What Are The Odds That A Racial Slur Would Be Blurted Out?

John Davidson, a prominent Tourette Syndrome advocate and the subject of the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear, triggered controversy at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) by shouting a racial slur during the ceremony on February 22, 2026. The incident occurred while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage presenting an award. 

During the broadcast, which was on a two-hour delay, Davidson shouted the n-word, along with other expletives, while Jordan and Lindo were presenting the Best Visual Effects award.

Davidson has severe Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes involuntary, uncontrollable sounds and movements (tics). His specific condition, coprolalia, results in the involuntary outbursts of socially inappropriate, obscene, or derogatory language.

BAFTA organizers were aware of Davidson's condition and had alerted the audience in the auditorium to the possibility of involuntary, loud, or offensive language before the ceremony began.

Host Alan Cumming addressed the situation during the show, telling the audience, "Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability and the tics you've heard tonight are involuntary... We apologize if you are offended".

Davidson stated he was "deeply mortified" by the incident and left the ceremony early, realizing the distress his tics were causing. 

Controversy and Reactions

The BBC, which aired the ceremony, faced criticism for not editing the slur out of the delayed broadcast, for which they subsequently apologized.

The incident sparked a complex debate regarding the intersection of disability rights and the harm caused by racial slurs. While some, including Tourette’s Action, asked for compassion and understanding of the condition, others, including actor Jamie Foxx, expressed that the outburst was unacceptable.

Delroy Lindo stated he and Michael B. Jordan "did what we had to do" by continuing to present but expressed a desire for better communication from BAFTA regarding the incident.

BAFTA apologized for the situation, taking responsibility for the distress caused to guests, particularly the Black performers.

Understanding Tourettes Syndrome

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations known as tics. Though often misunderstood, TS can manifest differently for each individual, and it is essential to approach it with empathy and understanding. The question many people are having is. Of all words to say, and at that time with Jordan and Lindo on stage. How likely is that is to happen? And, did that outburst come from a place of deeply rooted hatred, despite(TS)? According to the Tourettes Association The chances that a person with Tourette Syndrome (TS) will blurt out racial slurs or other obscene language, a symptom known as coprolalia are relatively low, affecting approximately 10% to 15% of individuals with the condition. While popular media often portrays this as a common symptom, it is actually a minority experience among those with Tourette's. 

The hallmark of Tourette Syndrome is the presence of tics, which can be classified into two main categories: motor tics and vocal tics. Motor tics involve movements of the body, such as blinking, head jerking, or shoulder shrugging. Vocal tics, on the other hand, encompass sounds produced, which may include throat clearing, grunting, or even the involuntary uttering of words or phrases, known as coprolalia. It's important to note that not all individuals with TS exhibit coprolalia; in fact, it occurs in only a minority of cases.

Tics often begin in childhood, typically between the ages of 5 and 10, and can fluctuate in severity. Stress, excitement, or fatigue may cause an increase in tics, while periods of calm can lead to a temporary reduction. Understanding that tics are involuntary is crucial; individuals with TS cannot simply "will" them away, which can lead to frustration and challenges in social situations.

While the exact cause of Tourette Syndrome remains unclear, research suggests a genetic component, as TS often runs in families. Abnormalities in certain brain regions and neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, are also thought to play a role in the development of the disorder. Environmental factors, such as prenatal exposure to stress or infection, may contribute to the onset of Tourettes, though these aspects require more study.

Certain comorbid conditions, like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), are frequently seen alongside TS. Approximately 30% to 50% of individuals with TS also experience ADHD, while a similar percentage may have OCD. This overlap can complicate diagnosis and treatment, necessitating a comprehensive approach tailored to each person's needs.