BAFTA Film Awards host Alan Cumming apologises for “strong words” after nominee John Davidson, who has Tourette’s syndrome, shouts during ceremony; watch viral video

BAFTA Film Awards: The BAFTA Film Awards ceremony, which took place on Sunday (February 22, 2026), saw two brief interruptions when host Alan Cumming paused the show to address disruptions heard inside the venue. Cumming halted the awards night twice to interact with the audience and apologize and thank them after loud words were heard from John Davidson during the live ceremony.

Later during the award ceremony, he clarified that the sounds came from Davidson, a nominee with Tourette's syndrome, who was seated inside London's Royal Festival Hall during the ceremony.

Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that may cause sudden unwanted and uncontrolled rapid and repeated movements or vocal sounds called tics, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. TS is one of a group of disorders of the developing nervous system called tic disorders.


The involuntary vocal tics from Davidson, who is the subject of the biopic ‘I Swear,' were picked up by microphones, according to Deadline. These sounds were also heard during the BBC's live broadcast. Some of the involuntary remarks from Davidson caused distractions to presenters and winners and forced them to pause while speaking on stage.




As the BAFTA ceremony began, Davidson shouted words like "boring" and "f**k off" while BAFTA chair Sara Putt was addressing the audience, Deadline reported. Later another remark was heard on the broadcast while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were announcing the Best Visual Effects award for "Avatar: Fire and Ash."

Alan Cumming spoke to the audience

Alan Cumming spoke to the audience amid the award segments, acknowledging that viewers "may have noticed" some "strong language" during the show. He thanked everyone for being understanding and for helping to keep the space respectful for all. Later, he apologized if anyone felt offended and explained that the sounds were not intentional, as the tics are involuntary. Davidson left the auditorium at one point amid the ceremony.

Davidson worked to raise awareness on Tourette's syndrome

Davidson has often spoken openly about living with Tourette's syndrome. He has worked for years to raise awareness and support others with the condition. In 2019, he was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2019 Queen's New Years Honours List for his services to people with Tourette's Syndrome in Selkirkshire, Ettrick, and Lauderdale, Scotland, according to IMDb.