Savannah Mooney, a prominent figure from the fifth season of MTV’s ’16 & Pregnant’, has opened up about her challenging journey of overcoming family addiction and finding her place as a mother. Her story, shared in the upcoming documentary series ‘Hollywood Demons: Surviving 16 & Pregnant’, sheds light on her struggles with past relationships and the impact they have had on her life and her children’s lives.
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Savannah’s challenging upbringing stemmed from her experience with a mother battling alcoholism. When she discovered she was pregnant with her first child, Rowan, she faced immediate backlash from her mother, who informed her she wouldn’t be raising another child. Despite these difficulties, Savannah made the brave decision to proceed with her pregnancy, a choice she detailed during her time on the reality show.
Initially, Savannah had no intention of participating in ’16 & Pregnant’. A friend, recognising her story’s potential, submitted an application on her behalf. After some persistence, Savannah received a call that would change her life. She expressed her surprise at getting the opportunity, stating, “I was like, ‘Those kinds of things don’t happen to people like me.'” However, stepping into the limelight came with significant concerns.
Savannah candidly reflected on her worries about how the show could affect her relationship with her then-boyfriend, Stone. Their time in front of the cameras led to increased tension between them, resulting in a breakup shortly after filming concluded. Additionally, she worried about her mother’s behaviour while drinking, fearing the impact it could have on her family during the show’s airing.
Viewers of ’16 & Pregnant’ witnessed a dramatic confrontation between Savannah and her mother, culminating in Savannah calling the police over concerns for her younger brother’s safety. Her tumultuous relationship with Stone only added to her burdens as she took on the primary responsibility for raising her son amid personal chaos. Savannah expressed profound regret about Rowan growing up in a fractured home, explaining, “I feel like I failed my son because he’s growing up in a broken home.”
Following the airing of her episode, Savannah faced harsh criticism online, which significantly affected her mental well-being. She recalled the overwhelming negativity directed towards her, particularly due to her race and the struggles she was facing. This significant backlash led to a period of depression, and Savannah lost custody of Rowan briefly during this tumultuous time.
Her search for stability, unfortunately, led her into a series of unhealthy relationships. Just over eight years later, Savannah thought she had found happiness with Jonathan O’Dell, discovering she was expecting again. However, their life soon took a terrifying turn when law enforcement descended upon their home. This shocking event occurred during a standoff with a friend of Jonathan’s who was allegedly involved in a militia group.
Describing the incident, Savannah recalled military helicopters and explosive devices being deployed in her vicinity. As panic ensued, she was forced to make the harrowing decision to flee, pleading for her life as she exited the house. “I got up and I ran out of the door with my hands up and said, ‘Please don’t shoot. I’m 24 weeks pregnant,'” she recounted.
Jonathan was eventually arrested and sentenced to an astonishing 165 years in federal prison, leaving Savannah to navigate life as a single mother with their daughter. She stressed that her circumstances were not a direct result of her participation in the television series but rather a reflection of her attempts to fill emotional voids in her life.
Today, Savannah has re-established a relationship with Rowan, and she’s determined to create a brighter future for her children. As she reflects on her past, she emphasizes that nothing can replace genuine love and support, regardless of public opinion. Her candid story in ‘Hollywood Demons: Surviving 16 & Pregnant’ aims to inspire others who may be facing similar struggles, proving that resilience and self-discovery are fundamental in overcoming life’s obstacles.
The documentary series is set to premiere on May 18 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Investigation Discovery and will also be available for streaming on HBO Max. Savannah’s journey stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unwavering commitment to family.