In a recent interview on NewsNation, Chris Cuomo found himself in a rather unusual situation when he interviewed Baylen Dupree, a TikToker with Tourettes Syndrome. Throughout the interview, Dupree unleashed a series of involuntary profanities and even flipped off Cuomo. The NewsNation host struggled to maintain a straight face as he listened to Dupree describe her struggles with the neurological disorder.
Cuomo took to social media to address the media's coverage of the interview, accusing them of twisting the narrative and ridiculing him for laughing at Dupree's outbursts. He called out headlines from the Daily Mail and Mediaite, stating that they portrayed him as someone who was laughing at Dupree, when in reality, he was simply trying to understand and empathize with her condition. Cuomo expressed his frustration, stating that the media's focus on negativity and clickbait only perpetuates a culture of nastiness.
Despite the negative coverage, Cuomo received some support from users on social media. Many expressed sympathy for him, acknowledging the difficult position he was in during the interview. Some even commended him for shedding light on neurodiversity and raising awareness about Tourettes Syndrome.
During the interview, Dupree shared her personal experiences with receiving hateful comments and even threats due to her condition. She explained how her tics have caused her to face discrimination and judgment from others, including being kicked out of school for attention-seeking behavior. Dupree's story resonated with many viewers, and she has built a strong community on TikTok, with millions of followers.
Tourettes Syndrome affects approximately 1.4 million children and adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dupree was officially diagnosed with the disorder in 2018, although she had been exhibiting signs since childhood. She revealed that her condition worsened during the pandemic, which may explain the severity of her tics during the interview.
Despite the occasional laughter from Cuomo, Dupree remained focused on her message of raising awareness and fighting the stigma surrounding Tourettes Syndrome. She hoped to inspire others with the disorder to embrace their true selves and not feel ashamed or embarrassed by their uncontrollable tics.
Overall, while the interview may have generated some controversy and mixed reactions, it succeeded in shining a spotlight on Tourettes Syndrome and the challenges faced by those living with the condition. Both Cuomo and Dupree demonstrated bravery in opening up about their experiences, and their conversation has sparked important conversations about neurodiversity and the need for empathy and understanding.
