Actor and singer Jamie Foxx has sparked a fierce debate among the public after he delivered his thoughts on a controversial moment from last night’s Bafta Awards.
Tourette’s syndrome campaigner John Davidson, whose life story inspired the Bafta-nominated film I Swear, experienced multiple involuntary outbursts during Sunday evening’s ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
The 54-year-old activist’s tics were audible throughout the first portion of the awards show, prompting host Alan Cumming to pause proceedings and address the audience directly.
“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,” Mr Cumming told attendees, who included the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Jamie Foxx has alleged that John Davidson “meant” to use a racial slur
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“Thanks for your understanding and for helping create a respectful space for everyone.”
Throughout the evening, Mr Davidson’s vocal tics included expletives shouted during Bafta chair Sara Putt’s opening address and when directors of children’s film winner Boong collected their award.
A particularly notable moment occurred when actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the visual effects prize to Avatar: Fire and Ash, during which Mr Davidson was heard shouting a racial slur.
Mr Cumming later offered a fuller explanation to viewers: “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 apologise if you are offended tonight.”
John Davidson was invited to this year’s Baftas
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However, despite Mr Cumming’s explanation, the word Mr Davidson inadvertently said during Mr Jordan and Mr Lindo’s time on stage sparked a mixed reaction.
And Mr Foxx made his stance on the incident known. Reacting to a clip of the moment on Instagram, Mr Foxx questioned: “Out of all the words, you could’ve said Torette’s makes you say that?”
In a series of follow-up Instagram comments, Mr Foxx called the outburst “unacceptable” and went as far as to claim: “Nah he meant that s**t.”
Fellow musician Yung Joc was in agreement. “Yeah ok……. get his ahh outtta here!!! Pronto,” he added on the same Instagram post. (sic)
Baftas 2026: Robert Aramayo won Best Actor for his portrayal of John Davidson in I Swear
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GETTYHowever, several film and music fans have hit out at Mr Foxx’s claim that Mr Davidson “meant” to use a racial slur against the Sinners stars.
On X, several condemned the actor’s remarks. “Jamie Foxx is now sharing conspiracies about John Davidson. Revolting behaviour,” one X user fumed.
A second hit out: “‘He meant that s**t’, Jamie Foxx has no understanding on tourettes and is causing a dangerous path. I expected a lot better from him.”
“Really poor reaction from Jamie Foxx this. These types of ganging up reactions is what causes people with Tourettes to turn to self harm,” a third weighed in. (sic)
Jamie Foxx took to Instagram following the comments
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“Disappointing from Jamie Foxx if that screenshot is real,” added a fourth, and a fifth concurred: “Jamie Foxx has no idea what he is talking about.
“Like anything else, there are degrees of Tourettes. He is just another celeb who needs to keep his mouth shut.” (sic)
Mr Davidson first came to public attention through the 1989 BBC documentary John’s Not Mad, which introduced millions of viewers to the realities of living with the neurological condition.
He began experiencing symptoms aged 12 but received his diagnosis only at 25, spending years facing confusion and social isolation before understanding his condition.
Alan Cumming thanked Bafta fans for ‘patience.’
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BBC
The biographical film depicting his journey, written, directed, and produced by Kirk Jones, secured five Bafta nominations on the night, including outstanding British film, original screenplay, and supporting actor for Peter Mullan.
I Swear claimed the casting award, while its lead Robert Aramayo triumphed in the Best Actor category, beating Hollywood stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet.
The 33-year-old, known for Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, appeared visibly stunned upon hearing his name announced, saying: “I can’t believe I’ve won.”
Mr Davidson was not heard during the second half of proceedings, having apparently left the venue of his own accord. A source confirmed to Variety that he was an invited guest and would under no circumstances have been asked to depart.
Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting a Bafta at the time of one of the outbursts
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The Scottish campaigner received an MBE in 2018 for his decades of work raising awareness about the condition, which affects approximately one in 100 children in the UK.
GB News has contacted Mr Foxx’s representatives for comment.