Alan Cumming thanks audience for understanding after Tourette syndrome sufferer John Davidson yells racial slurs and leaves BAFTA ceremony in London

The 2026 British Academy Film Awards at London’s Royal Festival Hall took an unexpected turn when a guest, John Davidson, who has Tourette syndrome, shouted offensive language during the ceremony.

Alan Cumming, hosting the evening, quickly addressed the situation, thanking the audience for their understanding and explaining the nature of Davidson’s condition.

Cumming reassured viewers that Davidson’s outbursts were involuntary, a result of his neurological condition, and issued an apology for any offense caused.

He said: “It is a disability and the ticks you have heard tonight are involuntary.

That means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language and we apologise if it has caused offence.”

Understanding Tourette Syndrome Through Film

The moment was connected to the film I Swear, which chronicles Davidson’s life.

Now 54, Davidson was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at a time when awareness was minimal.

The movie stars Robert Aramayo as Davidson and follows his early years growing up in Glasgow, exploring the challenges he faced with the condition.

Tourette syndrome, according to NHS England, affects roughly one in 100 children and is characterized by involuntary movements and vocalizations, known as tics.

I Swear offers an intimate look at the life of someone living with this condition, highlighting both the struggles and the achievements that come with it.

Awards Night Highlights and Surprises

While I Swear was nominated for Outstanding British Film, it lost to Hamnet.

However, Robert Aramayo won Best Actor, triumphing over favorites Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet.

He also earned the EE Rising Star Award, the only public-voted accolade of the night.

Peter Mullan, who played Tommy Trotter, was nominated for Best Supporting Actor but lost to Sean Penn for One Battle After Another.

The big winner of the evening was One Battle After Another, which took home six awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Adapted Screenplay, Supporting Actor, Cinematography, and Editing.

Director Paul Thomas Anderson celebrated the success with humor, promising to find a bar to celebrate afterward.

Meanwhile, Jessie Buckley captured Best Actress for Hamnet, praising her mentors and fellow nominees in a heartfelt speech, even humorously forgetting Kate Hudson’s name at first.

Davidson’s MBE and Personal Triumphs

John Davidson’s life story extends beyond the silver screen.

He was awarded an MBE for his work raising awareness about Tourette syndrome.

He recalled the moment as the proudest of his life, despite experiencing the involuntary compulsion to shout unusual statements, including at police officers, while attending the ceremony.

This recognition adds a poignant layer to his story, showing that despite the challenges posed by his condition, Davidson has made a significant impact on society and advocacy for people with neurological conditions.

What’s Next?

For Davidson, the film I Swear continues to spotlight the experiences of those living with Tourette syndrome, potentially reaching a global audience and furthering awareness.

Robert Aramayo’s career is clearly on the rise after an unexpected Best Actor win, while One Battle After Another is set to dominate awards conversations in the coming months.

Fans and viewers alike will likely be following Davidson’s advocacy work closely, as well as the next phase in his cinematic story being shared worldwide.

Summary

The 2026 BAFTAs had its share of surprises, from John Davidson’s involuntary outburst during the ceremony to Robert Aramayo’s stunning Best Actor victory for I Swear.

Alan Cumming addressed the incident with grace, educating the audience on Tourette syndrome.

While One Battle After Another dominated with six awards, Hamnet and I Swear also left their mark.

Davidson’s life and advocacy continue to inspire, showing the power of perseverance in the face of neurological challenges.