The glitz and glamour of Sunday’s BAFTA Film Awards took an unexpected turn when host Alan Cumming was forced to halt the ceremony. The show came to a grinding halt as Cumming paused to address mysterious disruptions echoing through the venue, leaving the star-studded audience in stunned silence.
A loud voice was heard raised in the ceremony, interrupting the event. Later, Cummings said that the disruptions were caused by John Davidson, a campaigner with Tourette's syndrome, who was present at the venue.
Lmao Tourette’s advocate John Davidson suddenly blasted the N-word right as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo stood on stage at the BAFTAs, leaving everyone stunned!
— Zee 🔥 (@Zeeeee_xx) February 23, 2026
Host Alan Cumming then politely thanked the crowd for their patience
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Seated inside London's Royal Festival Hall, Davidson's involuntary tics were picked up by microphones. 'Boring' and 'F*** off' were some of the words shouted by him. Another interruption occurred when Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the Best Visual Effects award.
Though Davidson apologised later, he explained that the sounds were not intentional, as the tics are involuntary.
His behaviour at the event has reignited the conversation surrounding Tourette syndrome and the daily hurdles faced by those living with it.
John Davidson, an open advocate for those living with Tourette's syndrome, had his life story brought to the screen in the film I Swear, starring Robert Aramayo.
What is Tourette Syndrome?
Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes repetitive movements or unwanted tics that can't be easily controlled. Repeated blinking, shrugging your shoulder and blurting out unusual or offensive words are some of the issues that come with this motor disorder.
Tics- sudden, brief, intermittent movements or sounds- typically develop between ages 2 and 15. Normally, males are more likely to develop Tourette syndrome than women.
Although there is no cure for Tourette syndrome, treatments and medications are available to manage the disorder. Usually, after the teen years, tics often lessen or become controlled.
The complex disorder is likely caused by a combination of inherited and environmental factors. According to medical experts, chemicals in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin, might have a role to play.
What are the common symptoms?
Tics can range from mild to severe. In the case of severe ones, it can significantly interfere with communication, daily functioning and affect the quality of life.
Generally, tics are classified as simple and complex.
In the case of simple tics, a limited number of muscle groups are involved, while complex tics involve several muscle groups.
Eye blinking, head jerking, eye darting, nose twitching, repeating observed movements, obscene gesturing, touching or smelling objects, hopping, mouth movements, barking, repeating one's own words, phrases, repeating others' words, and using vulgar and obscene words are some of the motor and vocal tics seen in Tourette syndrome.
Though people with Tourette syndrome often lead healthy and active lives, it involves behavioural and social challenges.
Complications in Tourette syndrome include:
*Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
*Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
*Depression
*Sleep disorders
*Anger management issues
*Autism spectrum disorder
* Headaches and pain related to tics
