Following the incident at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards involving Tourette's activist John Davidson, many viewers have been asking the same question: What exactly is Tourette syndrome?
The moment - which occurred during a live awards presentation and was detailed in our report, Who Shouted the N-Word at the 2026 BAFTAs? - sparked global discussion about race, disability, and public responsibility. While the situation generated understandable emotional reactions, it also placed renewed attention on a neurological condition that remains widely misunderstood.
Here is what Tourette syndrome is - and what it is not.
What Is Tourette Syndrome?
Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary movements and sounds known as tics. These tics appear suddenly and are not under a person's control.
There are two main types:
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Motor tics - sudden movements such as blinking, facial grimacing, shoulder shrugging, or jerking motions.
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Vocal tics - sounds such as throat clearing, sniffing, repeating words, or in rare cases, shouting socially inappropriate language.
The condition typically begins in childhood, often between the ages of 5 and 10. Symptoms can increase or decrease over time and may vary in intensity depending on stress levels and environmental factors.
Tourette syndrome is neurological - not psychological - and it is not a behavioral choice.
What Is Coprolalia?
One of the most discussed - and often misunderstood - symptoms of Tourette syndrome is coprolalia, a medical term referring to the involuntary utterance of obscene or socially inappropriate words.
Medical experts estimate that approximately 10-15% of people with Tourette syndrome experience coprolalia. That means the majority of individuals with the condition do not shout profanity or slurs.
When it does occur, coprolalia is involuntary. The individual does not choose the word, intend harm, or necessarily believe what is said. It is a neurological tic, not an expression of personal conviction.
Understanding this distinction is essential, particularly in emotionally charged public moments.
What Can Trigger Tics?
Tics can be influenced by several factors, including:
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Stress
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Anxiety
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Fatigue
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Excitement
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Overstimulation (large crowds, bright lights, high-pressure environments)
Public events such as awards ceremonies - with cameras, audiences, and heightened emotion - can intensify symptoms for some individuals.
However, triggers are not always predictable. In many cases, tics occur randomly and without warning.
How Common Is Tourette Syndrome?
Tourette syndrome is more common than many people realize.
According to public health data:
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Approximately 1 in 50 children may experience a tic disorder.
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Around 1.4 million people in the United States live with Tourette syndrome or persistent tic disorders.
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In the United Kingdom, more than 300,000 individuals are estimated to have the condition.
The disorder is more frequently diagnosed in boys than girls, though it affects individuals across all racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
There is currently no cure, but behavioral therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and in some cases medication can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Why the BAFTAs Moment Sparked Wider Debate
The incident at the BAFTAs brought two sensitive realities into direct tension.
On one hand, Tourette syndrome is a recognized disability that warrants understanding and compassion. On the other hand, the racial slur involved carries deep historical trauma and pain, particularly within Black communities.
Both realities matter.
For many observers, the situation raised important questions about how institutions should prepare for and respond to complex moments where disability and racial harm intersect. BAFTA and the BBC later issued apologies acknowledging the distress caused and the need for better handling of the situation.
The broader takeaway is not just about one night, but about awareness.
A Reminder About Education and Empathy
People living with Tourette syndrome often face stigma, embarrassment, and social isolation because of symptoms they cannot control. Public understanding remains limited, and misconceptions are common.
At the same time, conversations about accountability and dignity remain essential - especially when harmful language is involved.
Education does not erase harm. But education provides context. And context allows society to respond with greater clarity, empathy, and responsibility.
As discussions continue in the wake of the BAFTAs incident, one thing remains clear: greater understanding of neurological conditions like Tourette syndrome is essential - not just during awards season, but in everyday life.
