TLC Cancels ‘Here Comes Honey Boo Boo’ in Wake of Child Molestation Scandal (Video)

“Mama June” Shannon denies reports of relationship with a man who was convicted of molesting a young relative

TLC

There goes “Honey Boo Boo.” TLC has canceled reality series “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” on Friday, a day after news of June “Mama June” Shannon’s relationship with a man who was convicted of molesting a young relative of the star surfaced.

See photos11 TV Shows Cancelled by Controversy – From ‘Honey Boo Boo’ to ‘Politically Incorrect’ (Photos)

On Friday, TLC issued a statement to TheWrap: “TLC has cancelled the series ‘Here Comes Honey Boo Boo’ and ended all activities around the series, effective immediately. 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.”

The network had previously planned a fifth season of the reality show to premiere in January 2015.

Also read: TLC ‘Reassessing Future’ of ‘Honey Boo Boo’ After Star’s Relationship With Convicted Child Molester Surfaces

Shannon is allegedly carrying on a relationship with Mark McDaniel, a 53-year-old who served 10 years in prison for molesting an eight-year-old relative of Shannon’s. The abuse of the child included forced oral sex. McDaniel was released in March and he’s now a registered sex offender in Georgia.

The reality star was reportedly dating McDaniel at the time of abuse and currently remains in contact with the victim — who would be at least 18 years old now.

Shannon denied the reports on Facebook with a video post.

“The statement of me dating a sex offender is totally untrue… I would never ever, ever put my kids in danger. I love my kids too much. That is my past. I have not seen that person in 10 years.”

See video: ‘Honey Boo Boo’ Proves It Takes a Village to Make Over Mama June

Previously, Shannon was in a relationship with Mike “Sugar Bear” Thompson, Alanna “Honey Boo Boo” Shannon’s father. They finally married after nine years together in September 2013, which aired on the TLC show. A year later, the couple announced their separation.

“Here Comes Honey Boo Boo,” a spinoff of TLC’s child pageant series “Toddlers and Tiaras,” had been under fire from those who opposed child beauty pageants and the show’s portrayal of Southern life, since it premiered in August 2012.

“Honey Boo Boo” had been a consistent ratings winner for TLC. Its premiere episode earned a 1.6 rating in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic, attracting 2.2 million viewers. The Aug. 29, 2012 episode, which aired during the Republican National Convention, made news when it attracted nearly three million viewers and earned a 1.3 rating among the advertiser demo, beating Fox News convention coverage’s 1.2 rating and NBC’s convention coverage rating of a 1.1.

Watch Shannon’s video below:

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