During the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, actor Robert Aramayo, who portrayed Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson in the film 'I Swear,' defended the use of strong language heard from Davidson during the ceremony. Though this language was pointed out by the host Alan Cumming, who apologized for the offense it may have caused, he emphasized that it stemmed from the involuntary nature of Tourette syndrome, a condition Davidson has lived with since childhood.

The incident received attention following a statement from a BBC spokesperson, which acknowledged that some viewers might have found the language 'strong and offensive.' The spokesperson clarified that this was unintentional and a byproduct of Davidson's disability. Aramayo's defense sparked a broader conversation about the representation of disabilities in media and the responsibilities of filmmakers and broadcasters when addressing sensitive issues such as Tourette syndrome.

As the discussion unfolds, it raises critical awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with Tourette syndrome and emphasizes the importance of understanding the involuntary aspects of the condition. The defense offered by Aramayo not only supports Davidson but also highlights the need for society to approach disability-related conversations with empathy and informed sensitivity.