Alan Cumming took a moment to address the audience at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday evening following several unintentional outbursts from Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson.
The 62-year-old activist whose life story inspired the award-winning film I swearwas sitting at the Royal Festival Hall when his mannerisms were picked up by the microphones during the live event.
As the ceremony progressed, several verbal outbursts were heard, including foul language during the opening speech and a racial slur while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage.
Speaking directly to an audience including the Prince and Princess of Wales, Cumming explained: “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This may partly explain how Tourette Syndrome appears in some people as the film explores this experience. Thank you for your understanding and helping to create a respectful space for everyone.”
Later in the evening, the host apologized again for any offense caused, reiterating that the tics are entirely involuntary and beyond the speaker’s control.
Davidson, awarded in 2018 for his advocacy work, ultimately chose to leave the auditorium in the middle of the show.
Sources confirmed he left of his own accord and was not asked to leave because he was a “guest.”
He has previously spoken about the challenges of living with the disease, admitting that he often prefers not to be the center of attention so he can just walk down the street without being noticed.
The evening remained important for the team behind I swear.
Robert Aramayo, who plays 25-year-old Davidson in the biopic, won both the rising star and best leading actor awards.
The film, directed by Kirk Jones, was credited by the charity Tourettes Action for providing a deeply honest portrayal of the syndrome.
