The annual British Academy Film Awards were briefly overshadowed by unexpected interruptions on Sunday night after involuntary verbal outbursts were heard during the live ceremony, organisers later confirming the incidents were linked to a guest living with Tourette syndrome.
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Actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo had just taken the stage to present the Best Visual Effects award at London’s Royal Festival Hall when an offensive racial slur was shouted from the audience. The unexpected moment caused a brief pause as both presenters visibly processed the incident before continuing with professionalism.
According to organisers British Academy of Film and Television Arts, additional shouted profanities were also heard during opening remarks delivered by BAFTA chair Sara Putt, as well as later in the ceremony during an award acceptance speech.
BAFTA later confirmed that the source of the outbursts was John Davidson MBE, a campaigner whose life inspired the British independent film I Swear, which won four awards during the evening. Davidson lives with Tourette syndrome, a neurological condition that can cause involuntary vocal tics, sometimes involving offensive language that is not intentional.
Organisers said attendees had been briefed beforehand that Davidson’s condition might result in involuntary sounds or words during the live broadcast. Despite the warning, the moment proved uncomfortable for those present and watching worldwide.
In a statement issued after the ceremony, BAFTA apologised to the presenters and audience members affected, praising Jordan and Lindo for handling the situation with dignity. Davidson also expressed regret, saying he was deeply distressed that his involuntary tics could be misunderstood, emphasising that his advocacy work focuses on awareness and empathy for people living with the condition.
While the ceremony continued without further disruption, the incident highlighted the challenges of inclusion at live events and underscored the importance of understanding neurological conditions in public spaces.
