Anna Caldwell's Courage Is Impressive

Perhaps the only saving grace of the horrific developments in the case of Mama June from Here Comes Honey Boo Boo dating convicted sex offender Mark McDaniels is the courage and strength of the oldest child in the family, Anna Marie "Chickadee" Caldwell speaking out about her traumatizing experiences. It was recently confirmed that McDaniels did in fact perpetrate abuse on Caldwell, who is now 20. On Wednesday, Entertainment Tonight announced they will air an exclusive interview with Caldwell on Thursday, October 30th.

The oldest child in the family, Anna previously said that she would feel "betrayed" if rumors McDaniels was actually dating her mother. Now that there is proof, McDaniels tells ET, "It's Mama's fault. She has to live with it. She has brung the past back and now she can't get it away. I'm mad. I'm upset. I feel betrayed. I feel very hurt. That's the main thing that I am — I feel very hurt that Mama let him come around." Caldwell's statement is heartbreaking — to feel like you were forsaken by your own mother and your abuse silence and denied is unthinkable. That's why it's even more impressive how composed Caldwell is.

To dredge up the past and relive such terrible experiences is not ideal for anyone, and Caldwell certainly did not have an obligation to do so. But her forthcoming interview with ET is such a blessing; it shows she is a victim but more importantly a survivor, and hopefully will incite her mother Mama June to end the relationship with McDaniels. Because, unfortunately, there is no technical legal reason to apprehend McDaniels, which means, sadly, that Mama June's children are still being exposed to a sex offender.

Caldwell is blunt and unforgiving of Mama June:

It's like she's happy. She's smiling and giggling when he's around. You know, he's a child molester, Mama. He did this to me. Why would you let him come around the girls knowing what he did? And reportedly done it to another girl? And Mama was like, 'Oh, he never done it to another girl.'

To work through her betrayal and trauma to speak up against the injustice against her younger sisters deserves so much solidarity and support. It is difficult to admit to yourself that your family members are responsible for your abuse, and I agree with Caldwell — Mama June is complicit McDaniels' abuse. I hope that Caldwell's ET interview will pressure Mama June to give up custody of her children to her ex-husband Mike "Sugar Bear" Johnson; all denial aside, how can she deny that her children deserve a safe environment?