The recent incident at the British Academy Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards, where a vocal tic resulted in a racial slur being uttered while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award, has sparked complex emotions for Black individuals living with Tourette syndrome.
John Davidson, a BAFTA nominee and Tourette’s advocate, was responsible for the outburst, which occurred during the first award presentation of the evening. While his utterance was involuntary, many viewers were outraged, particularly given the racial implications. At the same time, members of the disability community noted the lack of understanding about Tourette syndrome and criticised the BBC for allowing the slur to remain uncensored on iPlayer hours after the live event.
For those who live with the disorder, the event highlighted the delicate balance between managing tics and acknowledging their potential impact. Chloe Winston, 24, who experiences coprolalia, the same involuntary verbal tic as Davidson, described the situation as “difficult.” She added: “A tic is not intentional, but it still causes harm. And I think that does require accountability.”
Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by sudden, involuntary movements or vocalisations, known as tics. These can range from mild to disabling. Coprolalia, a subset of Tourette’s, involves the involuntary utterance of socially unacceptable or obscene words. Estimates suggest 10% to 15% of individuals with Tourette syndrome experience coprolalia.
Dr. Jeremiah Scharf, a specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, explained that tics are neurological and often triggered by stress or fatigue. “For this subset of people, it is incredibly distressing because they do not want to say these things,” he said. “They feel significant remorse.” Treatments can include behavioural therapy and medication, though there is no single solution.
The BAFTA incident has prompted Black individuals with Tourette syndrome to share their experiences, highlighting the intersection of racial and disability challenges. American Sign Language interpreter Jhónelle Bean discussed the “complexity and duality” of the situation in a viral TikTok video, which has amassed over three million views. She emphasised that Davidson’s tic was involuntary, but also acknowledged the hurt caused by the slur, particularly for Black attendees.
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who has coprolalia, said the event underscores the difficulty of managing tics while also contending with systemic racism. “For me, it was all about making sure we’re practising care. And I don’t think that happened for the two actors or the Black audience members who were present,” he noted.
Advocates stress that more support is needed for Black people with Tourette syndrome, who often face misperceptions and stereotyping in public, including interactions with law enforcement. Reice Griffin, a 20-year-old ambassador for the Tourette Association of America, described the isolation she has experienced and the importance of virtual support groups for young Black adults.
“These spaces help Black youth with Tourette syndrome feel less alone and more confident in seeking a diagnosis,” Griffin said. Williams echoed the need for increased awareness and guidance, recounting emotional encounters with young people and families seeking advice and support.
The BAFTA episode has sparked a broader conversation about empathy, accountability, and the need for accessible support for those navigating the dual challenges of race and neurological conditions. Advocacy groups hope it will inspire growth in resources and networks for Black people living with Tourette syndrome, helping them feel seen, understood and supported.
