The 79th BAFTA Film Awards witnessed a rare and emotional moment on Sunday, February 22, 2026, when the glitz of the red carpet met the raw reality of a neurological condition.
The ceremony at Royal Festival Hall was interrupted several times by involuntary outbursts from John Davidson, a legendary Tourette’s syndrome campaigner and the real-life inspiration behind the nominated film I Swear.
The disruptions peaked when a racial slur was captured by microphones while presenters Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage to announce the Best Visual Effects winner.
The Incident: “Involuntary and Unintentional”
Host Alan Cumming handled the situation with a blend of poise and education, pausing the ceremony twice to address the audience and viewers at home.
“You may have noticed some strong language in the background,” Cumming told the crowd. “Tourette’s syndrome is a disability and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary… the person has no control over their language. We apologize if you are offended.”
While the live auditorium heard the remarks clearly, the BBC exercised caution, editing out the most offensive language for its delayed television broadcast. Despite the discomfort, the audience—including royal guests Prince William and Kate Middleton—responded with supportive applause after the explanation.
Who is John Davidson?
Davidson is not a random heckler but a highly respected figure in the UK’s disability advocacy circles.
- Documentary Star: He first gained national fame in the 1989 BBC documentary John’s Not Mad.
- Royal Recognition: In 2019, he was awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to Tourette’s awareness (an event where he famously shouted “F*** the Queen” involuntarily during the investiture).
- The Inspiration for I Swear: The film, starring Robert Aramayo (who won Best Actor later that night), chronicles Davidson’s life. Aramayo dedicated his win to Davidson, calling him “the most remarkable man I’ve ever met.”
A Historic Night for ‘I Swear’
Despite the interruptions, the film I Swear emerged as the night’s emotional victor.
| Award | Winner | Significance |
| Best Leading Actor | Robert Aramayo | Beat favorites Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet. |
| Rising Star Award | Robert Aramayo | First actor in BAFTA history to win both in one night. |
| Best Children’s & Family Film | Boong | Produced by Farhan Akhtar; marked a major win for Indian cinema. |
The “ViRosh” Connection
Adding to the evening’s star power, Indian actress Alia Bhatt was a presenter, marking her major debut on the BAFTA stage just days before she is set to attend the high-profile “ViRosh” wedding of Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda in India.