Statement from Emma McNally, CEO Tourettes Action, following BBC Apology

Posted on 9 April 2026 by Pippa McClounan

Share

The period following the BAFTAs was deeply upsetting for many people, particularly those within the Tourette’s community and the Black community. What made this time especially distressing was the way these communities were too often framed in opposition to one another, as if there had to be a “winner and loser”. This framing was harmful and unfair to everyone involved.

We fully recognise and acknowledge the pain and offence experienced by the Black community when the language was broadcast. Hearing words of this nature caused real harm, and no community should ever have to be subjected to that distress. At the same time, the broadcast and the reaction that followed had serious and lasting consequences for the Tourette’s community. Many individuals faced increased hostility, misunderstanding, and abuse, with some feeling unsafe and compelled to further isolate themselves in order to protect their wellbeing. These experiences are not in competition with one another — both communities were harmed in different, but significant, ways.

In the days following the ceremony, Tourettes Action heard from many people within our community who felt scrutinised, judged, and fearful. This fear and isolation are an all‑too‑common reality for people with Tourette’s, particularly when involuntary tics are misunderstood as intentional or reflective of a person’s beliefs or character. The reaction following the BAFTAs demonstrated just how quickly people with Tourette’s can become targets of abuse when this fundamental truth is not understood.

It is profoundly sad that what should have been a moment of celebration became a source of hurt, division, and fear. With appropriate planning, understanding, and support in place, this situation could have been avoided.

We hope this has been a learning moment for all involved. While this period has been extremely difficult for many, we also hope it has helped to increase awareness of Tourette’s, particularly that tics are involuntary, can be deeply distressing for the person experiencing them, and can lead to fear, isolation, and social exclusion when they are misunderstood as being purposeful or an indication of a persons thoughts. The treatment of John Davidson and others with Tourette’s following the BAFTAs starkly highlighted the realities many people with the condition face when something entirely out of their control is judged without understanding.

We welcome the BBC’s acknowledgement of editorial failings and their commitment to improving planning, risk assessment, and real‑time monitoring during live broadcasts. Our hope is that moving forward, greater understanding, compassion, and accountability will help prevent similar harm, and ensure that no communities are set against one another at moments that require empathy, care, and solidarity.

Return to news