A lively debate erupted during the BAFTA Film Awards when John Davidson, a Tourette’s advocate, was heard cursing throughout the ceremony.
Davidson inspired the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear, where actor Robert Aramayo portrayed him. Aramayo snagged the award for Best Actor, beating high-profile contenders like Leonardo DiCaprio and Michael B. Jordan.
The film explores living with Tourette’s syndrome, a condition that causes involuntary movements or sounds known as tics. Davidson’s tics were evident when he shouted “Boring!” as the show began and later exclaimed “Bullshit!” when cautioned against bad language. He also startled attendees by using the n-word during the presentation of the Best Visual Effects award.
Host Alan Cumming addressed the audience, saying, “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people.” He asked for understanding, reminding everyone that Davidson’s tics were involuntary.
About 25 minutes into the ceremony, Davidson left voluntarily. Cumming reiterated, “Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability, and the tics are involuntary. We apologize if you were offended.” Prior to the event, guests were informed about Davidson’s condition and potential outbursts.
BAFTA directed inquiries about the incident to the BBC, which broadcast the event with a two-hour delay but hasn’t commented on whether the offensive language should have been edited out.
This incident sparked conversations in the film community. Many believe Tourette’s is widely misunderstood, with some attendees feeling Davidson’s language was inappropriate. However, others emphasized the need for more education and understanding surrounding the condition.
In an emotional acceptance speech, Aramayo praised Davidson, saying, “He’s so forthcoming with education about Tourette’s.” He added that those living with Tourette’s rely on support and compassion from those around them.
Online reactions varied; some described Tourette’s as “debilitating” and “really, really awful.” Statistics show that around 1 in 100 children are diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome, highlighting how common it is yet often overlooked.
Understanding conditions like Tourette’s can foster a more inclusive environment. As societal awareness grows, conversations about such topics can help bridge gaps of misunderstanding and create supportive spaces for all.
For more insights on Tourette’s syndrome, check out the CDC’s resources here.
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