A little over one month ago, it was reported that Mama June and Sugar Bear called it quits after being together for 10 years. Famous for their relationship and TLC reality show Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, viewers were surprised to learn of the split, especially after that TV commitment ceremony and camouflage dress. Well, now Mama June (real name June Shannon) seems to be moving on to a new relationship — one that is causing quite the controversy and could effect Honey Boo Boo continuing. Reportedly, Mama June is dating a sex offender, 53-year-old Mark McDaniel, who is registered in the state of Georgia. Apparently, he is also her ex-boyfriend. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Sex Offender Registry, he was arrested in 2004 for aggravated child molestation in which he made an 8-year-old perform oral sex. Said child is now 18 years old and is supposedly Mama June's relative. Reports also state that Mama June was dating McDaniel when this horrible act occurred.
Per TMZ, McDaniel was recently released after serving 10 years, and now Mama June has been visiting him and showering him with gifts. TMZ also reached out to TLC and received the following statement: "TLC is not currently in production on Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. We are very concerned about this new information and are reassessing the future of the series."
Not only does this story cause quite the controversy, but, if true, it also raises concern for the safety of Mama June's four daughters. Understandably, TLC doesn't seem pleased with Mama June's alleged dating situation. Should the network cancel a show based solely on someone's dating choices? I don't know. I'm not saying people can't change, but would you want your children around someone who sexually abused a child? Me? No, I wouldn't. I'm not a mother, but I know for a fact protecting my children would be top priority. Again, I'm not insinuating Mama June isn't keeping her children safe, but this is a heavy, heavy situation that should not be taken lightly and handled with extreme care — which is probably what the network is doing.
There's been no official word on whether the show, which came about because of June's 9-year-old daughter, Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson, who became famous after her appearance on the network's other series Toddlers & Tiaras, will go on. The story is developing.
