John Davidson, a Tourette's campaigner, found himself in an unfortunate situation at the BAFTAs where he involuntarily shouted a racial slur while two prominent actors, Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan, were presenting an award. The incident occurred as Davidson's condition caused him to utter the N-word, leading to significant distress not only for him but also for those in attendance and viewers. Davidson publicly apologized for his actions, conveying his embarrassment and regret over the involuntary nature of the tic.

In his statement released post-event, Davidson expressed gratitude to BAFTA and the audience for their understanding. He noted the pre-announcement made during the ceremony that informed attendees about his condition, stating that it is important to clarify that such tics do not represent his beliefs or intentions. This incident has reignited discussions around the challenges faced by individuals with Tourette's syndrome and the need for empathy and understanding in public spaces.

The occurrence has garnered media attention, emphasizing how sudden and unexpected tics can be misinterpreted in social settings, especially in high-profile events like the BAFTAs. It serves as a poignant reminder of the difficulties that those with neurological conditions face in managing the disorder in public and the importance of promoting awareness about Tourette's syndrome. The dialogue sparked by Davidson’s experience may lead to greater acceptance and accommodations for those with similar challenges during public events.