The fallout from John Davidson’s involuntary outburst at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) continues, sparking a crucial conversation about Tourette’s syndrome and the complexities of involuntary actions. During Sunday’s ceremony, Davidson, a disability activist, emitted a racial slur while presenting alongside Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, an incident that was mistakenly included in the BBC’s broadcast. Now, Baylen Dupree, star of the TLC reality show “Baylen Out Loud” and a vocal advocate for Tourette’s awareness, is offering a vital perspective on the neurological disorder and challenging assumptions about intent.
Dupree, who documents her life with Tourette’s syndrome for a large online audience – including 10.8 million followers on TikTok – released a statement Tuesday addressing the incident. Her aim, she explained, was to provide insight into the nature of tics and to counter the immediate rush to judgment that followed Davidson’s outburst. The incident has ignited debate, with some, including actor Jamie Foxx, suggesting the slur was intentional, a claim Dupree strongly disputes.
In her statement, Dupree emphasized that verbal tics are not expressions of hidden thoughts, opinions, or beliefs. Instead, they are involuntary impulses, akin to a hiccup or a sneeze. “These verbal tics are not thoughts, opinions or beliefs hidden deep beneath the surface—they are involuntary impulses—no different than a hiccup or a sneeze,” Dupree wrote. She explained that tics often stem from underlying anxiety or fear, resulting in a “misfire” in the brain, rather than from malice or prejudice. This distinction is critical, she argues, in understanding the experience of those living with Tourette’s.
Dupree acknowledges the weight and historical significance of the slur, stating that “history matters and words have meaning.” Although, she stresses the importance of recognizing the neurological reality of Tourette’s, where individuals often find themselves apologizing for expressions they do not consciously intend. She implores the public to remember that tics originate in the brain, not the heart, and are a result of neurological misfirings.
Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by sudden, involuntary movements and/or sounds called tics, as explained by the Tourette Association of America. These tics can range from simple motor movements like eye blinking and head jerking to more complex behaviors, such as repeating observed movements. Dupree’s platform, “Baylen Out Loud,” which premiered on TLC in January 2025 and is currently in its second season, offers a raw and unfiltered look at living with the condition, documenting the challenges and triumphs of managing her symptoms. According to a November 2025 interview with USA Today, Dupree felt compelled to share her story after being filmed having a tic in a store, wanting to control the narrative surrounding her condition.
Dupree’s advocacy comes at a time when awareness of Tourette’s syndrome is growing, but misconceptions persist. She has faced online harassment and accusations of faking her condition, highlighting the stigma that individuals with Tourette’s often encounter. Despite these challenges, Dupree continues to use her platform to educate and advocate, fostering a more understanding and compassionate environment. Fans have too expressed concern for Dupree, noting the intensity of her tics in recent videos, as reported by Parade.
Davidson himself issued a statement expressing regret over the incident, and the BBC has apologized for failing to remove the offensive language from the broadcast. The incident has prompted a wider discussion about the representation of disability and the importance of understanding neurological conditions. Dupree’s voice adds a crucial layer to this conversation, reminding us that involuntary actions do not necessarily reflect underlying beliefs.
As the conversation surrounding Davidson’s outburst continues, Dupree’s message serves as a powerful reminder of the need for empathy and understanding when confronting neurological differences. The incident underscores the importance of educating the public about Tourette’s syndrome and challenging the harmful stereotypes that often surround it. It remains to be seen how this event will shape future discussions about disability representation and inclusivity in the media.
What are your thoughts on the importance of understanding neurological conditions like Tourette’s syndrome? Share your perspective in the comments below.
