Alan Cumming expressed gratitude to the Bafta audience on Sunday evening for their patience following a series of involuntary outbursts from Tourette’s syndrome campaigner John Davidson during the ceremony.
The Scottish-American actor, hosting the ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall, addressed attendees, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, after strong language was heard from Mr Davidson throughout the first half of the show.
“You may have noticed some strong language in the background there, this can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience,” Mr Cumming explained.
He added: “Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”
Baftas 2026: Alan Cumming addressed the outbursts
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GETTYViewers at home had taken to X prior to Mr Cumming’s explanation to wrongly assume that Mr Cumming was being heckled during his opening monologue.
Mr Davidson, whose life story inspired the Bafta-nominated film I Swear, attended as an invited guest.
Several outbursts were audible during the evening’s proceedings, including “shut the f*** up” during Bafta chair Sara Putt’s introductory remarks.
When the directors of Arco collected their award for best children’s and family film, Mr Davidson shouted “f*** you” from the audience.
Baftas 2026: John Davidson
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A particularly notable incident occurred as Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the visual effects prize to Avatar: Fire and Ash, when Mr Davidson was heard shouting a racial slur.
Prior to the ceremony commencing, the floor manager had prepared attendees for what might occur.
“I’d like to welcome John Davidson MBE from one of our nominated films ‘I Swear’. John has Tourette’s Syndrome so please be aware you might hear some involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony,” the floor manager announced.
The outbursts ceased during the second half, with Mr Davidson apparently having departed the auditorium.
Baftas 2026: John Davidson
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Mr Davidson, now 54, received his Tourette’s diagnosis at the age of 25, though his symptoms first emerged when he was just 12 years old.
His condition causes involuntary tics and uncontrollable vocalisations, frequently including profanity.
The campaigner first came to public attention through the 1989 BBC documentary John’s Not Mad, which brought Tourette’s syndrome into mainstream conversation for the first time.
Born to a working-class family in Galashiels, Davidson had harboured dreams of becoming a professional footballer before his condition derailed those ambitions.
Baftas 2026: Alan Cumming on the red carpet before the show | PA
In 2019, he received an MBE for his decades of tireless advocacy work.
Recalling that ceremony, Mr Davidson has spoken of shouting expletives at the Queen and telling police officers checking his vehicle at Holyrood Palace that he had “a f***ing bomb!”
I Swear features Robert Aramayo, who portrays Mr Davidson during his mid-twenties, following the BBC documentary that first introduced his story to viewers.
Mr Aramayo won the Bafta for Rising Star for his portrayal of Mr Davidson on Sunday evening, as well as shocking everyone – including himself – by winning Best Actor.
Lauren Evans takes home the Casting BAFTA for I Swear ✨ #EEBAFTAs @StudiocanalUK pic.twitter.com/9R9WY4ZkDy
— BAFTA (@BAFTA) February 22, 2026
Emma McNally, chief executive of Tourettes Action, spoke before the ceremony about the film’s impact.
“We’ve had a huge amount of people reach out to us about ‘I Swear,’ both individuals living with Tourette syndrome and those with no previous connection to the condition. All have been deeply affected by the film,” she said.