John Davidson Opens up About BAFTA N-Word Controversy and His Tourette’s

John Davidson, the Tourette’s activist who inspired the film I Swear, has spoken publicly for the first time about the vocal tics that disrupted the BAFTA Awards. The incident, which included involuntary outbursts of racial slurs and other offensive words, took place during a presentation by Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.

In an exclusive statement, Davidson explained that his form of Tourette’s involves coprolalia, a symptom that makes him involuntarily shout obscene or offensive language. “These vocalizations are a neurological misfire and have no connection to my personal beliefs, feelings, or character,” he said.

He added that the condition often seeks the most upsetting word possible, which can create immense guilt when the tics are socially unacceptable. Davidson said that the high-pressure environment of the BAFTAs made his tics worse, and echolalia, a phenomenon where he involuntarily repeated words he heard, also contributed.

“While one racial slur gained the most attention, I actually used about ten different offensive words during the evening,” he admitted. Realizing the room could hear him, he moved to a private area to watch the rest of the ceremony.

He also questioned why a microphone had been placed directly in front of him. Having worked on documentaries with the BBC in the past, Davidson expected there to be measures in place to prevent his tics from being broadcast.

Following the incident, he reached out to the production team of Sinners to apologize to Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo, and Hannah Beachler for the disruption. Despite the controversy, the attention has also brought focus to the biographical film I Swear, which tells the story of Davidson’s life and struggles with Tourette’s.

Jack O’Connell plays a younger Davidson in the film. He worked closely with Davidson for months to ensure the physical tics were portrayed accurately, rather than for comedic effect. The role earned O’Connell a BAFTA nomination and helped bring widespread attention to the condition.

Davidson continues to campaign for the Tourette’s community, aiming to reduce stigma and educate the public about the difference between involuntary tics and intent. He lectures regularly in Scotland, emphasizing that those with the condition should not be judged for words their brains force them to say.

Statistics show that Tourette’s affects about 1% of school-age children worldwide, and while coprolalia is widely known, it only impacts roughly 10% to 30% of people diagnosed. Davidson hopes the film I Swear, which will have a wide streaming release, will help educate viewers and prevent discrimination against people with neurological conditions.

Recovering from a recent heart operation, Davidson remains committed to his mission. “I want people with neurological conditions to be accepted rather than judged,” he said. His story serves as a reminder that public outbursts can sometimes be symptoms of conditions beyond a person’s control, and awareness can make a big difference in understanding and empathy.

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