It was not until the 1960s and 1980s that Tourette syndrome was properly understood by the public. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which an individual may experience involuntary movements, such as blinking and jerking, as well as vocalizations like shouting words and more. However, there is still much confusion and misunderstanding surrounding people with the condition. And it was evident at this year’s BAFTA ceremony.

The internet has been divided following Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson’s particular outbursts when Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on the stage, sparking controversy. Amid the heated debate, actor Jamie Foxx also chimed in to make his stance clear, which in turn ignited yet another round of controversy.

As Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo stood on stage to present the award for Best Visual Effects to Avatar: Fire and Ash, at the BAFTA 2026, John Davidson appeared to yell the N-word, which quickly stirred a pot. Actor and comedian Jamie Foxx believes that this was intentional. He commented on an Instagram post that had the particular clip from the BAFTA ceremony.

“Nah he meant that sh--” he wrote. 

He further added, “Out of all the words, you could’ve said Tourette’s makes you say that?”

Further digging showed that the Best Visual Effects presentation was not the only time that there were disruptions. Now, similar sounds were heard throughout the first half of the ceremony, which seemed to disappear when Davidson appeared to voluntarily leave the event. The sounds were not entirely surprising to the audience, as the floor manager had already introduced Davidson and informed them about the possibility of such sounds before the ceremony. Later, the event’s host, Alan Cumming, also addressed the situation, thanking the audience for their understanding. 

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He also spoke about Tourette’s syndrome, which was shown in the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear, starring Robert Aramayo. Davidson was present at the event in support of the film, which was inspired by his life. Fortunately for both Davidson and Aramayo, the controversy did not overshadow the film’s major wins that night.

I Swear has made quite a noise across the UK, with many praising both the film and Robert Aramayo for his powerful performance. This also earned him a BAFTA nomination.  After winning the award for Best Actor, the actor gave an emotional and heartwarming acceptance speech.  

 “I absolutely can’t believe it, I can’t believe that I’m looking at people like you, in the same category as you, never mind that I’m stood here,” he said.

He also took a moment to reminisce about one of his fondest memories with legendary actor Ethan Hawke, who had once shared a few words of advice with him. Hawke was also nominated in the same category for portraying Lorenz Hart in Blue Moon. So, it made the win even more meaningful for Aramayo. 

And not just for Aramayo, the win was huge for the entire cast as well as John Davidson. 

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What do you think about Jamie Foxx's comment on John Davidson? Let us know in the comments.