Twitch streamer Sweet Anita speaks out on BAFTAs Tourette’s controversy

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Sweet Anita has addressed the upset caused at the 2026 BAFTAs when John Davidson, an activist with Tourette’s, unexpectedly shouted a racist term during the event.

A Twitch streamer with Tourette’s syndrome, which causes involuntary vocalizations including coprolalia, posted about her experience on X (formerly Twitter) as discussions continue online about public understanding of the condition.

Sweet Anita, a content creator who often shares her experiences with Tourette’s syndrome, has often discussed the negative perceptions surrounding the condition. She’s particularly focused on coprolalia, a symptom that causes people to involuntarily swear or use offensive words.

She described the frustrating irony of making a film about living with Tourette’s syndrome to help people understand her involuntary tics, only to find that even after winning a BAFTA award, those tics were still misinterpreted.

Picture this: you create a film about living with Tourette’s, hoping to help others understand your involuntary movements. But then, even after the film wins an award, people still don’t get it. It’s incredibly frustrating.

— Sweet Anita (@sweetanita) February 23, 2026

On stream, Anita also addressed people questioning why Davidson “knew that word.”

It was just a slip of the tongue. Many people are wondering why that specific offensive word was used at that moment.

Anita pointed out that the n-word is universally recognized. She explained that regardless of a person’s beliefs, they are aware of the word and its meaning.

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Anita shared that she understands what John is going through. She recalled facing years of debate over whether she deserved the ability to livestream due to her Tourette’s Syndrome, and expressed frustration that similar situations are still happening, especially considering the accessibility of free platforms like Google.

It’s really frustrating to see how many people are deliberately getting Tourette’s wrong. Honestly, everyone involved deserves our understanding and compassion. I’m really hoping Michael, Delroy, and whoever else is affected are doing alright.

I have a lot to share, but I’m unable to record today. As someone with Tourette’s syndrome, who is mixed race, and who experienced significant online backlash – including death threats – after a tic involving a racial slur went viral, and despite having presented awards like a BAFTA, it’s a complex situation I need time to process. I’ve been…

— Sweet Anita (@sweetanita) February 24, 2026

During the British Academy Film Awards in London, a man named Davidson repeatedly shouted from the audience, including using a racist slur while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting.

Davidson was in attendance at the event as the movie “I SWEAR” is based on his life.

During the awards show, host Alan Cumming spoke about the sounds some viewers may have noticed, explaining that they were involuntary tics caused by Tourette’s syndrome, which is a disability.

Despite the explanation offered, some people disagreed. Actor Jamie Foxx, for example, commented on Instagram, saying he believed the original statement was intentional.

The BBC later apologized for not editing the language out of the broadcast before it aired.

For a full breakdown of the BAFTAs incident and the BBC’s response, read a full breakdown here.

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2026-02-24 20:20