Former ‘Teen Mom’ Star Kailyn Lowry Slams Mama June Spending All of Honey Boo-Boo’s Money
When you see people on TV, you might assume that they're making quite a bit of money. And you might be right, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're holding on to all of that money...especially if you're talking about a child star. The sad truth is that kids on TV don't have as much control over their finances as they might think, and sometimes their parents don't seem to have their best interests at heart.
In a video posted on March 25, 'Teen Mom 2' alum Kailyn Lowry breaks down the current controversy over a recent episode of "Mama June: Family Crisis" which revealed that Mama June apparently stole money from her daughter, Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson. As Lowry shares her own experiences with protecting her children's earnings (and her own), it becomes even more clear that what happened to Thompson was completely and totally avoidable.
You've got to give Kailyn Lowry credit for doing managing her family's finances so successfully! Growing up on reality TV isn't always easy, but her kids definitely have a mom who's looking out for their well-being. Commenters were furious that Mama June didn't do the same for her children.
"Watching that was so infuriating!! Why would she do that to her own kids?!" wrote Elizabeth Quintana.
"My brother was in an accident at 11 and got money. My mom had to report YEARLY to prove she wasn't touching that money and it was 50k. How is there not a check and balance system for Hollywood kids???" wrote catsarewhereitsat.
"I was livid watching that episode. I could NEVER do that to my son," wrote molly lynn.
"I felt so emotional for her. Knowing she worked hard and has no money because of her mom!" wrote brandymarie.
If Thompson does sue Mama June (as she threatened to on the show), she certainly wouldn't be the first child star to take her parent to court over money. In fact, it was a lawsuit by a child actor against his parents that resulted in the law protecting young performers today — but children on reality shows might still be vulnerable.
Are the Earnings of Kids on Reality TV Legally Protected?
"Over the years, laws have been passed to protect children who act in TV shows, movies and commercials," according to TODAY.
"Now, though, a new batch of young entertainers has emerged: the children of reality television stars and social media influencers who appear on-camera as their real-life selves."
The Coogan Law, which came about after former child actor Jackie Coogan sued his mother and stepfather for squandering his earnings in 1938, "requires contracts for child actors and performers to set aside part of their income to be put in a trust fund or account that can only be accessed once they’ve reached the age of 18."
Unfortunately, in most parts of the country, kids on reality shows and social media often appear without any protections, as neither the Coogan Law or the Fair Labor Standards Act (which addresses "excessive child labor") have been updated to include child influencers.
It seems that Thompson did, in fact, have a Coogan account but that Mama June wasn't transparent about the amount of money she deposited (and how much she kept for herself). But, as Lowry pointed out, Thompson's earnings were likely in the seven-figure range, so even if Mama June kept a percentage for herself as manager there should have been a substantial amount left over...so something isn't adding up.
It's a truly sad situation. Here's hoping Thompson gets her money back somehow!
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