Cambridge Inclusivity Training Criticised Over Tourette’s Apology Example

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 11, 2026

John Davidson, a Tourette’s sufferer who involuntarily shouted a racial slur during the 2023 Baftas, had his apology cited in a University of Cambridge inclusivity training as an example of a microaggression, sparking backlash from disability charities and students. Critics argue that using his apology in this way risks misunderstanding the involuntary nature of Tourette’s tics and unfairly blames him for harm beyond his control.

A Tourette’s sufferer who involuntarily shouted a racial slur during the 2023 Baftas ceremony in London has been the subject of criticism after his apology was cited in a University of Cambridge inclusivity training session as an example of a microaggression.

John Davidson, who has Tourette syndrome and whose experience inspired the Bafta-winning film "I Swear," uttered the N-word involuntarily while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award in February. Following the incident, Davidson expressed that he was “deeply mortified” by any interpretation that his outburst was intentional or carried any meaning.

This apology was used during a mandatory inclusivity training course for undergraduates at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, held on April 15. The course leader characterized Davidson’s statement as failing to consider how those affected by the comment might have felt, urging students to “take ownership of the things we say” instead of offering explanations that could minimize harm. Microaggressions, the term employed during the session, refer to subtle or unconscious actions or comments perceived as prejudiced against members of marginalized groups. The concept has gained prominence in recent years, particularly following the Black Lives Matter movement.

The use of Davidson’s apology as a case study sparked condemnation from charities and students alike. Tourettes Action, the UK’s leading support and research organization for individuals with Tourette syndrome, issued a statement expressing disappointment at the example being used in this context. Emma McNally, the charity’s chief executive, warned that employing Davidson’s case risked perpetuating misunderstandings about involuntary tics associated with Tourette syndrome.

Ava Foyle, a second-year undergraduate at Gonville and Caius who attended the training, described the example as “appalling.” Foyle said that despite the presentation of Davidson’s public apology acknowledging the involuntary nature of his words, the session deemed this response insufficient in terms of recognizing the harm caused.

The master of Gonville and Caius College, Professor Richard Gilbertson, responded to the criticism by emphasizing that the inclusivity sessions were designed to encourage open engagement, discussion, and debate among students. An internal email viewed by reporters indicated that attendance at one of two 90-minute sessions held on Monday was “mandatory” for undergraduates, though the college later clarified that this label was inaccurately applied.

Davidson’s representatives and Stop Hate UK were contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.

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