John Davidson’s use of derogatory language during the BAFTA Awards was a symptom of the highly misunderstood neurological disorder

Tourette’s syndrome, a neurological condition that causes involuntary sounds or movements known as tics, has come under the spotlight after a man with the condition shouted a racial slur during the BAFTA award ceremony in London on Sunday.

A controversial moment involving a racial slur at the British Academy Film Awards has prompted an apology by the BBC and put a spotlight on a symptom of Tourette syndrome known as coprolalia

John Davidson attended the BAFTAs ceremony but left early after becoming aware that his outbursts were causing distress

The British Academy thanked Tourette's campaigner John Davidson for his "dignity and consideration of others" after choosing to leave the Film Awards ceremony halfway through.

Tourette’s syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder tied to disruptions in the brain circuits that regulate movement and habit formation. The disorder starts in childhood and is characterized by involuntary movements and sounds called tics, like eye blinking, throat clearing and shouting.

During the ceremony in London on February 22, a racial slur was shouted from the audience while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage presenting the first award of the night. A video clip quickly spread online.

Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson has explained he left the British Film and Television Awards (BAFTAs) ceremony early on Monday night, aware his outbursts were causing distress. Davidson was attending the ceremony to support the film I Swear,

Michael B. Jordan is reportedly "repulsed" after a racial slur was hurled at him and his "Sinners" co-star Delroy Lindo during the BAFTAs.