2026 BAFTA Awards host, Alan Cumming, thanked the audience for their “understanding” after offensive language was shouted from the crowd.
Cumming, 61, addressed the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards audience on Sunday, February 22, after multiple outbursts regarding winners and presenters were audibly heard from Tourette’s activist John Davidson.
Davidson serves as the inspiration behind the BAFTA-nominated biographical film I Swear, which explores Tourette syndrome. (Tourette’s, as it is commonly known, is a “a neurological disorder that may cause sudden unwanted and uncontrolled rapid and repeated movements or vocal sounds called tics,” per the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.)
“You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience,” Cumming said on Sunday in London’s Royal Festival Hall. “Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”
According to a report published by Variety on Sunday, outbursts including an audible “Shut the f*** up” being shouted during a speech by BAFTA chair Sara Putt, and “F*** you” when the directors of Boong accepted their award.
The outlet also reported that the n-word was shouted when Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the Best Visual Effects award to Avatar: Fire and Ash.
Cumming’s initial comments on the outbursts were later followed by a second message, per the outlet. “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,” Cumming told the crowd.
The outlet also noted that outbursts were not overheard during the second half of the event “when Davidson appeared to have left the room … of his own accord and was not asked to leave by BAFTA.”
Prior to the ceremony starting, Davidson was introduced to the audience by a floor manager, per Variety. “I’d like to welcome John Davidson MBE from one of our nominated films I Swear. John has Tourette’s Syndrome so please be aware you might hear some involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony,” the management personnel announced.
A statement regarding Davidson was also shared with the outlet by Emma McNally, CEO of charity organization Tourettes Action, prior to the BAFTAs commencing. “We’ve had a huge amount of people reach out to us about I Swear, both individuals living with Tourette’s syndrome and those with no previous connection to the condition,” the statement read. “All have been deeply affected by the film. It’s clearly created a huge public reaction.”
It continued, “Viewers have told us that seeing John’s real story portrayed with such depth and honesty has given them a far more accurate understanding of what Tourette’s can look like and how it affects the individual – this is something they had given little thought to previously. We’re hopeful that as more people talk openly and more accurate on‑screen representations appear, we’ll continue moving toward a more inclusive and understanding society for everyone living with Tourette’s.”
