BAFTAs host apologises after guest with Tourette's shouts slur during ceremony

BAFTAs host Alan Cumming has issued an apology after a guest with Tourette's syndrome shouted a racial slur during the ceremony on Sunday night (22 February).

Ahead of the awards evening, the film I Swear picked up five nominations, including Outstanding British Film and acting recognition for Robert Aramayo and Peter Mullan. The drama in question draws on the life of Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson.

The NHS explains that Tourette's is a condition that causes you to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements (tics). There is no cure, but treatment can help manage the tics.

John attended the ceremony with the cast and crew and, according to Variety, the floor manager warned guests before the show that they 'might hear some involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony'.

BAFTAs host Alan Cumming apologised after a guest with Tourette's syndrome shouted a racial slur from the audience (Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)

The first prize of the evening, Best Special Visual Effects, was presented by Sinners actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.

While introducing the category, John had a tic and shouted the N-word from the audience, with the moment appearing in the BBC’s broadcast, which reportedly aired with a delay of roughly two hours.

The BBC later apologised for the 'strong and offensive language', with a spokesperson attributing the language outbursts to an attendee with Tourette's syndrome.

"Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards 2026," the spokesperson said in an email statement to Tyla. "This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard."

Sinners actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award at Sunday night's BAFTAs (Stuart Wilson/BAFTA / Contributor / Getty Images)

At the time, first-time BAFTAs host Cumming said: "You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight. If you have seen the film I Swear, you will know that film is about the experience of a person with Tourette Syndrome."

The Traitors US host added: "Tourette syndrome is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language. We apologise if you were offended."

Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson reportedly left the auditorium during the second half of the ceremony of his own volition (Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

Earlier in the evening, John had also shouted 'shut the f*ck up' during an introductory speech and 'f*ck you' while the Best Children’s And Family Film award was being presented.

Variety reports that John left the auditorium during the second half of the ceremony of his own volition.

While accepting the Rising Star Award for his role as John Davidson in I Swear, Aramayo said: “John Davidson is the most remarkable man I ever met. He’s so forthcoming with education and he believes there should be still so much more we need to learn about Tourette’s.”

The actor added: “For people living with Tourette’s, it’s us around them who help them define what their experience is. So, to quote the film, 'They need support and understanding'.”

Tyla has reached out to both the BBC and the BAFTAs for further comment.

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