Alana ‘Honey Boo Boo’ Thompson Slams Mama June’s ‘Transactional’ Love in Biopic:“ ”’For the First Time, I Feel Free’ (Exclusive)

Alana ‘Honey Boo Boo’ Thompson Denounces Mama June in Lifetime Biopic (Exclusive)

Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson, known for her stint in the public eye at just six years old, is taking a stand in her new Lifetime biopic, “I Was Honey Boo Boo”. This upcoming TV movie delves into the highs and lows of her childhood, offering viewers a candid look at the reality star’s journey. In an exclusive preview provided by PEOPLE, Thompson recounts her swift rise to fame juxtaposed against personal struggles.

Opening the trailer, a casting director asks, “What do you like about pageants?” To which Alana, portrayed by Vale Cooper, bluntly responds, “Winning.” Her iconic catchphrase, “A dolla makes me holla honey boo boo child!”, marked her transformation into “America’s favorite redneck little girl,” as Thompson herself reminisces, “With that one line, I became America’s favorite redneck little girl. I’m Alana Thompson. You may know me as Honey Boo Boo.”

Thompson shot to prominence in 2012 when she appeared on TLC’s Toddlers and Tiaras, captivating audiences with her sass and charisma. As the public increasingly embraced the pint-sized beauty queen, her journey to stardom kickstarted. Fast forward to the present, now a 19-year-old college student, Thompson is shedding light on the untold stories behind the curtains, notably her strained relationship with her mother, “Mama June” Shannon.

The biopic trailer offers a glimpse into the pressures inflicted by Mama June on her daughter, encouraging a more revealing appearance and leveraging their show, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, for monetary gain. “Mama’s little money maker,” June (played by Chelsea Larkin) quips, setting the tone for a tumultuous dynamic. Tensions escalate when Thompson’s older sister, Lauryn “Pumpkin” Efird (portrayed by Georgia Small), discovers Mama June’s financial mismanagement, with funds meant for Thompson being squandered.

The narrative reaches a poignant climax as Thompson reflects on her upbringing, declaring, “It was always the same thing. I wanted mama, but her love was only transactional.” The raw honesty in her words echoes the emotional turmoil she navigated, offering a poignant insight into the reality behind the glitz and glam of fame.

Fans who have followed Thompson and her family over the years, particularly through their WE tv series, Mama June: Family Crisis, will find resonance in the revelations brought to light in the biopic. The friction between Thompson and her mother, exacerbated by financial betrayal, serves as a stark reminder of the complexities that underpin familial relationships in the spotlight.

As the premiere of “I Was Honey Boo Boo” draws near, viewers are poised to witness a compelling narrative unfold on screen, shedding light on the unseen struggles of a former child star. Tune in on Saturday, May 17 at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime to delve deeper into Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson’s journey.

Overall, the exclusive insights provided by PEOPLE into the upcoming biopic promise a gripping portrayal of Thompson’s life story, offering a nuanced perspective on the challenges she faced in her formative years. Stay tuned for a riveting depiction of one individual’s quest for authenticity amidst the glitzy facade of fame.