health
February 23, 2026
What is Tourette syndrome, what are tics and what happened at the Baftas?
A racial slur shouted during the awards show has raised questions about how Tourette’s outbursts should be understood
TL;DR
- A racial slur was shouted by an attendee with Tourette syndrome (TS) at the Baftas, causing controversy.
- The BBC's initial failure to edit out the slur from the delayed broadcast led to criticism and the show's removal from iPlayer.
- Vocal tics, like the one heard at the Baftas, are involuntary sounds or movements characteristic of TS.
- Coprolalia, the tic of swearing, is rare; most vocal tics involve non-offensive sounds or words.
- The exact cause of coprolalia is unclear, but it may be linked to an awareness of taboo words and difficulty suppressing verbal output.
- While psychological therapies and medications can help manage tics, their effectiveness varies, and access to specialized healthcare is limited.
- Public stigma is a major challenge for individuals with TS, with many preferring acceptance over treatment that doesn't suit them.
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