"Honey Boo Boo" canceled over matriarch's relationship with convicted child molester

Mark McDaniel was convicted in 2004 and served 10 years in prison

Published October 24, 2014 2:51PM (EDT)

TLC decided to cancel its hit reality program "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo," after reports that the show's matriarch, "Mama June" Shannon, is in a relationship with a convicted child molester, TMZ is reporting. TLC will not air an entire new season, which has already been filmed.

TMZ first broke news of the relationship between Shannon and Mark McDaniel on Thursday.

In light of those allegations, TLC was forced to reconsider the "train wreck" program, which follows around the family of former child pageant contestant, and "Toddlers in Tiaras" star, Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Shannon.

The man in question, 53-year-old Mark McDaniel, was convicted of child molestation in 2004 and served 10 years in prison for forcing oral sex on an 8-year-old relative of June Shannon. McDaniel was released from prison in March.

TLC will finance tutors and counselors for the children on the show, TMZ is reporting.

"Supporting the health and welfare of these remarkable children is our only priority," the TLC network told TMZ. "TLC is faithfully committed to the children's ongoing comfort and well-being."


By Sarah Gray

Sarah Gray is an assistant editor at Salon, focusing on innovation. Follow @sarahhhgray or email sgray@salon.com.

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