Travellers in the southwest Mexico state of Jalisco have been warned to stay indoors as violence erupted following the killing of a drug cartel kingpin. Footage on social media shows airline passengers seeking cover as Guadalajara airport comes under attack.

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the formidable leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed during a Mexican military operation with US assistance in the town of Tapalpa.

In the wake of the killing of the man widely known as “El Mencho”, violence has erupted in revenge across the state.

The Foreign Office is warning: “Serious security incidents have been reported on 22 February across the state of Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, following a federal law-enforcement operation against organised crime in the municipality of Tapalpa.

“Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to stay indoors. Routes to airports may be blocked. Incidents are also being reported in other parts of the country. You should exercise extreme caution, follow local authorities’ advice, including orders to stay indoors and avoid non‑essential travel in affected areas.”

The US Embassy in Mexico City urged American citizens throughout the state of Jalisco as well as some other parts of the country to “shelter in place until further notice”. The security alert warned of “ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity”.

Many flights to the airports in the popular Pacific resort of Puerto Vallarta and the World Cup 2026 host city of Guadalajara diverted and cancelled.

At least 30 flights departing from US, Mexican and Canadian airports for Puerto Vallarta have either returned to their starting points or diverted to other airports. Dozens more have been cancelled. As a result, many thousands of tourists in the Pacific resort who were expecting to leave on Sunday are stranded.

Puerto Vallarta airport posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter) saying: “By decision of the airlines, today, Sunday, February 22, 2026, all international operations and most of the domestic flights have been canceled.

“We urge passengers and users to remain calm and follow all instructions provided by airport personnel at all times.”

The statement added: “The situations reported in various parts of the state did not impact the airport’s internal operations or the safety within its facilities.

“The airport is under the protection of personnel from the National Guard (GN) and the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena), as part of ongoing coordination efforts with federal authorities.”

Air Canada posted a message to passengers on X, saying: “Due to an ongoing security situation in Puerto Vallarta impacting the airport, Air Canada has temporarily suspended operations there today. We are monitoring the situation and in contact with local authorities who are working to resolve the issue.

“Customers are advised not to attempt to go to the airport unless their flight is shown as operating on aircanada.com, and will be directly notified of changes to their itineraries. We will share more information as soon as it becomes available.”

An expert on Latin America at the conflict monitoring group Acled warned of further instability.

Sandra Pellegrini said: “The killing of CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes marks a significant operational development for Mexican forces, but the reported immediate highway blockades and arson attacks show how quickly cartels can mobilise retaliation to demonstrate continued control.

“Past cases suggest leadership removals rarely reduce violence long term, and instead often trigger instability as factions compete for power.”

The latest warning does not affect the main resorts for British holidaymakers on the Caribbean coast, notably Cancun. The upsurge in violence is taking place 1,000 miles away.

The only cancellations at Cancun airport are to and from Guadalajara because of the security situation – and also some flights serving the New York area due to extreme winter weather in the northeast US. Sunday flights on Tui from Manchester and Birmingham, British Airways from Gatwick and Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow are all operating normally.

But the Foreign Office updated its advice late on Sunday to warn: “Security incidents have also been reported in other parts of Mexico. As the situation develops, wherever you are in Mexico, you should stay alert and follow local security advice.”

The FCDO already warns against travel to many parts of Mexico because of drug-related violence. The official advice says: “Drug-related violence in Mexico has increased over recent years. Do not become involved with drugs of any kind.

“Some areas of Mexico have a high crime rate due to fighting between rival organised crime gangs. In these areas, there is a risk of being caught in the crossfire or of being mistaken for a gang member.”

Read more: The countries on the Foreign Office “do not travel” list

On Saturday, Frenchman Fofana wrote: “2026, it’s still the same thing, nothing changes. These people are never punished.

“You create big campaigns against racism, but nobody actually does anything.”

Tunisia international Mejbri, 23, called on people to “educate yourself and your kids”.

These latest incidences of racist abuse towards players follow the alleged racial abuse of Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr during last week’s Champions League knockout round play-off tie at Benfica, which Uefa is investigating.

