The saga of Mama June Shannon and her family continues to unfold, this time with a financial twist. Known for the reality TV show “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” and now “Mama June: Family Crisis,” June Shannon has publicly addressed accusations from her daughter, Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson, regarding the handling of her earnings from her childhood fame. In a candid interview, Mama June admitted to not fully depositing Alana’s money into a protected account, sparking further controversy and highlighting ongoing family tensions.
The heart of the issue revolves around earnings Alana Thompson, now 18, made from appearances on shows like “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” and “The Masked Singer.” These earnings, according to industry standards and legal protections for child performers, are typically meant to be placed in a Coogan account. A Coogan account, also known as a trust account, is specifically designed to safeguard a percentage of a child actor’s income, making it inaccessible until they reach adulthood, thus securing their financial future.
However, in a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Mama June confessed that not all of Alana’s earnings made it into this protected Coogan account. The amount in question is reportedly around $30,000, a significant sum that Alana believed was entirely secure for her future. Mama June’s admission sheds light on a complex situation, revealing a point of contention that has fueled family drama and strained the mother-daughter relationship.
Mama June attempted to justify her actions by explaining that during that period, she was in a “dark place.” She indicated that she was advised by other parents of child actors and lawyers to only deposit a portion of Alana’s earnings into the Coogan account. The remaining funds, she claims, were used for household expenses and to “live off of,” implying the money wasn’t solely for her personal use. “It wasn’t just mainly spent on me,” she stated, attempting to mitigate the perception of financial misappropriation.
This explanation, however, doesn’t fully align with Alana’s understanding and expectations. Alana Thompson expressed her disappointment and feeling of betrayal, stating in the same interview that she operated “under the assumption she put 100 percent of the money in there.” For Alana, who worked hard for her earnings, the revelation that a portion was diverted for other purposes was a significant blow. She is now grappling with the financial implications and emotional fallout of this discovery, trying to “get over it and trying to push through it.”
The financial dispute has become a central storyline in the current season of “Mama June: Family Crisis,” further exposing the raw and often tumultuous dynamics within the Shannon family. The show reportedly captures moments of intense confrontation, including Mama June telling Alana to “take me to court” and asserting on camera that she “legally put 20 percent” into the account. This public airing of family grievances underscores the deep-seated issues and lack of transparency surrounding Alana’s childhood earnings.
Adding another layer to the narrative is Mama June’s past struggles. Five years prior to this financial revelation, she faced serious felony charges related to drug possession. Now, while celebrating five years of sobriety, Mama June acknowledges the external pressures and scrutiny she faces, particularly after the recent passing of her eldest daughter, Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell, from cancer in December 2023. The family has endured significant emotional and personal challenges, and this financial discord adds to the ongoing crisis.
The situation highlights the complexities of managing finances for child stars and the potential for misunderstandings and conflicts within families navigating the entertainment industry. While Mama June frames her actions as necessary survival during a difficult period, Alana views it as a breach of trust and financial mismanagement. As the family navigates these challenges on and off-screen, the issue of Alana’s earnings remains a significant point of contention, casting a shadow over their already strained relationship.
