Dealing with the Anguish of Tourette's Outbursts

Verbal or physical tics can be a daily struggle, and the hurt they may cause others is a constant concern.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Emauni Crawley, a 23-year-old behavioral health coach with Tourette's syndrome, has a severe type of tic that results in her saying things that are obscene or inappropriate, like recently calling a co-worker a derogatory term. While Crawley knows the pain that offensive words can cause, she says the fact that it's a tic 'does not negate the fact that we still hurt.' This issue took center stage at the BAFTAs when an audience member with Tourette's, John Davidson, involuntarily shouted a racist slur as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award. Tourette's is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by involuntary movements and sounds called tics, which can include profane or socially inappropriate outbursts known as coprolalia. Experts say managing these tics and the fallout they cause is an ongoing challenge for those living with Tourette's.

Why it matters

Tourette's syndrome is a misunderstood condition, and incidents like the one at the BAFTAs highlight the daily struggles and social stigma faced by those living with the disorder. This story sheds light on the anguish caused by involuntary tics, the hurt they can inflict on others, and the need for greater understanding and compassion.

The details

Emauni Crawley, a 23-year-old behavioral health coach with Tourette's, has a severe tic that results in her saying obscene or inappropriate things, like recently calling a co-worker a derogatory term. While Crawley knows the pain that offensive words can cause, she says the fact that it's a tic 'does not negate the fact that we still hurt.' This issue was thrust into the spotlight at the BAFTAs when audience member John Davidson, who has Tourette's, involuntarily shouted a racist slur as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award. Tourette's is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by involuntary movements and sounds called tics, which can include profane or socially inappropriate outbursts known as coprolalia. Experts say managing these tics and the fallout they cause is an ongoing challenge for those living with Tourette's.

  • On Sunday, the incident occurred at the BAFTAs, Britain's equivalent of the Oscars.

The players

Emauni Crawley

A 23-year-old behavioral health coach with Tourette's syndrome who has a severe type of tic that results in her saying obscene or inappropriate things.

John Davidson

An audience member with Tourette's syndrome who involuntarily shouted a racist slur as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award at the BAFTAs.

Michael B. Jordan

An actor who was presenting an award at the BAFTAs when the incident occurred.

Delroy Lindo

An actor who was presenting an award at the BAFTAs when the incident occurred.

Dr. Joohi Jimenez-Shahed

The co-chair of the medical advisory board for the Tourette Association of America.

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What they’re saying

“Your brain wants to say the worst things at the worst time in the worst places.”

— Emauni Crawley, Behavioral health coach with Tourette's syndrome

“It's kind of like a mosquito bite — you have to scratch it.”

— Emauni Crawley, Behavioral health coach with Tourette's syndrome

“The fact that the slur was a tic does 'not negate the fact that we still hurt'.”

— Emauni Crawley, Behavioral health coach with Tourette's syndrome

“These are not phrases or words that are driven by particular beliefs. It really is not how they feel.”

— Dr. Joohi Jimenez-Shahed, Co-chair of the medical advisory board for the Tourette Association of America

“After living with Tourette's for almost 40 years, I was aware of how physically and mentally difficult it would be for me to attend. I put every ounce of energy and concentration into being able to attend.”

— John Davidson (Variety)

What’s next

The BBC was criticized for leaving the slur in its prerecorded broadcast and in the version posted to its streaming platform, but has since edited it out.

The takeaway

This story highlights the daily struggles and social stigma faced by those living with Tourette's syndrome, and the need for greater understanding and compassion. While managing involuntary tics can be an ongoing challenge, isolating or excluding those with Tourette's is unfair, as they deserve the opportunity to fully participate in life.