In a statement earlier on Sunday, anti-discrimination group Kick It Out said: “Players are standing up to discrimination, and we’ve had record reports to Kick It Out from across football this season, but we recognise the frustration in how it continues to fester online.

“Words matter, but actions are more important. Football is working together to tackle this issue alongside the UK Football Policing Unit and Ofcom, but social media companies must do more to offer protections to players and help improve accountability when incidents occur.

“Those who face this disgusting abuse must always be the priority.”

Responding to the Fofana and Mejbri abuse, a spokesperson for Meta told BBC Sport: “No-one should be subjected to racist abuse, and we remove this content when we find it.

“No one thing will stop racist behaviour overnight, but we’ll continue working to protect our community from abuse and co-operate with police investigations.”

Last November, a BBC investigation found more than 2,000 extremely abusive social media posts – including death and rape threats – were sent about managers and players in the Premier League and Women’s Super League in a single weekend.

The season-opening Premier League game between Liverpool and Bournemouth last August was stopped in the first half after then-Cherries forward Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused by someone in the Anfield crowd.

A Liverpool man has denied the abuse and his trial is scheduled to take place in April.

In January, Newcastle United said they had contacted the police after midfielder Joe Willock was the subject of “disgusting” racial abuse and “deeply disturbing threats” on social media.

Tottenham forward Mathys Tel was also the subject of racist abuse on social media after being one of two Spurs players to miss in their Super Cup penalty shootout defeat by Paris St-Germain in August.

England defender Jess Carter was another target of racist abuse during Euro 2025 in July.

And England internationals Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all subjected to racism in the aftermath of the Euro 2020 final, which the Three Lions lost to Italy in a penalty shootout.

The Auckland Project has received the go-ahead from the council for three self-contained short-term holiday flats at Roper House, Market Place.

Plans include minor changes to the building’s interior and exterior, which is listed as Grade II.

It also includes small changes to the car park and the installation of new entrance gates.

Currently vacant, the 342-square-metre site will not increase in size, with the three proposed flats utilising the existing floorspace.

Provision for three existing car spaces will be retained, with proposals for three additional bike spaces.

Durham County Council gave the green light for the development on February 19.

It must only be used for commercial holiday purposes only and no single let can exceed 31 days.

Holiday lets will also have to maintain an occupancy record for Local Planning Authority inspections.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — The Mexican army killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho, ” on Sunday, decapitating what had become Mexico’s most powerful cartel and giving the government its biggest prize yet to show the Trump administration its efforts.

Oseguera Cervantes was wounded in an operation to capture him Sunday in Tapalpa, Jalisco about a two-hour drive southwest of Guadalajara and he died while being flown to Mexico City, the Defense Department said in a statement. The state is the base of the cartel known for trafficking huge quantities of fentanyl and other drugs to the United States.

During the operation, troops came under fire and killed four people at the location. Three more people, including Oseguera Cervantes, were wounded and later died, the statement said. Two others were arrested and armored vehicles, rocket launchers and other arms were seized. Three members of the armed forces were wounded and receiving medical treatment.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico said on X that the operation was carried out by Mexican special forces “within the framework of bilateral cooperation, with U.S. authorities providing complementary intelligence.”

Roadblocks and burning vehicles

The killing of the powerful drug lord set off several hours of roadblocks with burning vehicles in Jalisco and other states. Such tactics are commonly used by the cartels to block military operations. Jalisco canceled school in the state for Monday.

Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke billowing over the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, and people sprinting through the airport of the state’s capital in panic. On Sunday afternoon, Air Canada announced it was suspending flights to Puerto Vallarta “due to an ongoing security situation” and advised customers not to go to their airport.

In Guadalajara, the state capital, burning vehicles blocked roads. Mexico’s second-largest city is scheduled to host matches during this summer’s soccer World Cup.

The U.S. State Department warned U.S. citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon states to remain in safe places due to the ongoing security operations. Canada’s embassy in Mexico warned its citizens in Puerto Vallarta to shelter in place and generally to keep a low profile in Jalisco.

Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus told residents to stay at home and suspended public transportation.

