Scottish Tourette’s advocate John Davidson gave an exclusive interview explaining the involuntary vocal tics that disrupted the 79th BAFTAs ceremony.
Davidson, the real-life inspiration behind the film I Swear, told Variety that he experienced overwhelming distress following the incident, during which his coprolalia tics included a racial slur while presenters Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage.
“I felt a wave of shame and embarrassment hit me all at once,” Davidson said in the interview.
Davidson Explains Coprolalia and Tourette’s
Addressing widespread public reaction, Davidson emphasized that his condition is widely misunderstood, particularly the symptom known as coprolalia — the involuntary use of obscene or offensive language.
According to Davidson, this symptom affects only a minority of people with Tourette’s syndrome.
“Very often, the media focuses on my particular type of Tourette’s, which is called coprolalia,” he said. “This symptom affects 10% to 30% of people with the condition and is not a criterion for diagnosis. However, it is one of the hardest tics to manage and can be very distressing for those living with it. Many individuals report discrimination and isolation as a result.”
John Davidson and Robert Aramayo at the BAFTAs – YouTube, Good Morning America
He stressed that the words produced during a tic have no connection to his personal beliefs.
“My tics have absolutely nothing to do with what I think, feel or believe,” he said. “It’s an involuntary neurological misfire.”
Davidson added that the experience can be emotionally devastating for those living with the condition.
What Happened at the BAFTAs
The incident occurred during the BAFTA ceremony when Davidson, seated in the audience, experienced escalating vocal and physical tics as his anxiety increased.
He explained that he has almost no ability to suppress his tics, particularly in high-pressure environments.
Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo present at the BAFTAs – BBC
“For me personally, my brain works so fast and the tics have always been so aggressive that I have no idea when they are coming or what they will be.”
John Davidson said he eventually chose to leave the auditorium to avoid further disruption and watched the remainder of the ceremony from a private room provided by the BAFTAs.
Apology and Outreach
In the aftermath of the broadcast, Davidson’s team confirmed he has reached out to those impacted by the moment, including Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo, and production designer Hannah Beachler.
He also noted that multiple offensive words were ticced during the evening, but coverage has largely focused on one in particular.
Alan Cumming at the BAFTAs – BBC
“I am often triggered by what I see and/or what I hear, and this part of the condition is called echolalia,” he said. “For example, when the chair of BAFTA started speaking on Sunday, I shouted, ‘Boring.’ On Sunday, Alan Cumming joked about his own sexuality and, when referencing Paddington Bear, said, ‘Maybe you would like to come home with me, Paddington. It wouldn’t be the first time I have taken a hairy Peruvian bear home with me.’ This resulted in homophobic tics from me and led to a shout of ‘ped****le’ that was likely triggered because Paddington Bear is a children’s character.”
Davidson said he understands the historical weight of the language involved while maintaining that the episode was entirely involuntary.
“I would appreciate reports of the event explaining that I ticked perhaps 10 different offensive words on the night of the awards,” he said. “The N-word was one of these, and I completely understand its significance in history and in the modern world, but most articles are giving the impression I shouted one single slur on Sunday.”
Questions About Event Preparation
In the interview, Davidson suggested he believed precautions would be in place to prevent any involuntary swearing from making the final broadcast.
He noted his prior work with the BBC and said he expected stronger safeguards given the nature of his condition.
Alan Cumming hosting at the BAFTAs – BBC
Davidson also questioned the placement of a nearby microphone in the audience, saying with hindsight it may not have been wise given what organizers knew about his Tourette’s.
“As I reflect on the auditorium, I remember there was a microphone just in front of me, and with hindsight I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated, knowing I would tic,” he said.
Ongoing Public Debate
The John Davidson BAFTAs moment has sparked intense discussion online and within the entertainment industry, with reactions ranging from sympathy to criticism.
Davidson said the response highlights how much misunderstanding about Tourette’s still exists.
“Sometimes you feel like you are making real progress in educating people on the condition, but there is so much more needed,” he said. “Comments following the BAFTAs where people have said things like, ‘I need to stay inside,’ ‘I wouldn’t say these things unless I thought them,’ and ‘I am racist deep down’ are deeply upsetting for me, and show there is still so much to do.”
John Davidson – YouTube, Tony McMontana
Comments like these came from high profile individuals like YouTube film critic Grace Randolph of Beyond the Trailer and actor Jamie Foxx.
He expressed hope that broader awareness of the full spectrum of Tourette’s symptoms will help reduce stigma going forward.
How do you feel about John Davidson and these comments on the BAFTAs incident? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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