Billie Eilish has gone public on her Tourette syndrome diagnosis, even talking about the condition in televised interviews.
When did Billie announce she has Tourette syndrome?
Billie spoke to her followers on Instagram in 2018, confirming she had Tourette syndrome. Compilation videos of her tics were being uploaded, and the singer wanted to confirm what caused them.
In 2019, Ellen DeGeneres brought up Tourette syndrome on The Ellen Show. Billie took the time to speak to the audience about her experience.
It’s something I’ve lived with my whole life. Everybody in my family, my friends, all the people that are closest to me know that I have it and it’s not anything different.
How is Billie affected by Tourette syndrome?
Tourette affects every individual differently, and can change for a person from time to time.
In this next clip, Billie talks to David Letterman about her symptoms, including specific tics and the lights being a trigger during the chat.
The most common way people react is they laugh. Because they think I'm trying to be funny. And then they go 'hah!'... and I'm always left incredibly offended by that.
Losing the stigma
Inspirational individuals like Billie Eilish will help raise awareness significantly. Misinformation and stereotypes still exist, and the reason why awareness is so important.
Billie is doing the community proud by opening up on her lived experience. By educating those that are unaware of the realities of TS, and giving her fans with the condition a huge confidence boost in the process.