US had offered up to $15 million for his capture

The U.S. State Department had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest of El Mencho. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, known as CJNG, is one of the most powerful and fastest growing criminal organizations in Mexico and was born in 2009.

In February, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, like her predecessor, has criticized the “kingpin” strategy of previous administrations that took out cartel leaders only to trigger explosions of violence as cartels fractured. While she has remained popular in Mexico, security is a persistent concern and since U.S. President Donald Trump took office a year ago, she has been under tremendous pressure to show results against drug trafficking.

On Sunday, Sheinbaum applauded Mexican security forces and called for calm in a post on X.

A Jalisco state official who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly said that a member of the National Guard died in Tapalpa during the operation, a jail guard was killed at a lockup in Puerto Vallarta when prisoners rioted, and an agent from the Jalisco state prosecutor’s office was killed in Guadalajara. Details were not immediately available.

Known as an aggressive cartel

The Jalisco cartel has been one of the most aggressive cartels in its attacks on the military — including on helicopters — and is a pioneer in launching explosives from drones and installing mines. In 2020, it carried out a spectacular assassination attempt with grenades and high-powered rifles in the heart of Mexico City against the then head of the capital’s police force and now federal security secretary.

The DEA considers the cartel to be as powerful as the Sinaloa cartel, one of Mexico’s most infamous criminal groups, with a presence in all 50 U.S. states. It is one of the main suppliers of cocaine to the U.S. market and, like the Sinaloa cartel, earns billions from the production of fentanyl and methamphetamines. Sinaloa, however, has been weakened by infighting after the loss of its leaders Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, both in U.S. custody.

Oseguera Cervantes, 59, was originally from Aguililla in the neighboring state of Michoacan. He had been significantly involved in drug trafficking activities since the 1990s. When he was younger, he migrated to the U.S. where he was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in 1994 and served nearly three years in prison.

Following his release from custody, Oseguera Cervantes returned to Mexico and reengaged in drug trafficking activity with drug lord Ignacio Coronel Villarreal, alias “Nacho Coronel.” After Villarreal’s death, Oseguera Cervantes and Erik Valencia Salazar, alias “El 85,” created the Jalisco New Generation Cartel around 2007.

Initially, they worked for the Sinaloa Cartel, but eventually split and for years the two cartels have battled for territory across Mexico.

Indicted several times in the United States

Since 2017, Oseguera Cervantes has been indicted several times in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

The most recent superseding indictment, filed on April 5, 2022, charges Oseguera Cervantes with conspiracy and distribution of controlled substances (methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl) for the purpose of illegal importation into the United States and use of firearms during and in connection with drug trafficking offenses. Oseguera Cervantes is also charged under the Drug Kingpin Enforcement Act for directing a continuing criminal enterprise.

Last year, people searching for missing relatives founds piles of shoes and other clothing, as well as bone fragments at what authorities later said was a Jalisco cartel recruitment and training site.

___

Associated Press writer María Verza contributed to this report.

Our thoughts are with those who have lost a loved one

Announcing the passing of a loved one in local news media is a long standing tradition and we are proud of the trust placed in us to make these important announcements. Every notice published to our newspaper and news site also appears on funeral-notices.co.uk – the UK’s number one site for death notices and memoriams. Every notice remains online forever providing friends and families with a lifelong tribute to their loved one, a safe place online to share memories, add tributes, photographs and make donations in memory.

Each week we pay tribute to the loved ones remembered in our area with a funeral notice and online tribute page. To read the latest announcements and add tributes to those from our area who have passed away, or to create a funeral notice yourself, click here . Alternatively, you can create a notice by calling the helpful team on 01482 908084.

Here are a selection of notices published earlier this week.

Death Notices

David Robert (Bob) GRADON

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of ‘Bob’ Gradon, who was called home to Christ on 14th February 2026. Treasured husband to Joy. Devoted and dearly loved father to Tim and Katy. A much loved brother to Mike Beloved son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle and cousin. He will be sorely missed by all our friends and family. A Thanksgiving Service is to take place at Emmanuel Church, Loughborough, on Saturday 7 March 2026 at 11:30am. Everyone most welcome.

