Tourette’s campaigner made move after shouting racial slur while Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo on stage

Last night’s British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) saw Alan Cummings pause his hosting quips and jokes to issue a clarification.

While actors Michael B Jordan and Delory Lingo were on stage to present the award for best visual effects, John Davidson shouted a racial slur.

The campaigner for Tourette’s had also yelled out the likes of ‘shut the f**k up’ and ‘f**k you’ during the ceremony. And following the outburst of the N-word, that was picked up and clipped online, Davidson made a move from the BAFTAs.

The 54-year-old is the inspiration for new film I Swear which depicts a young Scottish man suffering with the disorder.

In real life, he was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome at the age of 25 and his symptoms include tics and uncontrollable outbursts which often involves cursing.

Davidson is the inspiration behind I Swear. (Gareth Cattermole/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)

During the second half of the ceremony, it appears Davidson left the room at London’s Royal Festival Hall with outbursts no longer heard.

Variety reports that it’s understood the campaigner left of his own accord and was not asked to leave by BAFTA. A source told the outlet that he was an ‘invited guest’ and under no circumstances would Davidson be asked to leave the awards ceremony.

Cummings gave the audience a bit of a clarification and apology for the language as he said: “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience.

“Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”

And he later issued a further statement to explain: “Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette’s Syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you are offended tonight.”

Aramayo picked up best actor for his performance as Davidson. (Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)

Davidson had also been introduced to the audience before the ceremony began as the floor manager said: “I’d like to welcome John Davidson MBE from one of our nominated films ‘I Swear’. John has Tourette’s Syndrome so please be aware you might hear some involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony.”

Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson in the film, beat out the likes of favourite Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio as he picked up the BAFTA for best actor as well as best newcomer.

“I honestly cannot believe that I have won this award,” the Hull-born 33-year-old said as he added during his rising star award: “John Davidson is the most remarkable man I ever met. He’s so forthcoming with education and he believes there should be still so much more we need to learn about Tourette’s. Especially, I just want to say for people who are living with Tourette’s it’s the buzz around them that helped define what their experience is so, to quote the film, ‘They need support and understanding.'”