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A controversial moment involving a racial slur at the British Academy Film Awards has prompted an apology by the BBC and put a spotlight on a symptom of Tourette syndrome known as coprolalia. A series of audible outbursts on Feb.
22 by a member of the crowd with Tourette syndrome included a racial slur while 'Sinners' stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, who are Black, were presenting an award onstage. The BBC apologized for 'strong and offensive language' but drew criticism for leaving the slur in the final broadcast, which was airing on a two-hour delay. “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards 2026,” a BBC spokesperson told NBC News. “This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard.” Here's what to know about the controversy and the connection to Tourette syndrome. John Davidson, the 2026 BAFTAs and Tourette Syndrome John Davidson is the inspiration for the BAFTA-nominated movie 'I Swear,' which depicts a character played by Robert Aramayo being diagnosed with the neurological disorder and working to raise awareness of the condition. The movie's title refers to a symptom of Tourette syndrome, uncontrollable swearing. Davidson was in the crowd at the BAFTAs at London's Royal Festival Hall and was identified by Variety and other outlets as the person shouting the racial slur and other obscenities during the ceremony. NBC News was unable to independently confirm whether Davidson was the individual who made the comments. A BBC spokesperson identified the source of the outbursts as an attendee with Tourette syndrome in a statement to NBC News. Variety also reported that someone yelled “shut the f--- up” as BAFTA chair Sara Putt gave a speech and “f--- you” after the award for best children’s and family film was given out. BAFTA host Alan Cumming made reference to the swearing during the ceremony. “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience,” Cumming said. “Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.” Cumming referenced it again later in the show. “If you have seen the film ‘I Swear,’ you will know that film is about the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome,' he said. 'Tourette 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 apologize if you were offended.” The inclusion of the racial slur sparked backlash online. Actors Jamie Foxx and Wendell Pierce and 'Sinners' production designer Hannah Beachler criticized the BBC for leaving it in. Representatives for the BAFTAs, Jordan and Lindo did not immediately respond to requests for comment by NBC News. What Is Coprolalia? Coprolalia is the medical term used to describe the involuntary outburst of obscene or socially inappropriate words by people with Tourette syndrome, according to the Tourette Association of America. It's usually a single word, but can sometimes be phrases or sentences, per TAA. The word or words are not uttered in a normal social context and are often said repeatedly and louder than they would in normal conversation. 'Particularly embarrassing for some individuals with coprolalia are involuntary outbursts within social contexts, such as racial or ethnic slurs in the company of the very people who would be most offended by such remarks,' according to the TAA. 'It is crucial to understand that these words or complex phrases do not necessarily reflect the thoughts, beliefs or opinions of the person with coprolalia.' The 'faulty wiring' in the 'inhibitory mechanism of the brain' that causes the involuntary movements related to Tourette syndrome also causes coprolalia, according to the TAA. Individuals often need to let out the words to feel relief because of an overwhelming urge to yell them. How Common Is Coprolalia in Tourette Syndrome? Only about one in 10 people who have Tourette syndrome are affected by coprolalia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Does Everyone With Tourette’s Swear? No, advocates note that is a popular misconception of people with Tourette syndrome. 'The reality is that most people with Tourette do not excessively or uncontrollably use inappropriate language,' according to the CDC. What’s the Difference Between Tics and Intentional Speech? Unlike intentional speech, tics are involuntary movements and sounds that a person cannot stop their body from making, according to Cleveland Clinic. To be diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, a person must have two or more motor tics and at least once vocal tic nearly every day for more than a year. The tics also must start before a person is 18 to be classified as Tourette's, and not be caused by a medical condition or drug. The tics can range from shoulder shrugging and repetitive throat clearing to more complex tics such as jumping and using swear words. Some scientists believe tics are caused by changes in the part of your brain that controls movement, per Cleveland Clinic.
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