Statement from Emma McNally, CEO, Tourettes Action, regarding John Davidson MBE and the BAFTA Scotland Awards

Posted on 1 October 2026 by Emma McNally

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I am absolutely over the moon to see I Swear recognised at the Scottish BAFTA Awards. The film has played such an important role in increasing awareness and understanding of Tourette syndrome. It's helping to challenge misconceptions and shine a light on the realities of living with the condition. Conversations are happening, and people's perceptions are changing.

I will be forever grateful to John for opening up his life and sharing his story so openly to enable others to learn about Tourette syndrome. It's paving the way for a more understanding and accepting future for those living with the condition, both now and for generations to come.

I am delighted that John will be part of this year's Scottish BAFTA Awards celebrations. Everyone involved with I Swear should be incredibly proud of what the film has achieved, and like so many within the Tourette syndrome community, I will be keeping everything crossed for a win on the night.

I am also pleased that BAFTA has engaged directly with John ahead of the ceremony and worked with him to identify arrangements that enable him to attend in a way that feels right for him.

Throughout my discussions with BAFTA, I have consistently emphasised that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting people with Tourette syndrome and that any adjustments should be developed in partnership with the individual concerned.

Adjustments for people with Tourette syndrome should be person-centred and based on individual preferences. This is something we continually advocate for at Tourettes Action. The arrangements agreed for John reflect his own wishes and should not be seen as a standard or expected approach for all people with Tourette syndrome. Every individual is different, and the support or adjustments that work for one person may not be appropriate for another.

Whilst some people with Tourette syndrome experience vocal tics involving socially inappropriate words or phrases, these vocalisations are involuntary neurological symptoms. Vocal tics may be heard as words, but they do not carry meaning and they do not reflect a person's beliefs, values, character or intentions.

These involuntary vocal tics can be challenging and can cause unintentional upset, affecting different communities in different ways. It's important to acknowledge the experiences of all those impacted, including any feelings of harm, but we also need to stress that people with Tourette syndrome do not choose their symptoms, and they certainly do not choose their tics. They should not be judged, marginalised or excluded because of them.

Following the events at the BAFTAs earlier this year, we saw first-hand the impact that misunderstanding can have, both on those affected by hearing certain words and on individuals living with Tourette syndrome who found themselves at the centre of public debate because of symptoms they could not control. Nobody benefits when communities are pitted against one another. It’s a no win situation.  Instead, I hope these moments can encourage greater understanding, empathy and meaningful dialogue.

Meaningful inclusion requires listening, understanding and working collaboratively with individuals to identify the adjustments that best meet their needs whilst respecting the experiences of others.

I hope that discussions surrounding this year's awards help to increase understanding of Tourette syndrome and reinforce the principle that people living with the condition should be supported to participate fully in public life with dignity, respect and equal opportunity.

Tourettes Action remains committed to working with all communities to promote understanding, challenge misconceptions and ensure that people with Tourette syndrome are able to participate without fear of stigma or exclusion.

Much Love,

Emma McNally

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