Alan Cumming Addresses ‘Strong Language’ After Tourette’s Outbursts

BAFTA Film Awards host Alan Cumming thanked the audience for their understanding on Sunday night after a number of outbursts from Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson during the show.

Davidson, who is the inspiration for BAFTA-nominated movie “I Swear,” was diagnosed with the syndrome at the age of 25. His symptoms, which first began when he was 12, include tics and uncontrollable outbursts, often involving cursing.

A number of outbursts could be heard throughout the BAFTA ceremony, including “shut the fuck up” being shouted during an introductory speech from BAFTA chair Sara Putt and “fuck you” when the directors of “Arco,” which won the BAFTA for best children’s and family film, accepted their award. During another outburst, the audience inside the BAFTAs heard Davidson shout the n-word when Michael B, Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for best visual effects to “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”

“You may have noticed some strong language in the background there, this can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience,” Cumming told the audience, which included the Prince and Princess of Wales. “Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”

The outbursts could not be heard in the second half of the ceremony when Davidson appeared to have left the room. BAFTA did not respond to queries about whether he left of his own accord by publication time but a source told Variety earlier that Davidson was an “invited guest” and under no circumstances would he be asked to leave the ceremony. BAFTA also did not respond to comment regarding whether the outbursts would be cut for the broadcast, which goes out with a two-hour delay on BBC One in the U.K. (In the U.S. and other international territories it goes out on BritBox International).

Before the ceremony began the floor manager also introduced Davidson to the audience, saying: “I’d like to welcome John Davidson MBE from one of our nominated films ‘I Swear’. John has Tourette’s Syndrome so please be aware you might hear some involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony.”

“I Swear” features “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” star Robert Aramayo as Davidson, following him at the age of 25 after his appearance in a seminal BBC documentary “John’s Not Mad,” which first introduced Tourette’s to a wider audience.

The film, which was directed, written, and produced by Kirk Jones, is up for five BAFTAs, including best leading actor for Aramayo, best supporting actor for his co-star Peter Mullan, best original screenplay and casting (the latter which it won). The film is also competing for outstanding British film.

Since Davidson went public with his diagnosis four decades ago, a number of public figures have revealed they suffer from the syndrome, for which there is no cure. They include Billie Eilish and Lewis Capaldi.

In a statement to Variety before the ceremony, Emma McNally, CEO of support and research charity Tourettes Action, said: “We’ve had a huge amount of people reach out to us about ‘I Swear,’ both individuals living with Tourette’s syndrome and those with no previous connection to the condition. All have been deeply affected by the film. It’s clearly created a huge public reaction.”

“Viewers have told us that seeing John’s real story portrayed with such depth and honesty has given them a far more accurate understanding of what Tourette’s can look like and how it affects the individual – this is something they had given little thought to previously.”

“We’re hopeful that as more people talk openly and more accurate on‑screen representations appear, we’ll continue moving toward a more inclusive and understanding society for everyone living with Tourette’s.”