Justin Sheridan HAWKES

Of Cambridge. Passed away on Tuesday 3rd February 2026 at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, aged 70 years. Dearly loved Father to Olivia & Amelia, and partner to Bronwyn Hipkin. Justin was an artist and a conservator who dedicated his life to his craft. He shall be deeply missed by all. Funeral service to be held on Thursday 5th March 2026 at 11am, St Peter & St Paul’s Church, Dry Drayton, followed by the committal at Cambridge Crematorium, West Chapel. All enquiries to Peasgood & Skeates 164 Histon Road Cambridge CB4 3JP 01223 791060

Graham LAWRENCE

Graham of Fowlmere, peacefully passed away on Saturday 31st January 2026, aged 83 years. Much loved Husband of Christine, Dad of Mandy, Teresa & Daniel and Grandad of Lily, Charlie & Holly, who will be sadly missed by all. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 25th February 2026 at Cam Valley Crematorium at 12:00noon. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory can be made via his In Memory Page at www.peasgoodandskeates.co.uk or payable to Parkinsons UK or The Sick Childrens Trust and can be sent c/o Peasgood & Skeates, 45 Moorfield Road, Duxford, Cambridge. CB22 4PP. Tel: 01223 833463

Heather Mae MOTHERSOLE (Cross)

Much loved daughter of Fred & Jessie Cross, passed away peacefully in hospital 17 December 2025. Beloved mother of Martin (dec.), & Jane, mother-in-law of John, Grandma & Great-Grandmother. Much loved sister of Vivienne (dec.), Estelle, Beryl, and Angela, sister-in-law to Jim, and dear Aunt to their families. The cremation took place in Cambridge, followed by the ashes scattering of both Heather & Martin on the 05 February 2026.

John, Robert (Known As Robert) SPELLER

Robert Speller passed away peacefully at The Cambridgeshire Care Home on 12th February, aged 91. A much‑loved husband of Jane, a caring father to Nicholas, Simon and Matthew, and a proud grandfather and great‑grandfather. The funeral service will be held at the Cam Valley Crematorium on Friday 13th March at 2pm. To celebrate Robert’s life, traditional dark funeral attire is not required. Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, may be made to the RNLI.

Jenni TUCKER

Of Cambridge, Cornwall and the world, passed away on Thursday 15th January 2026, 74 years young. Jenni will be sadly missed by her many friends. Funeral Service at Cambridge City Crematorium, East Chapel on Thursday 26th February at 12.30 pm. All welcome. At Jenni’s request no flowers, but if desired, donations, made payable to the NSPCC may be left at the service or sent c/o R. J. Pepper & Son Family Funeral Directors, 1, Telegraph Street, Cottenham, Cambridge, CB24 8QU Telephone 01954 251919.

In Memoriams

Richard HANKS

In loving memory of my lovely husband, who I sadly lost twelve years ago. 18th February 2014. It’s been twelve long years, you’ve been away. I still miss you more than words can say. I know how hard you tried to stay. God sent you down, from Heaven above. He picked you out, for me to love. He picked you out, from all the rest. Because he knew, I’d love you best. I loved you then, I love you still, I always have, and I always will. So missed, your loving Wife Paula xxx Also remembering with love, Greta, who died February 27th 1990.

Linda Anne TARRANT

Taken suddenly, Feb 19th 1982, aged 8 Its been 44 years You’re an Angel in Heaven Loved and remembered every day Good night and God bless Lots of Love from Mammy, brother Tony and sister Kelly xxx

Acknowledgements

Barry PILSWORTH

Wendy and the family of the late Barry wish to express their most sincere thanks to all relatives, friends and neighbours for their kindness, messages and expressions of sympathy, also the donations received during their recent very sad loss. A special thanks to those friends for the great comfort and support given by their presence during the service. Please accept this as the only acknowledgement.

To add your own tributes to the loved ones from our area, or to publish a notice for your loved one, visit funeral-notices.co.uk

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those we have lost.

