In 2023, siblings Ty and Bryn Larson from Utah made headlines by barricading themselves inside a bedroom for 54 days. They live-streamed the entire ordeal, attracting a global audience and sparking national debate in the United States. Now, a two-episode Hulu docuseries on Disney Plus, titled The Nightmare Upstairs: What Happened to Ty and Bryn?, revisits their story with never-before-seen footage and interviews with family members.
Who Are Ty and Bryn?
At the time of the protest, Ty was 15 and Bryn was 12. They are the children of Jessica Zahrt and Brent Larson, who were married for 13 years before divorcing in 2012. The siblings have accused their father of physical, mental, and sexual abuse, allegations he has consistently denied.
Why Did They Lock Themselves In?
The siblings decided to barricade themselves inside an upstairs bedroom in protest of a court-mandated reunification therapy with their father. In a TikTok video, Ty stated: “The court system isn’t trying to save us; nobody’s trying to keep us safe. I am the one that’s going to have to choose my own safety.” In the documentary, now 18-year-old Ty explained that he and his sister had been refusing visits with their biological father and felt forced to barricade themselves to stay safe. Brent has not been criminally charged regarding the abuse allegations.
Where Are They Now?
After 54 days, a judge delayed enforcement of the reunification order, ending the stand-off. However, a subsequent ruling required Ty and Bryn to resume visits with their father. In response, Ty filed for emancipation at age 17, hoping to be legally recognized as an independent adult. His attorney advised him to go no contact with his family to demonstrate his ability to live alone. Emancipation was granted, and Ty moved back in with his mother and sister, according to People. Zahrt now has full custody of Bryn.
Where Are Brent Larson and Jessica Zahrt Now?
Brent Larson claims his children’s extreme response was due to “parental alienation” caused by their mother. This concept, debated and not recognized as an official medical or psychiatric disorder, refers to a child’s refusal to have a relationship with a parent due to manipulation by the other parent, as noted by Psychology Today. Zahrt told ProPublica: “I literally had to wrap my brain around what I was even being accused of.” Clinical psychologist Monica Christy, who evaluated the children, disputed Brent’s accusations, as reported by People. In 2024, Larson agreed not to pursue reunification. Zahrt posted on TikTok: “My ex-husband and I mediated successfully, just prior to Christmas. My ex has freed Ty and Bryn from the chains of the reunification industry and family court, for good.”
The Nightmare Upstairs: What Happened to Ty and Bryn? is available on Disney Plus.
