BAFTA Slur Incident Reignites Debate on Live Broadcasting and Tourette's Syndrome
The 2026 BAFTA Awards became a focal point for controversy after the BBC faced backlash for not editing out a racial slur during the live broadcast. Host Alan Cumming was compelled to apologise on Sunday night when John Davidson was heard yelling the N-word during a presentation by actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.
Cumming clarified that the remark was made by Davidson, who has Tourette’s syndrome, explaining it resulted from involuntary verbal tics and was not intentional. This incident has since reignited debate around live broadcasting, public language, and how neurological conditions are perceived in society.
Understanding Tourette's Syndrome
Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological condition that typically begins in childhood and is characterised by involuntary motor and vocal tics. Against this backdrop, celebrities including Billie Eilish and Lewis Capaldi have helped shift the focus to understanding the condition by speaking openly about their own experiences.
Lewis Capaldi's Public Battle with Tourette's
Lewis Capaldi, the 29-year-old hitmaker, went public with his Tourette's diagnosis in September 2022, revealing he didn't want people to think he was taking cocaine. He admitted that performing can exacerbate his symptoms, sharing fears about having to give up music if it causes irreparable damage.
In June 2025, Capaldi made a triumphant return to the stage for a secret Glastonbury set, coinciding with the release of his new single Survive. This marked a comeback two years after his battle with Tourette's left him unable to finish his performance at the festival, leading to a career hiatus. During his emotional speech, he expressed gratitude to fans and highlighted the challenges of managing his condition while performing.
Billie Eilish's Experience with Tourette's
Billie Eilish was diagnosed with Tourette's at age 11 and has been vocal about the condition. In a 2022 interview, she described her tics as subtle but exhausting, such as wiggling her ear and flexing muscles. Eilish emphasised that talking about Tourette's has helped her feel less alone, though she initially resisted being defined by it.
Other Celebrities Sharing Their Stories
Seth Rogen has openly discussed having a mild case of Tourette's, which manifests in twitching and runs in his family. He noted that marijuana has helped manage his symptoms, alongside obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Former footballer Tim Howard, diagnosed in sixth grade, views his Tourette's as a competitive advantage, linking it to faster reflexes. He has since worked on advocacy programmes to support young people with the condition.
Dan Aykroyd was diagnosed with Tourette's at age 12 and managed it through therapy, with symptoms easing by 14. He also has Asperger's, which influenced his creative work, including the film Ghostbusters.
Social media star Lele Pons revealed in 2021 that she has lived with Tourette's her entire life, using her platform to educate others about mental health and reduce stigma.
What Is Tourette's Syndrome?
Tourette's syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by involuntary noises and movements called tics. It often starts in childhood and can be associated with conditions like OCD or ADHD. Named after French doctor Georges Gilles de la Tourette, there is no cure, but treatment can help manage symptoms.
This incident at the BAFTA Awards underscores the need for greater awareness and sensitivity in live media, highlighting how public understanding of neurological conditions continues to evolve.
