« Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette’s Syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you are offended tonight. »
The BBC, which broadcast the BAFTAs, later issued an apology for the ‘strong and offensive language’ in a statement provided to Tyla. »Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards 2026, » a BBC spokesperson said. « This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard. »
Variety reports Davidson attended the BAFTAs with some of his cast and crew, while the floor manager is said to have issued a warning to guests prior to the show that they ‘might hear some involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony’.
The outlet also claimed the campaigner left the BAFTAs audience during the second half of the show on his own accord.Coprolalia affects one in 10 people with Tourette’s syndrome, and it means they will involuntarily blurt out obscene language.
The Tourette Association of America writes: « Particularly embarrassing for some individuals with coprolalia are involuntary outbursts within social contexts, such as racial or ethnic slurs in the company of the very people who would be most offended by such remarks.
« A minority of people with coprolalia have this particular problem. It is crucial to understand that these words or complex phrases do not necessarily reflect the thoughts, beliefs or opinions of the person with coprolalia. »
The CDC emphasises that people with Tourette’s cannot control their tics, saying many people compare it to ‘having an itch or having to sneeze’.
The website explains: « You may try to stop the feeling, but eventually you will probably scratch or sneeze and you will feel a little better until the urge comes back.
« When people try to hold back their tics, it can cause stress, and the tic may become worse. »
Who is John Davidson?
Davidson was the subject of 1989 BBC documentary John’s Not Mad, which followed him as a 16-year-old schoolboy diagnosed with severe Tourette’s syndrome.
