David Letterman has always been known for his witty humor and sharp interviewing skills, but in a recent episode of his Netflix show “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction,” he showed a different side of himself. During an interview with singer Billie Eilish, Letterman opened up about his lack of knowledge regarding Tourette syndrome and admitted that he “knew nothing” about the condition.
The topic of Tourette’s came up when Eilish revealed that she had been diagnosed with the disorder as a child. Letterman, who had never heard of Tourette’s before, asked Eilish to explain what it was and how it affected her life. Eilish patiently answered his questions, describing how Tourette’s causes her to experience uncontrollable tics and vocalizations.
Letterman’s willingness to admit his ignorance about Tourette’s and ask questions in a respectful and curious manner has been widely praised on social media. Many people have lauded him for using his platform to raise awareness about the condition and dispel misconceptions.
One Twitter user wrote, “David Letterman’s interview with Billie Eilish was so classy. He could have made her feel uncomfortable about her Tourette’s, but instead he asked thoughtful questions and admitted his own lack of knowledge. This is how we should all approach learning about disabilities.”
Another user tweeted, “I never thought I’d say this, but David Letterman is a class act. His interview with Billie Eilish was so respectful and educational. More people need to follow his lead and learn about Tourette’s.”
Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects approximately 1 in 100 people. It is characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. Although the condition is often associated with swearing or inappropriate behavior, these symptoms only affect a minority of people with Tourette’s.
By using his platform to raise awareness about Tourette’s, David Letterman has shown that even celebrities can admit their ignorance and learn from others. His respectful and curious approach to interviewing has earned him praise from the public and serves as a model for how we can all strive to be more informed and understanding.