Susanna Reid Sparks Outrage with 'Uncaring' Tourette's Comments After BAFTAs
Good Morning Britain star Susanna Reid has ignited a fierce backlash following remarks she made about Tourette's syndrome, with critics branding her comments as "totally uncaring, stupid and dismissive." The controversy erupted during a segment discussing the BAFTAs, where a Tourette's campaigner's involuntary outbursts became a focal point of debate.
BAFTAs Incident and On-Air Discussion
During the BAFTA Film Awards 2026, actor Robert Aramayo won Best Actor for his portrayal of John Davidson, a Tourette's campaigner, in the movie I Swear. At the ceremony, Davidson, who has Tourette's syndrome, was heard shouting offensive language, including racial slurs, during a presentation by actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. This incident prompted a discussion on Good Morning Britain, where Susanna Reid and co-host Ed Balls delved into the complexities of the situation.
Reid acknowledged that individuals with Tourette's cannot control their tics but raised concerns about the use of racial slurs, stating, "There's plenty of people watching who say, 'Why should a racial slur ever be accepted or simply brushed away?'" She emphasised that apologies are vital for such language, asserting, "A racial slur is always something, presumably, that needs to be apologised for."
Viewer Backlash and Criticism
Viewers of the ITV show expressed outrage over Reid's comments, taking to social media to voice their disapproval. One viewer criticised her stance, writing, "The actor in the film regarding Tourette’s wins an award but Susanna states that we need to apologise for the consequence of that disability in real life." Another added, "You shouldn't apologise for #TouretteSyndrome, it can't be helped. You should never apologise for an illness...no one asked to have the illness."
Ed Balls offered a contrasting perspective during the broadcast, highlighting the distinction between the disability and the broadcast's handling of the incident. He argued, "There's two different issues. If this racial slur was said at the awards ceremony, it shouldn't have been broadcast. The guy who has Tourette's – apologising for his disability is not fair or right. It's not in his control. If it was me, I would have bleeped out the racial slur and not had the apology."
Official Responses and Apologies
At the BAFTAs, host Alan Cumming addressed the audience regarding the offensive language heard during the ceremony. He explained, "You may have heard some strong offensive language tonight, but 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, meaning the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language, and we apologise if it has caused offence."
A BBC spokesperson also issued an apology, stating, "Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards 2026. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard."
The debate underscores the ongoing challenges in discussing disabilities and sensitive language in public forums, with Reid's remarks highlighting the fine line between accountability and understanding involuntary conditions.