The stand-up comedian regularly performed at Liverpool’s Hot Water Comedy Club and was remembered as a ‘naturally affable Scouse storyteller’

A much-loved comedian who was a regular fixture at Liverpool’s celebrated Hot Water Comedy Club has passed away. Davey Ash has been fondly remembered as “a proper comic” who “always brought the room with him”.

The “naturally affable Scouse storyteller” earned acclaim for weaving eccentric and amusing anecdotes into his stand-up routines across a career that stretched over a decade, reports the Mirror.

The Hot Water Comedy Club confirmed his death via their Facebook and Instagram pages today. In their tribute, a spokesperson stated: “RIP Davey Ash. One of the real ones. A proper comic, a heart of gold, and someone we were lucky to call a mate. He always brought the room with him!”.

Family members, friends and fans have been posting their memories of the “Scouse storyteller”, who secured the title of Liverpool’s best new comedian of the year in 2012.

His daughter Olivia Ashworth shared a heartfelt message, writing: “Oh my beautiful dad you are at rest now, I hate that them words have to be said. I really looked forward to what came in the future.

“Even though I’m filled with memories of a life time, I still had a lifetime or more memories waiting to be made. You always told me one day I’ll look back on our day outs and times together and appreciate them and say ‘I have a boss dad’ so thank you for dragging me out of my pit on a Sunday to have our dad daughter time.

“I am so thankful for you dad. Even though I can’t accept what’s true I can still accept I had the best dad in the whole world.

“If it weren’t for you I wouldn’t be where I am now. You were such a strong minded, funny man. One thing apart from his family he loved his comedy.

“Hot Water Comedy Club will forever be a important part in his life. I can happily say I got to see my dad doing what he does best and I’m proud of him always and forever. I could say a lot more about the man who made me who I am today but for now goodnight god bless dad till we meet again.”

Heartfelt messages flooded in from those whose lives Davey had enriched. Dionne Mcshane wrote: “I’ll forever remember him when I have brown sauce on my brekkie. In the words of Davey “what flavour is brown sauce though”. An absolute legend of a man and those who knew him were privileged. Gbnf Davey.”

Gareth Wolstenhulme shared: “Had the pleasure of meeting him a few years back, he absolutely smashed a gig I did, a genuinely lovely fella I was lucky enough to meet, so so sad.”

Roz Wicking expressed: “Sending all my love to your family and loved ones beaut. You are one in a million Davey and it is a true pleasure to have known you. Gone far too soon, rest in peace.”

Following the news of his demise, the Hot Water Comedy Club declared they will host a special comedy night in his memory on Thursday, March 26, with all ticket sales being donated directly to Davey’s family.

The innovative technology is being installed in 150 stores by April, following successful trials showing shorter queues and smoother transactions. Whether you prefer a friendly cashier or want a quick self-service checkout, Co-op is aiming to give you both options instantly.

The digital screens also highlight member deals, promotions, and savings, making it easier than ever to see discounts as you shop. In future they will also offer parcel collection and other features.

What are Co-op’s new flexi checkouts?

During quieter periods, staff can operate the tills as normal. But at peak times, the same checkout can quickly transition into self-service mode – helping to speed up transactions and cut waiting times.

The retailer says the rollout will reach 150 stores by April, following successful trials.

The dual digital screens:

• Display live price savings, deals and promotions
• Highlight membership benefits and offers
• Allow traditional cashier service for kiosk-only purchases
• Retain face-to-face service for shoppers who prefer assisted checkout

The technology also includes future capabilities, such as supporting parcel collection services.

The checkouts are supplied by Diebold Nixdorf, with bespoke software developed in-house by Co-op’s technology team.

Recommended reading:

Why Co-op is changing its tills

David Tyas, Co-op’s Head of Operations Support Centre and Innovation, said the move supports the retailer’s continued investment in high streets and local communities.

He explained that while many customers value interaction with store colleagues, others prioritise speed and convenience — particularly in smaller convenience locations.

The new hybrid model aims to balance both preferences without removing staffed checkout options.

18 new stores confirmed for 2026

The announcement comes shortly after Co-op confirmed 18 stores will open in the first quarter of 2026, including brand-new locations and stores reopening after significant refurbishment.

