Tourette's Campaigner John Davidson Delivers 'Be Kind' Plea at BAFTA Ceremony
John Davidson, a Tourette syndrome campaigner and the subject of the BAFTA award-winning film I Swear, has spoken out about the importance of raising awareness and kindness towards neurodiversity. His message came ahead of the star-studded ceremony where he attended to support the multi-nominated biopic about his life growing up with the condition in Scotland.
Incidents During the BAFTA Awards
During the awards, Davidson was heard shouting expletives from the audience, including a racial slur when actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo spoke on stage. The actors continued their segment with minimal disruption, and Variety later reported that Davidson left the ceremony voluntarily. Earlier in the evening, he had also shouted "shut the f*** up" and "boring" during BAFTA chair Sarah Putt's speech, and "f*** you" when the directors of "Boong" accepted their award for best children’s and family film.
The BBC has since issued an apology for any offence caused by these incidents. According to the NHS, Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes sudden, repetitive sounds or movements known as tics, with no cure but treatments available to help manage symptoms.
Davidson's Advocacy for Understanding and Kindness
Before the show, Davidson expressed hope that his film would foster greater understanding of Tourette syndrome. Speaking to the Press Association, he said: "The power that the film’s got is the fact that it’s opened people’s eyes to the real issues. Being assaulted, being put out of school, being bullied at school, a lot of people have never seen that side of what my life was like."
He highlighted that in the 1980s and 1990s, people often ignored such conditions, but now society is becoming more empathetic towards neurodiversity and disabilities. "We didn’t want it to be a pity memoir... Everyone with Tourette’s don’t – they just want the awareness of people to understand and be kind," he added, emphasising the core message of his advocacy.
Support from Actor Robert Aramayo and Filmmaker Kirk Jones
Davidson's sentiments were echoed by actor Robert Aramayo, who portrayed him in I Swear. After the ceremony, Aramayo explained to the BBC that Davidson's shouts were tics, not intentional obscenities. "First of all, they are tics. He is ticking. We have to understand. The way we perceive Tourette’s is a joint responsibility. It’s not shouting obscenities. It’s not being abusive. It’s Tourettes," he said, noting that such moments could lead to deeper understanding if movies help drive the conversation.
The film received six BAFTA nominations, including Outstanding British Film, with Aramayo in contention for best lead actor and the EE Rising Star award. Filmmaker Kirk Jones, who directed I Swear, shared on the red carpet that he cast Aramayo without an audition because he knew the actor was right for the part early on. Jones emphasised the film's timely message, stating it is a hopeful story about perseverance and compassion that resonates in today's world.
"I just think it hit a chord. Maybe five years ago if we’d have made it, it wouldn’t have done, or maybe five years’ time, but I think we’re kind of at a place in the world now where everything’s so kind of depressing and upsetting and it’s a very hopeful film," Jones said, underscoring the need for stories that promote understanding and support for others.
