The BAFTA Film Awards ceremony on Sunday at London’s Royal Festival Hall faced brief interruptions when host Alan Cumming halted proceedings twice to address loud outbursts from nominee John Davidson, who lives with Tourette’s syndrome.
Details of the Disruptions
Davidson’s involuntary tics were captured by microphones and broadcast live on BBC, prompting pauses from presenters and winners on stage. During BAFTA chair Sara Putt’s opening address, Davidson shouted ‘boring.’ Later, as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo announced the Best Visual Effects award for Avatar: Fire and Ash, another remark echoed through the venue.
Between segments, Cumming addressed the audience, noting the strong language heard during the show. He thanked attendees for their understanding and efforts to maintain a respectful environment. Cumming later apologized for any offense caused, clarifying that the outbursts stemmed from involuntary tics. Davidson briefly left the auditorium during the event.
John Davidson’s Advocacy
Davidson openly shares his experiences with Tourette’s syndrome and has long campaigned to raise awareness and support others facing the condition. In 2018, Queen Elizabeth II honored him for these efforts. He appeared in the 1989 documentary John’s Not Mad.
Davidson’s story inspires the film I Swear, with Robert Aramayo portraying him. Accepting the Rising Star award, Aramayo described Davidson as ‘the most remarkable man I’ve ever met.’
