TLC canceled reality series "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" on Friday, a day after news of June "Mama June" Shannon's relationship with a man who was convicted of molesting a young relative of the star surfaced.
On Friday, TLC issued a statement to TheWrap: "TLC has cancelled the series 'Here Comes Honey Boo Boo' and ended all activities around the series, effective immediately. Supporting the health and welfare of these remarkable children is our only priority. TLC is faithfully committed to the children's ongoing comfort and well-being."
The network had previously planned a fifth season of the reality show to premiere in January 2015.
Shannon is allegedly carrying on a relationship with Mark McDaniel, a 53-year-old who served 10 years in prison for molesting an eight-year-old relative of Shannon's. The abuse of the child included forced oral sex. McDaniel was released in March and he's now a registered sex offender in Georgia.
The reality star was reportedly dating McDaniel at the time of the abuse and currently remains in contact with the victim — who would be at least 18 years old now.
Previously, Shannon was in a relationship with Mike "Sugar Bear" Thompson, Alanna "Honey Boo Boo" Shannon's father. They finally married after nine years together in September 2013, which aired on the TLC show. A year later, the couple announced their separation.
Also read: 'Honey Boo Boo' Proves It Takes a Village to Make Over Mama June (Exclusive Video)
"Here Comes Honey Boo Boo," a spinoff of TLC's child pageant series "Toddlers and Tiaras," had been under fire from those who opposed child beauty pageants and the show's portrayal of Southern life, since it premiered in August 2012.
"Honey Boo Boo" had been a consistent ratings winner for TLC. Its premiere episode earned a 1.6 rating in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic, attracting 2.2 million viewers. The Aug. 29, 2012 episode, which aired during the Republican National Convention, made news when it attracted nearly three million viewers and earned a 1.3 rating among the advertiser demo, beating Fox News convention coverage's 1.2 rating and NBC's convention coverage rating of a 1.1.
