Maury Povich, the retired television personality who hosted the tabloid talk show Maury for 31 seasons, is capitalizing on his notoriety by launching at-home paternity tests. The tests, which are sold online for $119.99, promise to deliver accurate and confidential results within two business days. Povich, who became famous for revealing the outcomes of DNA tests on his show, said he wanted to offer a convenient and affordable option for people who are curious about their biological relationships. “I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I know how important it is for people to find out the truth,” he said in a press release. “With these at-home paternity tests, you can get the answers you need without any drama or embarrassment.”
The at-home paternity tests are produced by Identigene, a company that specializes in DNA testing services. According to their website, the tests are easy to use and require only a cheek swab from the alleged father and child. The samples are then mailed to a certified laboratory, where they are analyzed using 21 genetic markers. The results are then sent to the customer via email or phone, with a 99.9% accuracy rate. Identigene claims that their tests are the same ones used by courts and government agencies, and that they follow strict quality standards and privacy policies.
Povich’s venture into the at-home paternity test market is not surprising, given his long history of dealing with paternity issues on his show. Maury, which aired from 1991 to 2022, was known for its sensational and controversial topics, such as teenage pregnancy, sexual infidelity, uncommon illnesses, and unusual phobias. One of the most popular segments of the show was “Who’s the Daddy?”, where Povich would reveal the results of DNA tests to determine whether a man was or was not the father of a child. The segment often featured dramatic reactions from the guests, such as tears, cheers, anger, or disbelief. Povich would also offer counseling and support to the guests after the reveal, and sometimes follow up on their progress in later episodes.
Povich said he hopes that his at-home paternity tests will help people who are in doubt or in need of closure about their family ties. He also said he plans to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sales to charities that support children and families. “I believe that everyone deserves to know where they come from and who they belong to,” he said. “These tests can provide that information in a simple and discreet way.”
