Robert Aramayo Speaks Out in Defence of Tourette's Campaigner After BAFTA Incident
British actor Robert Aramayo has publicly defended Tourette's campaigner John Davidson, who left the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony on Sunday evening after involuntary verbal tics, including racial slurs, were heard during the broadcast. The incident occurred at the prestigious awards show held at London's Royal Festival Hall, sparking widespread discussion and an official apology from the BBC.
Involuntary Tics Disrupt Ceremony
During the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, attendees and television viewers heard offensive language shouted from the audience. The outbursts were later confirmed to be involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, exhibited by campaigner John Davidson, who was a guest at the ceremony. Davidson, now 54, was diagnosed with the neurological condition at a time when public understanding was limited.
Host Alan Cumming addressed the situation directly during the event, thanking the audience for their understanding and explaining the context. "You may have heard some strong offensive language tonight," Cumming told the crowd. "If you've seen the film I Swear, it's about the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome. It is a disability, and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary."
Aramayo's Emphatic Defence
Robert Aramayo, who won the BAFTA for Best Actor for his portrayal of John Davidson in the film I Swear, spoke passionately about the incident after the ceremony. When questioned by a BBC reporter about the offensive language heard, Aramayo was quick to clarify the nature of Tourette syndrome.
"First of all, they are tics. He is ticking. We have to understand," Aramayo insisted. "The way we perceive Tourette's is a joint responsibility. It's not shouting obscenities. It's not being abusive. It's Tourette's. They are tics."
The actor emphasized the educational opportunity presented by the incident, stating, "If it can lead to a deeper understanding of Tourette's, and movies are part of that conversation, then it's an incredible thing."
Official Apology and Departure
The BBC issued a formal apology following the broadcast, acknowledging that some viewers may have been offended by the language heard during the ceremony. A spokesperson explained, "This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard."
John Davidson reportedly left the ceremony voluntarily during the second half of the show, after which his outbursts were no longer audible. According to industry publication Variety, Davidson was an invited guest and was not asked to leave by BAFTA organizers. A source confirmed that under no circumstances would he have been requested to depart.
Medical Context and Awareness
Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by a combination of involuntary noises and movements called tics. According to NHS England, the condition affects approximately one in 100 children. The film I Swear, which details Davidson's early life in Glasgow following his diagnosis, aims to increase public understanding of the condition.
Davidson's advocacy work has been recognized with an MBE award for his efforts to heighten awareness of Tourette syndrome. He has previously shared anecdotes about his experiences with the condition, including during his MBE ceremony at Holyrood Palace.
BAFTA Winners and Ceremony Highlights
The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards saw Paul Thomas Anderson's film One Battle After Another emerge as the big winner, securing six awards including Best Film and Best Director. Robert Aramayo's victory in the Best Actor category was considered a surprise, as he beat front-runners Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet.
Aramayo also received the EE Rising Star Award, the only publicly-voted accolade of the evening. His father's visible excitement upon hearing his son's name announced added a memorable moment to the ceremony.
Other notable winners included Jessie Buckley for Best Actress for her role in Hamnet, which also won Outstanding British Film. Sean Penn received the Best Supporting Actor award for his performance in One Battle After Another.
The incident involving John Davidson's involuntary tics has sparked important conversations about disability awareness and public understanding of neurological conditions, with Aramayo's defence highlighting the need for greater education and empathy.
