Chude Jideonwo Opens Up on Living With Tourette Syndrome: “It Feels Like My Body Is Out of Control”
Published 16 Apr 2026 at 10:31 AM by Kola Ogunkanmi. Nigerian TV host and media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo has recently broken his silence on a long-held secret, revealing his diagnosis of Tourette syndrome after years of keeping it private on his doctor's strict advice. The media personality, known for commanding stages and hosting the With Chude podcast, described his struggles with the condition as a constant battle where his body misfires and feels totally out of his control during public appearances.
In an interview with BBC News Africa, Chude Jideonwo explained that Tourette syndrome, which causes sudden and repetitive physical tics, first became noticeable to him in his late twenties. He shared that his doctor warned him against discussing the diagnosis publicly due to fears of societal judgment and stigma. "When I was diagnosed, my doctor warned me not to talk about it in public," he said, highlighting the pressure to conceal his condition.
Managing the Condition and Public Perception
To cope with public outings, Chude relies on extreme mental pressure to suppress his tics and often acknowledges them aloud to people around him to quickly reduce embarrassment. He also criticized Nollywood films for their harmful misrepresentation of Tourette syndrome, noting that characters are often depicted as demon-possessed, which contributes to widespread misunderstanding and stigma.
Chude expressed that seeing activist John Davidson involuntarily shout a racial slur at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards was heartbreaking, as it mirrored the negative stereotypes. However, he found comfort in Billie Eilish's public discussion of her own experiences, which inspired him to speak out. Now, he uses his books and articles to promote visibility, hoping his transparency will help normalize the disorder for young people everywhere.
Netizens React with Support and Observations
Fans and netizens have flooded social media with support, sharing past observations of Chude's symptoms. For instance, @uzoart noted, "When he stopped by my gallery he def did show physical signs of it similar to a lady at my church that had it. A lot of blinking with the eyes and twitching. He would use his hands to hold his wrists maybe to control himself." Others, like @El0nIsADodoyo, commented on his uncontrollable blinking, while @whereisthatgyal praised his courage in speaking up to reduce stigma.
Chude Jideonwo's revelation has sparked conversations about cognitive conditions and the need for greater awareness. He continues to advocate for better representation and understanding, using his platform to challenge misconceptions and support others facing similar challenges.
