A recent debate has erupted over the BAFTA Film Awards after John Davidson, a campaigner with Tourette’s syndrome, was heard cursing during the event. Davidson’s experiences inspired the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear, where Robert Aramayo portrayed him. Aramayo won the BAFTA for Best Actor, beating out big names like Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet.
Tourette’s syndrome is known for causing involuntary movements or sounds, called tics. At the BAFTA ceremony, Davidson’s outbursts included shouting “Boring!” and “Bullshit!” during the show’s setup. He later raised eyebrows by using explicit language when announcing the best visual effects award.
Craig Cumming, the host, took moments during the show to address the audience, saying, “You might hear some strong language. This can happen with Tourette’s.” He emphasized understanding and respect for everyone involved. Davidson left the ceremony about 25 minutes in, reportedly on his own decision.
Before the awards began, guests were warned about potential involuntary sounds from Davidson. A floor manager explained his condition, asking for patience from the audience. However, there have been discussions behind the scenes about why these moments weren’t edited out of the broadcast, with the BBC, which aired the event on a delay, yet to comment.
The incident has sparked heated discussions. Many attendees noted that Tourette’s is often misunderstood. Some, particularly from outside the UK, reacted critically, suggesting Davidson’s language could trigger emotional responses from others.
Post-event, production designer Hannah Beachler expressed her struggle to process what happened, sharing on X that Davidson’s tics affected her personally that night. She felt the apology given was insufficient.
Aramayo praised Davidson in his acceptance speech, highlighting his dedication to educating others about Tourette’s. He stressed the importance of support and understanding for those living with the condition.
This incident reflects a growing conversation about disability awareness in public spaces. A recent survey found that nearly 40% of people with disabilities feel misunderstood in social settings, a statistic that underscores the need for greater awareness and empathy.
Online reactions vary, with some users describing Tourette’s as “debilitating” and emphasizing the importance of education around the disorder. As more people share their experiences, the hope is that the stigma surrounding Tourette’s will decrease, fostering a more accepting community.
For more on Tourette’s syndrome and its impacts, you can visit the Tourette Association of America.
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John Davidson, Tourette, The Hollywood Reporter, BAFTA, Robert Aramayo, Michael B. Jordan, repetitive movements
