Baylen Dupree Supports John Davidson Following BAFTA Incident: Understanding the Pain of Miscommunication
Baylen Dupree Advocates for Understanding Tourette Syndrome Following Controversial BAFTA Incident
Baylen Dupree, the star of TLC’s hit series Baylen Out Loud, is using her platform to speak out about Tourette syndrome after a recent incident at the BAFTA Film Awards. The 22-year-old, who has gained significant attention for her candid portrayal of living with the condition, defended fellow Tourette’s advocate John Davidson after he experienced a public outburst during the ceremony.
Dupree took to social media to express her thoughts on the misunderstanding surrounding the disorder. "I need to speak on this as someone who lives with Tourette’s. When you live with this disorder, you lose control of your own voice sometimes. And that is a terrifying thing," she wrote. She elaborated on the involuntary nature of tics, emphasizing that they are not reflections of one’s beliefs. "Tics are involuntary neurological impulses – like a sneeze or a hiccup," she explained, noting the emotional impact of saying something unintended.
Dupree further described the distress of experiencing shame when a tic leads to the utterance of hurtful words. "People think if a slur comes out, it must reflect what’s in your heart. But Tourette’s doesn’t pull from hatred – it often pulls from anxiety, from fear," she stated, highlighting the complexities of living with the condition and the distinction between intent and impulse.
In the wake of Davidson’s incident, where he inadvertently shouted a racial slur, backlash has ensued in the UK. BAFTA has initiated a comprehensive review, while the BBC faced criticism for not promptly removing the recording from its platform, which allowed the incident to be heard for 15 hours before removal.
Dupree’s Baylen Out Loud, which premiered in January 2025, follows her journey of navigating life with extreme vocal and motor tics. Diagnosed with Tourette’s at 18, she employs humor and positivity to cope with her challenges, attracting a dedicated following of 9.5 million on TikTok.
The series features Dupree alongside her siblings, boyfriend, and parents, showcasing her aspirations for independence. It has received critical acclaim, quickly securing a second season after becoming the top freshman series among adults and women aged 25-54 in primetime.
