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Tourette's campaigner John Davidson is to watch Bafta Scotland ceremony via video link from a separate room after N-word row

From the Newshound archive · first published 1 October 2026 · last updated 2 October 2026.

John Davidson, whose involuntary use of the N-word at the February Bafta Film Awards sparked a major controversy, suggested himself that he watch the Glasgow ceremony via video link.
John Davidson, whose involuntary use of the N-word at the February Bafta Film Awards sparked a major controversy, suggested himself that he watch the Glasgow ceremony via video link.

John Davidson, the Tourette's campaigner whose life inspired seven-times-nominated film 'I Swear', will attend the Bafta Scotland ceremony in Glasgow on November 15 but watch proceedings via video link from a separate 'relaxed space' at the venue alongside family and friends. The arrangement was suggested by Davidson himself after he involuntarily shouted a racial slur at presenters Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo at February's Bafta Film Awards. Bafta chair Sara Putt and CEO Jane Millichip confirmed the plan in a letter to members, saying the organisation had consulted Tourettes Action, Tourette Scotland and Davidson himself as part of a wider risk assessment.

'I Swear', which chronicles Davidson's Borders upbringing with Tourette syndrome, received a record seven Scottish Bafta nominations.

The BBC apologised for failing to edit the slur from its broadcast, which aired on a two-hour delay and stayed on iPlayer until the following day.

Davidson said he was 'deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or carry any meaning.'

MoreDaily Mail NewsI Swear's John Davidson asks to watch Scots Baftas ceremony in room via video link after racial slur rowIMDbAfter ‘I Swear’ Scores 7 BAFTA Scotland Nods, Tourette’s Campaigner John Davidson to Watch Ceremony From ‘Separate’ Area Within Venue Following N-Word Controversy - IMDbDaily RecordJohn Davidson will view Scottish Baftas in 'relaxed space' after racial slur backlash
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