Amber Portwood recently took to TikTok Live to address ongoing rumors surrounding her exit from Teen Mom: The Next Chapter. Contrary to speculation suggesting she had been fired, Portwood made it clear that she voluntarily resigned from the series, stating,
“Not only am I not being let go, I quit three days ago.”
Prior discussions on social media had led many to believe that her dismissal was imminent, largely due to her tumultuous past and the nature of her recent storylines. However, Portwood explicitly communicated her choice to leave, asserting personal reasons—chiefly mental health—as driving factors behind her decision.
Clarifying Her Departure
Amber Portwood on quitting instead of being fired
During her live session, Portwood vehemently rejected the narrative suggesting her exit resulted from a contract termination by MTV. She emphasized the importance of accurate representation of her situation, stating,
“It’s so weird that people are saying this when I literally just quit.”
Emphasizing her autonomy, Portwood stated that the production team had not coerced her decision. She openly discussed the emotional challenges she faced during filming and reiterated that her mental well-being played a crucial role in her resignation, expressing,
“My mental health was one of the things I said, other than the yelling and crying from being so damn hurt from stuff.”
These revelations prompt reflection on the toll reality television can take on its stars. While MTV has yet to issue a formal response to her claims, Portwood’s willingness to share her experience highlights ongoing conversations surrounding mental health in the entertainment industry.
Portwood Reflects on Motherhood and Family Dynamics
Additionally, Portwood has shared insights regarding her relationship with her daughter Leah, whom she co-parents with former partner Gary Shirley. In a TikTok Live from February 27, she addressed viewer comments regarding their relationship status, particularly alluding to a claim stating she hadn’t communicated with Leah for four months. Portwood clarified,
“I was told to stay away. Not to stay away, but… all that stuff.”
This indicates that her absence was not purely voluntary. Portwood also commented on Leah’s understanding of their past, explaining that Leah’s grasp of her early childhood memories is largely shaped by what she has seen on television rather than direct recollections, asserting,
“We already talked about everything from the past.”
Leah Discusses the Challenges of Watching Past Footage
In a poignant moment during the February 20 episode of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter, Leah openly shared her reactions to watching past episodes of 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom. Reflecting on early footage, she remarked,
“I see the older ones from when I was like 2 and it’s just weird to watch because it’s always just Amber screaming at you and you leave.”
Leah conveyed how watching these episodes was not only odd but emotionally taxing, revealing how they captured moments that were difficult due to her lack of direct memory. The shared experiences between her parents as depicted in these episodes added a layer of complexity, making these throwbacks even more challenging to digest.
Portwood’s long-term association with the Teen Mom franchise began with her debut on 16 & Pregnant. Her recent resignation signifies a significant moment in her journey within the series. As new episodes of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter continue to air every Thursday at 8 PM ET on MTV, viewers can anticipate the ongoing evolution of the cast’s personal stories.