Baylen Dupree lives with Tourette syndrome, which causes her uncontrollable “tics” that take the form of vocal and motor outbursts. They can range from relatively harmless, if disruptive, muscle spasms and vocalizations to more serious neurological issues, like seizures.

Baylen’s condition worsened severely over the pandemic, when she was stuck inside with her parents, and she began posting about her daily life on TikTok. After amassing a huge following on the platform, other networks began to take note of the young woman’s strength, openness and willingness to help others.

Was Baylen Dupree on ‘Dr. Phil’?

Yes, Baylen made an appearance on Dr. Phil’s show after he recognized how important she could be as a “learning tool” to help others with the condition. He invited her on a March 2022 episode, along with her parents, Allen and Julie.

What Did Baylen Dupree Say About Her Condition?

“I started showing myself on TikTok with Tourette’s because other people were making me feel ashamed of who I was,” Baylen told Dr. Phil. “People accused me of faking Tourette’s, but I’ve never heard of one person who would want to live this way.”

While discussing her condition she piped, “Oh! You’re bald,” to the veteran host.

“I noticed that last week,” he responded playfully, before asking, “What’s the most empowering thing about being on the internet?”

“The comments I get,” she answered, “how much help has reached other people.”

What Did Baylen Dupree’s Parents Allen and Julie Say About Her?

Allen and Julie are clearly very protective of their daughter. They told Dr. Phil they first noticed Baylen’s tics when she was about seven, starting with a strange neck movement. By 16, her condition had grown more severe and she began vocalizing.

More than just a disruption to polite company, Baylen’s parents worried about her propensity to hit herself and others with objects. They have five other children – four boys and another girl – who they feared Baylen may injure if she was holding a sharp object during one of her involuntary spasms. They prohibited her from holding knives and even things like coffee cups, as her motor tics often came in three’s, meaning she may break a cup or a plate on the first or second hit and then compulsively strike herself or others with the broken shards.

The standards they keep in their house are “no different than the safety you would have for a toddler,” mom Julie said.

“How do you guys feel about Baylen going public with everything that’s been happening,” Dr. Phil asked.

“Mixed feelings,” Julie answered. 

“I’m a little more concerned,” Allen added. “Once you hit send, there’s good, there’s bad, but there’s also evil.”

“As a dad it hurts so much that there’s nothing you can do [about her condition],” he continued, “but there’s no quitting on my kid. You move forward and try to make it better.”

What Is Baylen Dupree Up to Now?

Baylen’s TikTok following and appearance on Dr. Phil triggered a wave of interest in her story – so much so that TLC and Discovery President Howard Lee decided to give the family their own reality show chronicling their day-to-day struggles with Baylen’s condition, Baylen Out Loud.

“Baylen’s realness and humor struck us right away,” he said. “Her fearless honesty about living with Tourette Syndrome not only busts stereotypes but also builds bridges of understanding.”