Amber Portwood
’s daughter,
Leah Shirley
, opened up to
Catelynn Lowell
regarding her connection with Portwood during the May 1 episode
Teen Mom: The New Era
.
Shirley told Lowell and
Maci Bookout
She had reached her limit with pursuing a relationship with Portwood because of Portwood’s unreliability in their interactions and her constant blaming of her father.
Gary Shirley
She mentioned that their relationship has been strained. Additionally, she stated that she had not seen Amber in nine months. Except for the time Amber contacted her following Leah’s diagnosis of asthma, Amber did not make any effort to reach out at all.
“Maci and I have informed her that if she wishes to establish a relationship with you, she must demonstrate more consistency,” Catelynn explained to Leah, recognizing that although she and Maci consider themselves friends with Amber, they also acknowledge her challenges as a parent.
Leah mentioned that having Amber enter and exit her life is “too much,” particularly when she acts as though “everything’s perfect” during these appearances.
Leah explained further, saying she finds this behavior “inauthentic.” She mentioned, “She says she loves me and gives me hugs and all that, but I can’t reciprocate,” adding, “‘It’s like you ignore me entirely until suddenly you want to look good in front of a camera, acting as though you’re the perfect mother.'”
She mentioned that she “doesn’t harbor hatred” towards her mother, but is coping with her “personal problems” and “finds it difficult to manage.”
Regarding Amber attributing the strained relationship to Gary, Leah said she wished “to clarify this situation since it isn’t fair for her to pin the blame on my father for something that is desired by me.”
She mentioned that Gary has continually encouraged Leah to maintain a connection with Amber, including urging Leah to extend an invitation to her birthday celebration — however, Amber ultimately did not attend.
Catelynn praised Leah for recognizing the importance of “establishing limits” to safeguard her “emotional well-being and tranquility,” particularly noteworthy because of Leah’s young age. Catelynn admitted that she found it challenging to do this with her own mother. Adding further, when Catelynn expressed doubt about having a typical relationship with her mom, Leah echoed those sentiments concerning her connection with Amber.
As
OK!
reported following the March 27 episode of
Teen Mom: The New Era
, Amber became overwhelmed, asserting she was
forced out of Leah’s life
.
“I’m experiencing strong emotions about what I just witnessed… those aren’t limits,” Amber expressed.
TikTok Live at this moment
I am her mother, and this feels disrespectful. Do you think I abused her? Am I at fault here? Has anyone asked me to take responsibility for something wrong, sweetheart? Have you served time in jail? Did you ever speak with my daughter about being an addict and all the struggles you faced? Could you relate to my situation? Would you have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars just to stay involved in your child’s life? I doubt it. Even walking one step in my shoes would probably scare you away. The only thing I’ve ever aimed to do in my life is remain present in my daughter’s world, but instead, they tried to push me aside as though I were some kind of disease.
Amber warned others against “messing with” her, emphasizing that she has never prioritized a relationship over her children. She said, “You found me at my worst, and things could spiral further downward.” Her message was clear: “Do not cross this line.”
During another TikTok Live session, the veteran reality TV personality became emotional and claimed she has “done exactly” what her
daughter wanted
.
I showed up when the cameras were gone after she mentioned it,” Amber stated. “I swear. I have tons of photos and videos that I’ve never shared to prevent her from feeling ashamed or anything like that.
Amber likewise spoke to Leah, expressing how “incredibly proud” she is of her and mentioning that she “wouldn’t be” the person she is now without the times when she was absent in the past.
I’ve transformed so significantly, yet you haven’t noticed,” Amber went on while shedding tears. “However, I have always been honest with you. You were my initial romance… the very first experience of love for me. And if this situation is what it takes for you to realize that—since texting, calling, or anything else isn’t working—I simply cannot continue due to some legal issues.
When a critic pointed out that this “did not appear authentic,” Amber maintained that such comments were “driving” Leah “further apart.”
She understands your words and hears them,” she explained further. “There’s so much I cannot express verbally. And I want to convey this gently—I will hope for the day when people won’t push me aside due to their anger towards me. However, nothing can be done regarding those past incidents. Yet, please refrain from causing pain using something you know deeply hurts me.
Read more at
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