The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards were thrust into the spotlight following an incident involving John Davidson, a well-known advocate for Tourette syndrome, who inadvertently uttered a racial slur during the ceremony.

While actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting, Davidson’s vocal tic unexpectedly interrupted the event, eliciting a variety of responses from the audience and viewers at home. In light of the situation, reality TV star Baylen Dupree has stood up in support of Davidson, offering a heartfelt perspective shaped by her own experiences living with the condition.

Who Is Baylen Dupree?

At 23, Baylen Dupree is the face of TLC’s hit reality series Baylen Out Loud, where she candidly shares her life with viewers as she navigates the challenges of severe vocal and motor tics. Diagnosed with Tourette syndrome in 2020, just before turning 18, Dupree has since become a prominent advocate, using her popular TikTok platform to educate millions about neurological disorders.

The incident occurred on February 22, when Davidson was heard shouting the n-word and other expletives from the audience while Jordan and Lindo were on stage. Host Alan Cumming had earlier warned attendees about Davidson’s involuntary tics, but the BBC later issued an apology for not removing the offensive language from the broadcast.

What Happened at BAFTAs 2026?

During the ceremony on February 22, John Davidson was heard from the audience shouting the n-word among other vulgarities as Jordan and Lindo presented.

Host Alan Cumming had previously alerted the audience concerning Davidson’s involuntary tics. The BBC later issued an apology for failing to edit the inappropriate language from the recorded broadcast.

Baylen Dupree’s Tourette’s Journey

Dupree had been experiencing tics since childhood but only received her diagnosis at the age of 18.

Her show highlights the everyday challenges posed by this disorder; one episode portrays a situation in which she faces potential harm from her tics while attempting to prepare dinner. She describes the sensation of losing control of her voice as “terrifying.”

Why Baylen Defends John Davidson

In a heartfelt statement on Instagram, Dupree clarified that “tics are not intentional thoughts” but rather involuntary reactions, similar to sneezing. She stressed that Tourette’s is not rooted in hatred but rather in anxiety and the fear of expressing inappropriate thoughts.

While she recognized the distress caused by the slur, she argued that there is “a distinction between intention and impulse.”