BAFTAs shouting explained as Alan Cumming issues off-camera message to audience

Alan Cumming has shared the reason people heard “shouting” at the BAFTAs as fans shared their confusion on social media as they followed along on the BBC. The host asked those in attendance to be “understanding” as audience-member John Davidson experienced tics during the ceremony.

Campaigner John, who is the inspiration behind the nominated movie, I Swear, was diagnosed with the condition at the age of 25, but first started noticing symptoms aged 12. These include outbursts, tics and swearing.

Throughout the ceremony, terms such as “shut the f**k up,” could be heard during a speech by BAFTA chair Sara Putt, as well as “f**k you,” when the directors of Arco won the Best Children’s and Family film.

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Host Alan told the audience: “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience. Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”

The comments were not heard in the second half of the ceremony, after John appeared to have left the room. A source had previously confirmed that he was an “invited guest” and would not be required to leave the ceremony, according to Variety.

As the ceremony aired across BBC One and BBC iPlayer, the shouts could be heard by the audience who were watching at home. One said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Credit to Alan Cumming for addressing it calmly and reminding the audience of the reality behind the condition. A difficult moment, but important context, Tourette’s can include involuntary vocal tics that are completely out of a person’s control.”

A second penned: “Shows how live events can include unexpected moments, but also opportunities for understanding and education.” Another went on to warn: “For the people getting annoyed at the guy shouting in the background he’s got Tourette’s.”

However, before it was brought to attention why there was shouting, people had been sharing on X, asking why there was shouting. “Who keeps shouting in the audience at the #Baftas?” said one. A second penned: “Is there someone that keeps shouting out? #BAFTAs.”

Before the ceremony, which is broadcast with a two-hour delay, the floor manager at the venue introduced John to the audience, saying: “I’d like to welcome John Davidson MBE from one of our nominated film I Swear. John has Tourettes Syndrome so please be aware you might hear some involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony.”

I Swear follows Robert Aramayo as Davidson, from the age of 25, after he appeared in the BBC documentary, John’s Not Mad, which highlighted Tourette’s to a wider audience. The movie is up for five gongs this year, including Best Leading Actor, Best Supporting Actor (Peter Mullan), Best Original Screenplay and Casting. It’s also up for Outstanding British Film.

Since John shared his diagnosis over four decades ago, dozens of famous faces have spoken openly about their experience with the condition, including singers Lewis Capaldi and Billie Eilish. CEO of support and research charity, Tourettes Action, Emma McNally, told Variety: “We’ve had a huge amount of people reach out to us about I Swear, both individuals living with Tourette’s syndrome and those with no previous connection to the condition. All have been deeply affected by the film. It’s clearly created a huge public reaction.

“Viewers have told us that seeing John’s real story portrayed with such depth and honesty has given them a far more accurate understanding of what Tourette’s can look like and how it affects the individual – this is something they had given little thought to previously. We’re hopeful that as more people talk openly and more accurate on‑screen representations appear, we’ll continue moving toward a more inclusive and understanding society for everyone living with Tourette’s.”

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