Citing children’s welfare, TLC cancels ‘Honey Boo Boo’
LOS ANGELES — TLC has pulled the plug on “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo,” one of its most prominent series, following allegations that the mother at the center of the show has been romantically linked to a convicted child molester.
June Shannon posted a video statement on the show’s Facebook page Friday morning denying the allegation that she has been dating a man she identifies as “Pumpkin.”
“The statement of me dating a sex offender is totally untrue,” Shannon said. “I would not ever, ever put my kids in danger.”
Shannon confirms that TLC has halted production on the show and that the Discovery Communications cabler has told the family to remain “hush, hush” about the allegations reported Thursday by TMZ. TMZ posted a grainy photograph of Shannon and the man in question, claiming that it was taken recently at a hotel.
TLC’s move comes two months before the show’s fifth season was to premiere in January. The cabler will take a financial hit in scrapping an undetermined number of episodes.
“TLC has cancelled the series ‘Here Comes Honey Boo Boo’ and ended all activities around the series, effective immediately,” TLC said in a statement. “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.”
On Thursday, TMZ reported that June Shannon has recently been dating a man convicted of molesting a relative of Shannon’s who was 8 years old at the time. TMZ reported the man was released from prison earlier this year after serving a 10-year sentence and is now a registered sex offender in the state of Georgia.
In her video, Shannon asserts: “I have not seen that person in 10 years. I do not want to see that person.”
“Honey Boo Boo” revolves around the lives of Shannon and her extended family in rural McIntyre, Ga. Shannon’s young daughter, Alana Thompson (aka Honey Boo Boo), is a former child beauty pageant contestant who gained fame after being featured on the TLC series “Toddlers and Tiaras.”
“Honey Boo Boo” bowed in 2012 and has ranked as one of of TLC’s highest-rated series. The show’s last original episodes aired in August. The TLC website on Friday still featured a page for the show, although no episodes appear to be scheduled at present.