The retailer, which has operated for more than 180 years, says it remains committed to investing in its physical store estate across UK high streets.

A number of electronic devices have been sent away for forensic analysis after the man was arrested.

A man allegedly raped his daughters in front of his 10-year-old son. The 46-year-old male was arrested on Friday in Cascavel, in Paraná, southern Brazil. Civil Police of Paraná (PCPR) have accused him of repeatedly raping the two young girls, aged seven and eight, while they stayed with him at his home between January 2025 and January 2026.

Cops said some of these alleged rapes were witness by the girls’ older brother. Authorities citing evidence gathered before the trial phase led to the dad being placed in court-ordered pretrial detention, reports the Mirror.

Local media reported, during the alleged abuser’s arrest, a search and seizure warrant was executed at his home to recover electronic devices. These items will be submitted for forensic analysis, with the man sent to prison, where he remains “at the disposal of the Justice system”.

Reports added the official police probe has been concluded, and the results will be sent onwards to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The allegations against the man come just days after another 41-year-old was imprisoned for 29 years after being found guilty of raping his own daughter.

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He was arrested by civil police in rural Guaraqueçaba, also in Paraná, on January 14 during an operation carried out in public. Bruno Silva Rocha, the local chief of police, said the beast was sentenced to 29 years and two months behind bars for abusing the girl, whose details have not been disclosed.

He added cops executed an arrest warrant in the town of Potinga, where the man is believed to have lived, and taken onwards to the Antonina Civil Police Station. The predator was transferred to the Paranaguá Public Jail immediately following his arrest, and he remains there following his conviction earlier this month.

Also on the 14th, another man, aged 23, was arrested on charges of rape of a vulnerable person and dissemination of child abuse imagery. Officers arrested the man and reportedly solved the case “in less than 24 hours after the facts came to light”, local media reported, after the victim’s mum filed a police report.

She reportedly went to a police station to complain intimate videos of her daughter, aged 13, were circulating on social media. Police reportedly conducted swift investigations and later identified the teen’s ex-boyfriend as a suspect, with the department alleging he released photos and videos of his young victim as a form of revenge.

Cops went on to allege the 23-year-old had confessed, and his mobile phone was seized ahead of being passed along to forensics teams for analysis.

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Expletives were heard during the ceremony, including when Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award.

Alan Cumming explained the reason behind the shouting heard during the 79th British Academy Film Awards, clarifying a moment of confusion for both the live audience and viewers at home. The host addressed attendees, asking for understanding after audience member John Davidson experienced tics during the ceremony.

Davidson, the inspiration behind the Bafta-nominated film I Swear, was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at 25 but first noticed symptoms at 12, which include involuntary outbursts, tics and swearing. During the event, expletives such as “shut the f**k up” and “f**k you” were audible, including during BAFTA chair Sara Putt’s speech and when the directors of Arco accepted the award for Best Children’s and Family Film, Mirror reports.

Presenter Michael B Jordan appeared briefly taken aback when an involuntary slur occurred while he was on stage with Sinners co-star Delroy Lindo. Jordan began, “Good evening. Delroy and I are delighted to be presenting the first BAFTA of the night for a vital part of movie making,” before pausing to compose himself.

Lindo then continued, “We’re here to celebrate the artists who expand what’s possible on screen.” Later, Cumming addressed the situation directly, telling 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 no longer heard after Davidson appeared to leave the room. A source previously confirmed to Variety he was an invited guest and would not be required to leave the ceremony.

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Viewers at home also heard the outbursts during the BBC One and BBC iPlayer broadcast. One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, said, “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.”

Another added: “Shows how live events can include unexpected moments, but also opportunities for understanding and education.” Others expressed initial confusion, asking, “Who keeps shouting in the audience at the #Baftas?” and “Is someone that keeps shouting out? #BAFTAs.”

Before the ceremony, the floor manager introduced Davidson, explaining: “I’d like to welcome John Davidson MBE from one of our nominated films I Swear. John has Tourette Syndrome so please be aware you might hear some involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony.”

