LONDON: A debate erupted at the BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday after John Davidson, a campaigner for Tourette’s syndrome awareness, was heard cursing and shouting during the ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Davidson, whose life inspired the film I Swear, was represented on screen by Robert Aramayo, who won the BAFTA for Best Actor, beating nominees such as Leonardo DiCaprioamerican actor”], Timothée Chalamet actor”], Ethan Hawke and Michael B. Jordanur later as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for Best Visual Effects to Avatar: Fire and Ash.
Host Alan Cumming addressed the audience multiple times, explaining, “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.”
After Davidson left voluntarily, Cumming added, “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.”
Guests had been warned prior to the event about possible involuntary noises. Online discussion has since been mixed, with some describing Tourette’s as “debilitating” while others expressed concern over the offensive language used.
In his acceptance speech, Aramayo praised Davidson, saying, “John Davidson is the most remarkable man I ever met. He’s so forthcoming with education and he believes there should be still so much more we need to learn about Tourette’s.”
