“Honey Boo Boo” star Alana Thompson has apologized for the viral video of her putting on an accent that she described as “ghetto.” As we previously reported, the 17-year-old made headlines over the weekend for her controversial TikTok Live, which someone had screen-recorded and posted all over social media. Thompson told her followers that since people continue to tell her she comes across as “ghetto,” the “Toddlers and Tiaras” star felt it was appropriate to impersonate the accent of someone acting in that manner.
Well, Thompson wasted no time to clear up any confusion, saying her intent was not to offend anyone and that she only did it to get back at the people who had been calling her uncalled-for names on the internet. “I feel I am my own true self and if you don’t like it you simply don’t have to comment on it,” she wrote on her IG Story. “I basically did this to troll everyone back that swear I’m trying to be something I’m not […] If in any way i did disrespect anyone i apologize.”
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Thompson also addressed the part where she repeatedly patted her head, which she acknowledges is a method to relieve an itch when wearing a particular hairstyle. “I’m fully aware I also love trying new wigs as well,” she said before concluding that she wouldn’t speak on it again. #Socialites, how do you feel about her apology?
Thompson has been accused of cultural appropriation due to the way she appeared to be replicating the traditional head-patting motion used by women of colour when they cannot scratch their freshly-braided hair to relieve the itchy sensation.
A single enraged supporter angrily exclaimed to her: “What are you doing patting your head? YOU’RE CAUCASIAN!”
Another person said, “It is obvious to her that she does not sound the same.”
A third admirer chimed in, writing, “The wig taps were the best – she really knew what she was doing…” while another fan commented, “That head pat was everything…”
Thompson’s family gained national attention when she appeared on “Toddlers and Tiaras,” a reality show that followed young girls competing in beauty pageants.
The Thompson family was known for their unconventional lifestyle, which included a love of junk food and a disregard for traditional beauty standards. This led to criticism from some viewers, who accused the family of promoting unhealthy habits and exploiting their children for fame. Despite this, the family’s popularity continued to grow, and they were eventually given their own reality show.
“Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” premiered on TLC in 2012 and followed the daily lives of the Thompson family. The show was a hit with audiences, averaging 2.3 million viewers per episode during its first season. However, it was not without controversy. Critics accused the show of glorifying redneck culture and promoting unhealthy habits, while others praised it for its unfiltered portrayal of a working-class family.
The show’s popularity continued to grow, and it was eventually canceled in 2014 after reports surfaced that June Shannon, aka “Mama June,” was dating a convicted sex offender. TLC released a statement saying that “supporting the health and welfare of these remarkable children is our only priority,” and that the network was “concerned about recent events” involving the family.
Throughout her career, Honey Boo Boo has been at the center of several controversies. In addition to the criticism she faced for her family’s lifestyle and her own relationship, she has also been accused of making racist comments. In 2017, a video surfaced of Thompson and her family using racial slurs, which sparked outrage among viewers. The family issued a statement apologizing for the comments and saying that they did not condone racism.