The British film I Swear, which has already won three BAFTA Awards, tells the true story of John Davidson as he struggles with — and ultimately overcomes — his Tourette Syndrome diagnosis before becoming an advocate and activist.

In 1983, 12-year-old John Davidson lived with his working-class family in Galashiels, in the Scottish Borders. Dreaming of becoming a footballer, he began high school at Galashiels Academy, but his ambitions were quickly disrupted when he started experiencing sudden tics and uncontrollable swearing, symptoms no one around him understood.

With his actions mistaken for bad behavior, John was harshly punished by authority figures and rejected by his peers. A humiliating incident in front of a football scout crushed his hopes, while escalating misunderstandings at school led to his expulsion. At home, tensions rise as his condition strains his family, ultimately contributing to his father’s departure. Isolated and overwhelmed, John reaches a breaking point and attempts to take his own life, but survives.

At age 16, Davidson was the subject of a BBC television documentary, John’s Not Mad (1989), which explored the manifestations of his Tourette Syndrome. That same year, he worked as a caretaker at Langlee Community Centre and was also involved in various voluntary youth work initiatives.

With his public advocacy, he became a spokesperson for Tourette Syndrome, using his platform to raise awareness and challenge public misconceptions. A follow-up BBC documentary revisited his life at age 30 — The Boy Can’t Help It (2002), followed by another at age 37 — Tourettes: I Swear I Can't Help It (2009). Over time, John became a leading voice for Tourette Syndrome awareness, hosting workshops and educating schools, police, and communities. His efforts earn national recognition.

In 2019 he was honored with an Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), a UK honor awarded for outstanding community service or achievement. In a deeply emotional moment, he reconciled with his mother, reflecting on the long journey they both endured. When being presented the award, he unexpectedly swore at Queen Elizabeth II. Aware of his condition, the Queen reportedly responded with patience and understanding.

His tics also caused backlash at the 2026 BAFTA Awards, when Davidson attended to support the film. During the event, he had an involuntary vocal outburst that briefly disrupted the ceremony. The moment sparked outrage both in the audience and online. Davidson profusely apologized, releasing a public statement saying he was "deeply mortified if anyone considers [his] involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning," reiterating that his vocal tics are involuntary. The BBC also faced heavy criticism for its decision to include the moment in the televised broadcast.

Davidson continues advocating for Tourette Syndrome, including working with the University of Nottingham on research into non-invasive treatment approaches such as median nerve stimulation devices aimed at reducing the severity of tics and improving quality of life. ~Megan Parsons