The Steve Wilkos Show Season 13 Episode 74 Desperate Young Dads Need DNA Tests
- February 5, 2020
Desperate Young Dads Need DNA Tests is the seventy-fourth episode of the thirteenth season of The Steve Wilkos Show. In this episode, Steve Wilkos, a former U.S. Marine and veteran of the Chicago Police Department, facilitates a discussion about paternity with several young men who are desperate to confirm the parentage of their children.
The show opens with Steve introducing three guests to the stage: Tyler, Brandon, and David. Each of these young men has a child, but none of them is sure if he is the father. Steve gives each of them a chance to explain their situation. Tyler recounts how his ex-girlfriend, who he was "100% positive" was faithful, cheated on him during their relationship. She gave birth to a baby girl, and Tyler says he wants to be the father, but he needs to know for sure. Brandon tells Steve that he is currently paying child support for a child that he suspects may not be his. He says he loves the child regardless, but he needs closure. David is in a similar situation; he has been in a custody battle with his ex-girlfriend, who he says is "not a good person." He wants to know if he is the father of his two-year-old daughter so he can move forward with his life.
Steve then brings out the women in question: Mandy, Dominque, and Rachel. Mandy is Tyler's ex-girlfriend and the mother of his potential daughter. Dominque is Brandon's ex-girlfriend and the mother of his child. Rachel is the mother of David's daughter. Each of them agrees to take a DNA test to determine paternity. The results will be revealed later in the show.
Next, Steve brings out another guest: a woman named Victoria. Victoria says that she slept with Brandon while he was still dating Dominque. She wants him to take responsibility for her two-year-old son, who she believes is Brandon's. Brandon denies the child is his, but agrees to take a DNA test.
The show takes a break to allow the guests to prepare for their tests. When they return, Steve explains that DNA tests are highly accurate and can determine paternity with 99.9% certainty. He reminds the audience that it's important for fathers to know the truth about their children so they can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for them.
Steve starts with Tyler. The DNA test reveals that he is not the biological father of Mandy's baby girl. Tyler is visibly upset but thanks Steve for helping him get closure. Mandy is emotional as well, but she admits that Tyler has always been there for her and their daughter. Steve encourages them to continue to co-parent and support each other.
Next is Brandon. The DNA test confirms that he is the father of Dominque's child. Brandon is happy to have confirmation and promises to be a good father to the child. Dominque thanks him for stepping up and taking responsibility.
David is last. The DNA test reveals that he is not the father of Rachel's daughter. David is crushed, as he has been a father figure in the child's life and was hoping to gain custody. Rachel is emotional as well, but she thanks David for his support and promises to continue to co-parent with him.
The show ends on a positive note, with Steve reminding the guests that they all have a responsibility to their children, regardless of DNA. He encourages them to continue to be present and involved in their children's lives.