Rare Tourette Tics Face Harsh Stigma

John Davidson's involuntary outburst at BAFTA awards highlights misunderstanding of Tourette syndrome's most shocking symptom.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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John Davidson, whose life inspired the award-winning biopic "I Swear," involuntarily shouted a racial slur during Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo's speech at the BAFTA film awards in London on Feb. 22, 2026. The moment went viral, and the ensuing backlash ignited public debate about Tourette syndrome and its most shocking symptom, coprolalia or involuntary obscene speech.

Why it matters

The reactions to Davidson's tics at the BAFTA awards make clear that Tourette syndrome remains a deeply misunderstood condition, especially when it comes to obscene language tics. Most people with Tourette's will never experience these taboo tics, but those who do bear the weight of society's judgment.

The details

Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects about 0.5% to 0.7% of the population and is characterized by involuntary movements and sounds called tics. Coprolalia, or involuntary obscene or offensive speech, is one of the most widely misunderstood features of Tourette's, experienced by about 10% to 20% of people with the condition. Tics can be physically taxing, leading to acute and chronic pain and injury, and people with Tourette syndrome also frequently face stigma, discrimination and the pressure to monitor or hide their tics, which can take a serious psychological toll.

  • On February 22, 2026, John Davidson involuntarily shouted a racial slur during Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo's speech at the BAFTA film awards in London.

The players

John Davidson

A familiar figure to British audiences since his teenage years, when he first appeared in a BBC documentary about Tourette syndrome. He has since devoted decades to public education about the condition, earning him a distinguished honor from Queen Elizabeth II in 2019.

Rena Zito

An Associate Professor of Sociology at Elon University who studies the social dimensions of Tourette syndrome, including the stigma of coprolalia. She also lives with Tourette syndrome.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater public understanding and support for people living with Tourette syndrome, especially those who experience the most shocking and stigmatized symptoms like coprolalia. Raising awareness and providing accommodations can help these individuals participate fully and safely in public life.