Fans of TLC’s hit show “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” are mourning the fact that it’s reportedly done after a wildly successful two-year run. According to an Oct. 24 TMZ report, Mama June’s alleged relationship with a convicted child molester caused TLC to put the brakes on the popular series in the best interest of the children.
Mama June has reportedly been dating Mark McDaniel on the sly who served 10 years in prison after being convicted for forcing an 8-year-old child to have oral sex. Though June denies dating McDaniel, TLC pulled the plug on the show after a photo surfaced showing June and McDaniel at a party together.
The fact that the show is done may be shocking to the huge “Here Comes Honey Boo” fan base. But, when there are children involved in any kind of situation that puts them at risk, it’s a serious matter. TLC reportedly advised TMZ the children’s priority is of the utmost importance. They said, “Supporting the health and welfare of these remarkable children is our only priority. TLC is faithfully committed to the children’s ongoing comfort and well-being.”
While the kind of help TLC is offering is vague in the statement, sources advised TMZ the network will pay for counselors and tutors for the kids. Regardless of any ongoing help provided and despite episodes already filmed, “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” is officially done. It’s understandable that TLC can’t take any chances in lieu of the potentially grave circumstances.
Child molestation is a serious crime that much too often goes unreported. According to The U.S. Department of Justice’s National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) in a 2012 maltreatment report 26 percent of sexual assault victims were 12-14 years old and 34 percent were younger than nine years. Furthermore, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) research shows that one in six boys and one in four girls are molested before the age of 18. These statistics are utterly frightening.
The “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” reality series rose to fame after Alana “Honey Boo” Thompson‘s appearance on “Toddlers & Tiaras.” While critical reviews were mixed over the course of the show’s two-year run, the series continued to draw good ratings for the network. The family’s often outrageous and offensive behavior was a wildly debated topic among reviewers with some people feeling that the show exploited the children. Many wished the show was done much sooner.
The show featured Alana, Mama June, Alana’s dad “Sugar Bear” and Alana’s three sisters Lauryn “Pumpkin” Shannon, Jessica “Chubbs” Shannon and Anna “Chickadee” Shannon. Any given episode would follow the family through various situations in their rural Georgia home.
Mama June had a commitment ceremony with Alana’s father Mike “Sugar Bear” Thompson on May 5 last year and announced a separation last month in September. Alana’s sister Anna married her fiancé’ Michael Cardwell earlier this year in May. Anna has a daughter, Kaitlyn, from a previous relationship.
If they manage their money correctly, it seems like Honey Boo Boo should remain financially stable. According to CelebrityNetWorth.com, Alana’s net worth is around $800,000 dollars and Mama June’s net worth is around one million dollars.
Alana and her sisters are still very young. Counseling could be of great help in dealing with this kind of information about her mother’s alleged suitor moving forward. Hopefully, Alana’s future will remain bright now that “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” is done.
