Mama June Shannon Insists Her Children Are Her Top Priority


Mama June Shannon insists that her children are her top priority, despite rumors that she is dating a convicted child molester. On Sunday, several news agencies reported that Honey Boo Boo’s mother is dating Mark McDaniel. In 2004, McDaniel was convicted of molesting Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell. At the time of the assault, Anna was just 8 years old.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Anna confirmed that Mama June is in fact dating Mark McDaniel. Although Anna is now 20 years old, she is concerned about her younger sisters. She is also concerned about her mother’s state of mind.

If the rumors are true, June Shannon could lose everything — including custody of her minor children. Despite the risk, Anna said her mother is “happy… smiling and giggling when he’s around.”

During the interview, Anna admitted that she feels betrayed by her own mother.

As reported by Examiner, Mama June was at work when her daughter was assaulted. According to police reports, Mark McDaniel molested the little girl on at least one occasion. However, the abuse was not reported by June Shannon. Instead, Anna’s grandmother, Sandra Hale, filed charges on the child’s behalf.

Although McDaniel spent 10 years in prison, he was recently released. TMZ reports that he and Mama June rekindled their relationship shortly thereafter.

According to reports, Honey Boo Boo’s mother has spent a lot of time with the convicted felon. Even more disturbing, June Shannon is accused of allowing McDaniel to send time with her children.

Although Shannon admits dating McDaniel at the time of his arrest, she said the relationship is over. In a recent interview, she said the truth “will all come out” and that “the protection of [her] kids” is her main priority. Honey Boo Boo’s mother said she has not seen or spoken with McDaniel in 10 years.

Despite the fact that she vehemently denies the accusations, June Shannon and her daughters appeared in several recent photographs with the convicted child molester. In one of the photos, the happy couple poses on a hotel room bed.

Anna said she hopes her sisters, Jessica “Chubbs” Shannon, 18, Lauryn “Pumpkin” Shannon, 14, and Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson, 9, heed her warning. She does not want the younger girls to experience the devastation that she has lived with for more than 10 years.

More than anything, Anna hopes Mama June Shannon comes to her senses before it is too late.

[Image via US Magazine]

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