BAFTA star John Davidson faces further distress after awards night incident

John Davidson, the Scottish Tourette’s campaigner whose life inspired the critically acclaimed film I Swear, faced further distress when his home was burgled while he attended the BAFTA Awards in London.

The 42-year-old advocate, who has been vocal about living with Tourette’s, was at the center of controversy during the ceremony when an involuntary tic caused him to blurt a racial slur while Sinners co-stars Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan presented an award onstage. 

Davidson left the event early and later issued a public apology, describing himself as “deeply mortified.”

Now, director Kirk Jones has revealed that Davidson returned home to Scotland only to discover thieves had broken into his shed and stolen his beloved bicycle, which he relies on for transportation.

“One minute he’s standing, receiving applause and feeling welcomed, and the next, he’s facing a social media storm,” Jones told The Telegraph. 

“Then he gets home, and thieves—likely knowing he was away—broke into his shed and stole his bike. He doesn’t drive, and he loves that bike. It was all locked up, and it was taken. Any day in his life can turn out like that.”

Jones criticized BAFTA and the BBC for broadcasting the moment, describing it as a failure to protect Davidson from undue public scrutiny. 

“John was let down on many, many levels,” he said. “If that tic had not been broadcast, the issue could have remained contained to the room. BAFTA could have reached out privately to apologise, and the problem wouldn’t have gone viral.”

The BBC has since issued an apology for airing the clip, while BAFTA confirmed it is launching a “comprehensive review” of the incident.