How the Tourette's Fallout Unfolded at the BAFTA Film Awards
The Hollywood Reporter • • world
Key Points:
- The BBC apologized for airing strong and offensive language, including a racial slur, during the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards caused by John Davidson’s involuntary Tourette’s syndrome tics, which were not edited out despite the show being broadcast on a two-hour delay.
- Davidson, whose condition causes involuntary outbursts, shouted the N-word during the presentation of the best visual effects award, creating discomfort among attendees and sparking debate about the BBC and BAFTA’s handling of the incident.
- The BBC faced additional criticism for cutting the final part of Akinola Davies Jr.’s acceptance speech, which included a political statement about Palestine, while leaving Davidson’s offensive language unedited.
- BAFTA and the BBC
