health
February 28, 2026
The Guide #232: From documentary shock to Bafta acclaim
In this week’s newsletter: After a controversial awards moment thrust the condition into the spotlight, we look at the new biopic of John Davidson and the decades of portrayals that led to it
TL;DR
- John Davidson's involuntary racial slur at the Baftas drew criticism and highlighted a misunderstanding of Tourette syndrome (TS), specifically coprolalia.
- Davidson was first brought to national attention in the 1989 BBC documentary "John’s Not Mad," which significantly raised public awareness of TS.
- The documentary "The Boy Can’t Help It" (2002) and "Tourette’s: I Swear I Can’t Help It" (2009) showed Davidson in a more hopeful light and further increased awareness.
- The reality show "Big Brother" in 2006, featuring contestant Pete Bennett with TS, was also a significant moment for raising the condition's profile.
- The recent biopic "I Swear," which earned accolades at the Baftas, is praised for its compassionate and accurate portrayal of Davidson, framing him with agency rather than just as a victim.
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