BAFTAS 2026: Davidson Must Apologise

 

What should have been a celebration of earned achievements has been overshadowed by the incident that has caused outrage, backlash, and debate. 

The person in the centre of it is John Davidson, a Scottish activist and campaigner for Tourette's syndrome, which he has suffered from since age 12; uncontrollable tics, swearing, repetition of words and OCD. Davidson is widely respected for his honest and impactful advocacy work, raising awareness across the UK and creating greater understanding of the everyday realities faced by those with Tourette's. His workshops and talks about his condition earned him an MBE in 2019, and his life story was adapted for the screen as I Swear, with Robert Aramayo playing him. The role earned Aramayo a British Independent Film Award for Best Lead Performance and a BAFTA for Best Actor in a Leading Role, with the film itself winning Best Casting at both award ceremonies.

                                                   

Davidson was an invited guest to this year's BAFTAs,  hosted by veteran actor Alan Cumming.

He was formally introduced before the ceremony began by the floor manager, who also explained Davidson's condition and what the audience might be subjected to because of it. 

During the ceremony, Davidson's number of outbursts was heard by the audience, which included the F Word & "Shut the f- up!" during  BAFTA chair Sara Putt's opening speech & when the directors of  Boong accepted their BAFTA award for Best Children’s and Family film. 

Then came the actual cringe.

Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo appeared on stage to announce and present the BAFTA for Best Visual Effects, and Davidson shouted the N WORD in front of them. Both actors managed to keep their cool and carried on with the presentation. 

Davidson, in the meantime, didn't return for the second part of the ceremony, having made the decision to leave.  

The BAFTA Board and the BBC have apologised for the incident, while Cumming addressed the audience, seeking understanding over Davidson's condition, instead of condemnation and apologised to those who were offended.  

Alan, give us a break here and don't insult our intelligence, please! 

Many people are aware of Tourette's Syndrome and how, in severe cases, the sufferer cannot control what he or she says; the condition leaves them without a filter. One can shrug off Davidson's swearing that night. But don't tell us to shrug off his use of a racial slur. Why did he choose that particular word at the sight of two black men? His condition may have prevented him from stopping himself, but many are arguing that he must have been thinking it. But is that enough evidence that Davidson's slur was influenced by the presenters' race, and not random like the previous outbursts?

 Ironically, if Davidson hadn't been invited to the BAFTAs, that would have been seen as discrimination. Should there be limits to public inclusion when involuntary behaviour like Davidson's risks causing offence?

The BBC, what were they even thinking, allowing that part to air, instead of editing it out, like they did with  Akinola Davies' "Free Palestine" message while accepting his Outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer BAFTA for his film, My Father's Shadow. That they can cut out, but not a racial slur, even if it came from a person with disability. They honestly have a lot of nerve, especially if they try justifying this. 

After years of spreading Tourette Syndrome Awareness, John Davidson has unfortunately put himself and other sufferers with his severe level in a bad light now. One can't just say he shouldn't have said; he can't control what he says. But he can't expect people to ignore this particular word that came from his mouth. Considering what he's been advocating for, people's awareness and understanding of Tourette's Syndrome, he has to make a public apology for his offence, which was an offence to the 2 actors and to the black community. He should have apologised the moment he even said it! 

 If he's not a racist hiding behind his condition,  like people are now accusing him of being, then his apology should be made to clarify matters; that he honestly didn't mean it.  

Hence, Davidson must apologise.