second statement later in the evening, emphasizing the involuntary nature of the tics. “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,” Cumming told the audience, according to Variety.
Reports indicate that the outbursts were not heard during the second half of the ceremony, as Davidson reportedly left the room of his own accord and was not asked to leave by BAFTA officials. This detail was confirmed in the Variety account, which noted that the activist departed voluntarily after the initial disruptions.
The incident drew attention to I Swear, a film that has garnered significant praise for its portrayal of Tourette's. Nominated in biographical categories, it highlights Davidson's personal story, bringing greater awareness to the condition. Emma McNally, CEO of the charity organization Tourettes Action, issued a statement ahead of the BAFTAs expressing optimism about the film's impact. “We’ve had a huge amount of people reach out to us about I Swear, both individuals living with Tourette’s syndrome and those with no previous connection to the condition,” she said. “All have been deeply affected by the film. It’s clearly created a huge public reaction.”
Viewers have told us that seeing John’s real story portrayed with such depth and honesty has given them a far more accurate understanding of what Tourette’s can look like and how it affects the individual – this is something they had given little thought to previously. We’re hopeful that as more people talk openly and more accurate on‑screen representations appear, we’ll continue moving toward a more inclusive and understanding society for everyone living with Tourette’s.
McNally's comments underscore the broader conversation around disability representation in media, especially at high-profile events like the BAFTAs, which celebrate achievements in film and television. The ceremony itself featured a star-studded lineup, with presentations by Jordan and Lindo marking a moment of recognition for visual effects in James Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash, the latest installment in the blockbuster franchise.
BAFTA officials have not released an official statement beyond the on-stage addresses, but the proactive introduction of Davidson by the floor manager suggests organizers were prepared for potential disruptions. This preparation aligns with efforts to foster inclusivity at awards shows, where diverse attendees and honorees are increasingly common. For instance, past BAFTA ceremonies have included accessibility measures for various disabilities, though specific protocols for neurological conditions like Tourette's are less frequently discussed publicly.
The outbursts occurred against the backdrop of a ceremony honoring a wide array of films, including Boong, whose directors' acceptance speech was interrupted. Boong, a drama exploring cultural themes, won in its category, adding to the night's accolades. Meanwhile, Sara Putt, as BAFTA chair, was delivering remarks on the organization's role in the industry when the first notable shout rang out, according to eyewitness accounts compiled by Variety.
Davidson, honored with an MBE for his advocacy work, has been a vocal figure in raising awareness about Tourette's. His involvement in I Swear stems from years of personal experience and activism, making his presence at the BAFTAs a poignant tie-in to the film's nomination. While the disruptions were limited to the first half, they sparked immediate social media reactions, with some users praising Cumming's handling of the situation and others discussing the challenges of accommodating invisible disabilities in public spaces.
Experts in neurology emphasize that Tourette's tics can vary widely in severity and manifestation, often worsening under stress or excitement—conditions not uncommon at a glitzy awards show. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke notes that vocal tics may include swearing or other socially inappropriate language, known as coprolalia, which affects only a subset of those with the disorder but can be particularly stigmatizing.
As the film industry continues to spotlight real-life stories, incidents like this highlight the intersection of art, advocacy, and lived experience. I Swear's nomination has already prompted discussions on inclusivity, with Tourettes Action reporting increased inquiries from both affected individuals and the general public. McNally's hope for a more understanding society seems timely, especially as awards seasons often amplify social issues through celebrity platforms.
Looking ahead, the BAFTAs' approach could set a precedent for future events. Organizers might refine protocols for supporting attendees with neurological conditions, ensuring that awareness announcements like the floor manager's become standard. For Davidson, the evening, though marked by unintended outbursts, ultimately spotlighted his story and the film's message, potentially broadening public empathy for Tourette's.
In the wake of the ceremony, Cumming's composed responses were lauded by attendees and observers alike, reinforcing his reputation as a versatile and empathetic host. As the film awards circuit progresses toward the Oscars in March, I Swear remains a contender, carrying forward the conversation on disability representation that the BAFTAs inadvertently amplified.