I Swear follows Robert Aramayo portraying Davidson from age 25, after his appearance in the BBC documentary John’s Not Mad, which introduced Tourette’s to a wider audience.

The film is up for five Bafta awards, including Best Leading Actor, Best Supporting Actor for Peter Mullan, Best Original Screenplay, Best Casting, and Outstanding British Film.

Since sharing his diagnosis over 40 years ago, Davidson has helped raise awareness of Tourette’s, with public figures including singers Lewis Capaldi and Billie Eilish speaking openly about the condition.

Emma McNally, CEO of the support and research charity Tourettes Action, 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.”

The actor beat the likes of Leonardo Di Caprio, Timothee Chalamet, Ethan Hawke and Michael B Jordan

I Swear star Robert Aramayo broke down in tears after pulling off the ‘biggest upset ever’ at the Bafta Film Awards.

Prior to appearing in the 2025 indie film, Aramayo was best known for his work as young Eddard Stark in the sixth and seventh season Game of Thrones, as well as appearing in the Netflix psychological thriller miniseries Behind Her Eyes, and playing Elrond in the Amazon series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

I Swear sees Armayo playing John Davidson, a man with Tourette’s syndrome, who didn’t receive his diagnosis until he was 25, despite noticing symptoms when he was 12.

The plot synopsis for I Swear reads: “John Davidson grows up with Tourette syndrome in 1980s Scotland. He faces a society that does not understand his condition. He eventually becomes a campaigner to increase public awareness.”

With Shameless’ Maxine Peake, Trainspotting’s Shirley Henderson and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’s Peter Mullan, the film has a rare score of 100% on the reviews website Rotten Tomatoes.

Armayo had a night to remember on Sunday evening (February 22) as he attended the 2026 Baftas at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London. In his first of two wins, he took home the EE Rising Star award.

Voted for by members of the public, Armayo beat Sinners’ Miles Caton, One Battle After Another’s Chase Infiniti, Lurker’s Archie Madekwe and Lollipop’s Posy Sterling.

However, towards the end of the ceremony, Armayo took home the Best Actor Award in a win few saw coming. One Battle After Another’s Leonardo Di Caprio, Marty Supreme’s Timothee Chalamet, Blue Moon’s Ethan Hawke, Sinners’ Michael B Jordan and Bugonia’s Jesse Plemons were also up for the award.

Upon hearing his name read out, Armayo immediately burst into tears as he struggled to compose himself. The tears kept coming once he made it to the stage.

“I absolutely can’t believe it, I can’t believe that I’m looking at people like you, in the same category as you, never mind that I’m stood here.

“I honestly cannot believe that I have won this award. I really, really cannot. Everyone in this category blows me away,” he said.

Aramaya continued: “When I was in school, Ethan Hawke came in to speak to us at Juilliard and he gave an amazing talk on longevity as an actor, about protecting your instrument and avoiding self destructive behaviors.

“And it had a really great impact on everyone in that room. So to be in this category with you tonight is incredible. Thank you Ethan.”

Those watching the Baftas at home rushed to X, previously known as Twitter, to have their say on the awards that threw everyone’s Oscar predictions up in the air.

@DonaldClarke63 said: “Robert Aramayo’s win was just delightful. I suspect Chalamet and DiCaprio won’t mind *that* much as it has no effect whatsoever on their Oscar chances. #eebaftas.” @vlbemma added: “So lovely when Ethan Hawke mouthed ‘that’s better than winning’ after Robert Aramayo’s speech #baftas.”

@JackRaff wrote: “There’s been some great picks tonight, but Robert Aramayo winning Leading Actor for I Swear is one of the best choices ever. And his Dad’s reaction was just a beautiful moment of telly!”

@karl_delo commented: “Robert Aramayo performance in I SWEAR is the best lead actor performance I saw last year. Not only is he completely convincing as a man with Tourette’s syndrome but able to make you feel his pain and joy through the screen. Can’t wait to see what he does next.” @Baddiel stated: “Robert Aramayo is undeniably brilliant in I Swear. Good choice #BAFTA.”