BBC breaks silence on Bafta 'racial slur' row as it issues apology after airing Tourette's campaigner's outburst

The 54-year-old activist's tics were audible throughout the first half of the ceremony. Host Alan Cumming even halted proceedings to address the audience directly.

The Scottish actor said: "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.

"Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone."

Throughout the evening, Mr Davidson's vocal tics included swear words and slurs shouted during Bafta chair Sara Putt's opening address and when directors of children's film winner Boong collected their award.

However, the most notable moment occurred when Sinners actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo, both of whom were up for awards, presented the visual effects prize to Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Moments after the two actors took to the stage, Mr Davidson was heard shouting a racial slur.

Mr Cumming later offered another explanation to viewers: "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 apologise if you are offended tonight."

The following morning, the BBC decided it too would address the controversy after some viewers at home took issue with Mr Davidson's tics being included in the broadcast.

A BBC spokesperson said: "Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards 2026.

“This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard.”

Mr Davidson was propelled into the public eye thanks to the 1989 BBC documentary John's Not Mad.

The documentary introduced millions of viewers to the realities of living with Tourette's at a time when awareness of the illness was rare to come by.

Mr Davidson began experiencing symptoms aged 12 but received his diagnosis only at 25, spending years facing confusion and social isolation before understanding his condition.

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I Swear secured five Bafta nominations on the night, including Outstanding British Film, Original Screenplay, and Supporting Actor for Peter Mullan.

The film saw off the competition to secure the Casting award, but the biggest result of the evening concerned its leading actor, Robert Aramayo.

Mr Aramayo triumphed in the Best Actor category, beating Hollywood stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet, as well as Ethan Hawke, Jesse Plemons and the aforementioned Mr Jordan.

The 33-year-old actor from Hull was blown away after hearing he'd win, saying to the auditorium: "I can't believe I've won."

Mr Davidson was not heard during the second half of the awards show.

It's been reported he left of his own accord, while a source told US publication Variety that he was an invited guest and would under no circumstances have been asked to depart.