Most people remember the first time they meet royalty. It’s usually a polished, quiet, and respectful affair.
But for John Davidson, that moment came with a sudden—and very loud—expletive.
And no, it wasn’t a scandal. It was just another day living with Tourette’s Syndrome.
Back in 2019, as John stood before Queen Elizabeth II at Holyrood Palace to receive his MBE, three words tumbled out of his mouth before he could stop them: “F*** the Queen!”
Instead of recoiling or reacting with shock, the Queen remained composed and gracious.
According to John, she handled the moment with the same warmth and steadiness as “my granny.”
She had already been briefed on John’s condition, and her calm response turned what could’ve been awkward into something touching.
Living with Tourette’s: More Than Just Swearing
John, who hails from Galashiels in Scotland, has spent decades raising awareness of Tourette’s Syndrome—a neurological disorder that causes involuntary tics.
These can be physical, like blinking or twitching, or vocal, like grunts, repeated words, or in some cases, swearing.
Only about 10 percent of people with Tourette’s experience coprolalia, the type of tic that causes involuntary cursing.
But sadly, it’s also the symptom that gets the most attention, often for the wrong reasons.
John knows this all too well. He’s the same young man who appeared in the groundbreaking 1989 BBC documentary John’s Not Mad, which gave millions their first honest look at life with Tourette’s.
The show made him a household name in the UK—and unintentionally, the face of a misunderstood condition.
The Day He Met the Queen
Receiving the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) was one of the proudest moments of John’s life.
But for someone with Tourette’s, moments of high stress or excitement can bring on intense tics.
Aside from the infamous outburst at the Queen, John also recalled blurting, “I’ve got a f***ing bomb!” during a routine car check by officers at the palace, and later, yelling “I’m a paedo!” in the corridor as he made his way to the ceremony.
He explains, “It’s this exhausting mental battle.
You know it’s the worst thing to say, and yet that’s exactly what your brain tells you to say.”
A Voice for Thousands Living in Silence
John has turned what could’ve been an isolating condition into a platform for education and empathy.
Today, he’s regarded as one of the leading voices for Tourette’s advocacy in the UK.
Working alongside organizations like Tourette’s Action and Tourette Scotland, he’s spoken at hundreds of events, held school visits, and run workshops for kids and adults alike.
His message? Understanding, compassion, and breaking the stigma.
He never imagined he’d one day be recognized by the Crown for his work.
“I never thought I’d even have a life,” he admitted. “Let alone be able to help people and get recognised for it.”
A Life Captured on Film Once Again
Now in his 50s, John is stepping into the spotlight again.
This October, he’s releasing a memoir and a new documentary, both titled I Swear.
The film revisits his journey, from being a misunderstood teen to becoming a national advocate and role model.
I Swear isn’t just about swearing—it’s about the strength it takes to live authentically, and how one man has helped thousands feel seen.
What Is Tourette’s Syndrome?
Tourette’s Syndrome is a lifelong neurological disorder that typically starts in childhood and is marked by involuntary movements and sounds, known as tics.
In many cases, it runs in families and may be associated with conditions like ADHD and OCD.
While there is currently no cure, treatment options can help manage symptoms, especially with the support of community and awareness—something John Davidson has dedicated his life to improving.
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