Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson is feeling anxious about her upcoming biopic, "I Was Honey Boo Boo," set to premiere on May 17 on Lifetime. The 19-year-old star expressed her worries about how her mother, June "Mama June" Shannon, will react to the film, which explores their family’s struggles, particularly Shannon’s battle with drug addiction.
In an interview with People, Alana shared her concerns, saying, "I’m a little nervous." She emphasized that her intention was not to portray her mother negatively. "I did not want this movie to be throwing punches at my mama and making her out to be the bad guy," she explained. However, she felt compelled to tell the truth about her experiences, stating, "But I didn’t hold back, and if she gets mad, at the end of the day, it’s the truth."
Alana rose to fame on TLC’s "Toddlers & Tiaras" before starring in her own show, "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo," in 2012. While the show started as a light-hearted family series, it took a darker turn as Mama June faced addiction issues, particularly with crack cocaine. Alana recalled noticing changes in her mother, like locking doors, which raised her concerns.
In 2019, Mama June and her boyfriend were arrested on drug charges, and Alana faced public scrutiny as news of her mother’s struggles became widely known. Mama June later revealed that she spent over $1 million on drugs during her addiction, including a significant amount of Alana’s earnings from "Dancing With the Stars."
By 2022, Alana’s older sister, Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird, gained custody of her, helping her graduate high school. Alana is now pursuing nursing studies at Regis University in Denver. She reflected on her journey, saying, "I just always told myself that you want to do something better with your life and bigger with your life than just being on TV."
Despite the challenges, Alana and Mama June have started to reconnect. After Mama June returned Alana’s money without an apology, they managed to rebuild their relationship. Alana acknowledged that forgiveness was tough but emphasized the bond they share as mother and daughter.
Mama June, who has been sober since 2020 and married to Justin Stroud, has expressed her commitment to improving herself. As Alana noted, "At the end of the day, she’s my mom." She hopes their relationship continues to grow positively, stating, "We’re going pretty good. Hopefully it lasts."
"I Was Honey Boo Boo" is set to air on May 17 at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime, promising to share an intimate look at Alana’s life and her family’s journey through adversity.