The Documentary Podcast Living with Tourette syndrome
Feb 28, 2026
Jermani D. Williams, a New York City elected official with Tourette's who speaks on race and policing. Jamie Grace, an Atlanta music producer with Tourette's who uses music to cope. They react to a high-profile BAFTA incident, explain involuntary tics and harm, debate responsibilities of event organisers and broadcasters, and discuss policing, suppression, music as relief, stigma and self-advocacy.
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When Involuntary Tics Collide With Public Platforms
- A public tic that used an offensive slur forced institutions into a complex debate about intent and harm.
- The BAFTA broadcast of John Davidson's tic sparked apologies and investigations while highlighting tensions between involuntary symptoms and public impact.
Black People With Tourette's React To The N‑Word Incident
- Jamie Grace and Jermani D. Williams describe being devastated as Black people hearing the N-word, then conflicted when they learned the speaker has Tourette's.
- Jermani recounts being called the N-word at a Tourette's teen event and wishes organisers had screened for risky vocal tics in advance.
Do Intake Screening For Tourette's Events
- Do proactive intake and risk‑assess participants when organising Tourette's events to reduce harm to others.
- Jamie suggested organisers ask if anyone's tics might be physically or verbally harmful so attendees can be informed and prepared.