John Davidson, the inspiration for the film I Swear, let out involuntary shouts during the BAFTAs on Sunday night. Outbursts from the 54-year-old campaigner, who has Tourette's Syndrome, were heard during the ceremony that was televised on BBC One and hosted by Alan Cumming.
The shouts were particularly audible for those in the room at London's Royal Festival Hall, which included the likes of BAFTA President Prince William and his wife Kate, but they were also heard by those watching at home.
A source told HELLO!: "The auditorium fell completely silent during the speeches, making the sudden outbursts clearly audible. The reaction in the room was one of visible shock, yet no one openly responded."
WATCH: BAFTA disrupted by shouts (bleeped out):
John was diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome when he was 25. His symptoms, which first began when he was just 12 years old, include tics and uncontrollable outbursts.
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Host Alan thanked the audience for their understanding after some strong language was heard from John.
"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," said Alan. "Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone." He added: "We apologise if you are offended."
"Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone," Alan Cumming said
The outbursts were not heard during the second half of the ceremony.
I Swear, which was directed, written, and produced by Kirk Jones, was nominated for five BAFTAs, including best leading actor for Robert Aramayo, who plays John in the film, best supporting actor for his co-star Peter Mullan, best original screenplay, casting and outstanding British film.
Robert scooped Best Actor and appeared visibly shocked as his name was announced, saying: "I can't believe I've won." The 33-year-old beat fellow nominees and Hollywood heavyweights including Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothee Chalamet.
BAFTA winner Robert Aramayo, right, plays John Davidson in film I Swear
Tourette Syndrome
According to the NHS, Tourette syndrome is "a condition that causes you to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements (tics). There is no cure, but treatment can help manage the tics". Tics involving sounds may include whistling, sniffing or clearing your throat a lot, making animal sounds, repeating a sound, word or phrase, or swearing though this is rare.
The NHS continued to note that tics can be triggered by different things including stress, excitement, or tiredness.
Affecting around 1 in every 100 children, it is estimated that over 300,000 people in the UK have Tourette syndrome.
A raw and resonant portrayal of his journey, the motion picture sheds light on the stigma surrounding Tourette's during John's adolescence – and how he found strength through struggle.
The film explores how John was diagnosed as a teenager after years of confusion and mental turmoil. By that point, Tourette's had alienated him from his peers and the world around him. He was branded a naughty child at school and mocked by his classmates, whilst his parents struggled to understand exactly what was happening.
After leaving school at age 16 without qualifications, John began working as a caretaker at Langlee Community Centre in Galashiels, Scotland. It was an extraordinary and transformative friendship, alongside John's dogged optimism, during these years that turned his life around.
However, despite finding a close knit circle of trusted people who saw beyond his condition, erroneous assumptions around Tourette's resulted in him being attacked by strangers, cautioned by police and even arrested.
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Marty Supreme – Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie
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The TV BAFTAs have released their nominations for May's ceremony, which will be presented by Greg Davies. See the full list, including Adolescence, Celebrity Traitors and The Assembly here
Campaigner John Davidson, who has Tourette's syndrome, had shouted a racial slur while Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan were presenting at the BAFTAs
© Getty Images for BAFTA
© Graeme Hunter Pictures
© Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Im
