Robert Aramayo, who won two BAFTA awards for his portrayal of John Davidson in the film I Swear, spoke out in defense of the real-life Tourette’s campaigner following the latter’s disruptive behavior during the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards. The ceremony, held at London’s Royal Festival Hall on February 23, featured Davidson reportedly shouting several offensive phrases, including a racial slur while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting on stage.
Davidson, a Scottish campaigner diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at age 24, exhibited uncontrollable verbal tics throughout the event. These outbursts were heard by attendees and broadcast to viewers, prompting explanations from the show’s host and organizers. Alan Cumming, the ceremony host, acknowledged the disruptive language and emphasized that Davidson’s actions were involuntary symptoms of Tourette syndrome, describing the condition as complex and beyond the individual’s control.
In a post-ceremony interview, Aramayo stated that understanding Tourette’s is a shared responsibility. He clarified that the vocalizations are not intentional obscenities or abusive language, but rather involuntary tics associated with the neurological disorder. Aramayo expressed hope that bringing awareness to Tourette’s through film could foster greater understanding and compassion.
During the ceremony, Davidson was reported to have shouted phrases such as “f**k off” and “shut the f**k up,” which were audible in the live broadcast. Following the incident, a spokesperson for the broadcast network acknowledged the presence of strong language linked to Tourette’s tics and issued an apology for not editing it out before the program aired. The offensive language will be removed from the version available on the network’s streaming service.
Reports indicate that Davidson left the venue during the event’s latter half on his own accord. BAFTA representatives confirmed that Davidson was an invited guest and was not asked to leave by event staff. The organization reinforced this point, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and respect for individuals with medical conditions.
Robert Aramayo received the Leading Actor Award and the EE Rising Star Award at the ceremony, recognizing his depiction of John Davidson. The film I Swear draws from Davidson’s experiences living with Tourette syndrome, aiming to increase public awareness about the condition’s complexities.
The incident sparked conversations within the film community and among attendees about the realities of Tourette syndrome and how best to accommodate those affected while maintaining respectful environments at major public events.
