John Davidson is opening up about why he decided to attend the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards despite the risk of an outburst in the middle of the show, which did happen.
The Tourette’s syndrome campaigner, who inspired the BAFTA-winning movie I Swear, is speaking out in his interview following his controversial appearance at the BAFTAs in London.
During the show, John let out several outbursts, including yelling the N-word while Sinners actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan were on stage. He previously released a statement saying he was “deeply mortified” by what happened.
Now, John explains why he felt it was important to attend the show.
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In a new email interview, John told Variety, “This was an awards ceremony that featured six nominations connected to a film that told the story of my life living with Tourette’s. This has been a three-year project for me, working with the writer, director, production and cast. I am also an active executive producer on the film. I had as much right to attend as anyone.”
“I also knew that as voting members, most people in the audience would have seen I Swear and would be well prepared, well educated and well informed about my condition,” John continued. “After living with Tourette’s for almost 40 years, I was aware of how physically and mentally difficult it would be for me to attend. I also had a serious heart operation only five weeks ago. I put every ounce of energy and concentration into being able to attend.”
“I was thrilled to see that on the night, everyone — including some of the most well-respected and famous people from the film world — cheered at my name and applauded. I stood and waved to show my appreciation and acknowledged that this was a significant moment in my life, finally being accepted. It started as one of the most memorable experiences of my life,” he said.
John said he was told that safeguards would be put in place for his swearing and outbursts, including editing them out of the broadcast. That did not happen.
“StudioCanal were working closely with BAFTA, and BAFTA had made us all aware that any swearing would be edited out of the broadcast. I have made four documentaries with the BBC in the past, and feel that they should have been aware of what to expect from Tourette’s and worked harder to prevent anything that I said — which, after all, was some 40 rows back from the stage — from being included in the broadcast,” he said. “As I reflect on the auditorium, I remember there was a microphone just in front of me, and with hindsight I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated, knowing I would tic.”
A BAFTA judge has resigned from the organization over the controversy.
