TLC Cancels “Honey Boo Boo” in Wake of Child Molester Scandal (UPDATE)

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TLC has cancelled the cable channel’s hit reality show, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo in the wake of a report from TMZ that Mama June Thompson is dating a convicted child molester who sexually abused one of her relatives.*

*UPDATE: According to TMZ that relative is Mama June’s OLDEST DAUGHTER, 20 year old Anna Cardwell. The daughter initially believed her mother’s denials, but now, after receiving more information, believes her mother, is indeed, seeing the man who molested her.

TMZ claims that June has been secretly dating Mark McDaniel, since March, after he served 10 years in prison for aggravated sexual assault on an 8-year-old. The two had been a couple before he was convicted and went to prison.

The show, which follows former child pageant star, Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson, and her family, has been pulled from the TLC lineup. The latest season, already in the can, will not be aired.

“TLC has cancelled the series Here Comes Honey Boo Boo and ended all activities around the series, effective immediately,” the network 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.”

In the video below, posted by Mama June on her Facebook page, she confirms the cancellation and denies that she would do anything–including dating a sex offender–to put her kids in danger.

TMZ posted a photo of Mama June with McDaniel snapped at what was allegedly a private party in a hotel room. Also, according to TMZ, Mama June had been out shopping for a used car. She claimed it was for her daughter, but sources say it was really for McDaniel. TMZ also reports that Children’s Services and the Sheriff’s department were alerted shortly after the story broke.

Here Comes Honey Boo Boo was a spinoff of TLC’s Toddlers and Tiaras. The show finished airing its most recent season in August with 1.8 million viewers tuning in, down from its previous seasons. It still brought in solid numbers for TLC in the 18-34 female demo. Cancelling wasn’t a decision the network took lightly, for sure.

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Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!