Tolerance & Compassion for others – understanding Tourette Syndrome

The film “I Swear” won two awards at the BAFTAs in February this year, but more headlines have been made world-wide around the involuntary use of the N-word by John Davidson, whose life story was the subject of the award-winning film who has Tourette Syndrome, than about the wins themselves.

The N word was audibly heard in the audience whilst two presenters, “Sinners” stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting a prize – and despite a 2 hour delay, the comments were aired by the BBC, whilst other political comments were removed.

This has caused a lot of controversy and upset to a lot of people involved, including John Davidson himself. The episode has highlighted the lack of understanding of Tourette syndrome, and neurodivergence as a whole.

Tourette Syndrome is a genetically determined neurological condition, the key features of which are tics, involuntary and uncontrollable sounds and movements. It is a complex condition and a large number of people with the condition will also experience co-occurring features and conditions.

Key things to know about Tourette Syndrome:

• The main symptom of Tourette syndrome is tics. Tics can involve repetitive sounds (vocal tics) or movements (motor tics) you do not choose to make and cannot control.
• Tics involving sounds may include: Whistling, sniffing or clearing your throat a lot, making animal sounds, repeating a sound, word or phrase, swearing (this is rare).
• Tics involving movement may include: Rolling your eyes or blinking, shrugging your shoulders, jerking or twitching movements, tensing your stomach muscles, jumping.
• Tics can be triggered by different things including stress, excitement or tiredness.
• Symptoms of Tourette syndrome usually start around the age of 6 and can get more noticeable around age 10.
• Studies estimate that up to 1% of children have Tourette Syndrome – that is about the same as those with Autism.
• Tourette syndrome affects more than 300 000 adults and children across the UK
• Tourette syndrome is more common in boys than girls.
• People with Tourette syndrome often have other conditions, such as OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

You can find out more about Tourette syndrome here:

• Tourettes Action
• Tourette syndrome – NHS
• Ten things you should know about Tourette syndrome, from Priory’s Dr Lisa Davies – Priory
• A 10 Minute video from Valsamma Eapen – Understanding Tourette Syndrome

You can find out more about the BAFTA evening events and further discussions here:

• What the Baftas N-word controversy revealed about disability and race
• Sinners star Wunmi Mosaku says Baftas win was ‘tainted’ by N-word incident | Film | The Guardian
• Baftas racial slur controversy: what should the BBC have done?
• N-word shouted by a guest upended BAFTAs. We explain the medical condition behind outbursts | CBC News
• BAFTAs Guest With Tourettes Shouts Racial Slur During Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo’s Appearance – The New York Times