‘Teen Mom OG’: Amber Portwood Blasts Gary and Kristina Shirley Over Parenting
Amber Portwood’s ups and downs have been documented on Teen Mom OG for over a decade. The 30-year-old has had her fair share of legal troubles. But through it all, she’s remained committed to being a good mother. Unfortunately, things aren’t in the best place between Portwood and her tween daughter, Leah.
A recent episode featuring Leah being vocal about her disappointment in her mother has Portwood in an uproar. Portwood recently took to social media to blast her ex, Gary Shirley, and his wife, Kristina, denying they are the dominant parents of Leah.
Amber Portwood opens up about her strained relationship with her daughter Leah
Portwood was just a teenager when she gave birth to her daughter Leah and it wasn’t an easy journey. In addition to issues between her and Shirley, Portwood struggled with depression and substance abuse. She also served jail time for a domestic dispute with Shirley. As a result, Shirley was granted primary custody of Leah.
Viewers have watched Portwood try to find a balance between keeping her life on track and being a present mom. Shirley found it hard to trust Portwood at times. He also was not a fan of Portwood’s romantic partners.
Related: ‘Teen Mom OG’: Amber Portwood Pleads Guilty to Felony
Portwood admits that due to her personal struggles, her relationship with Leah suffered. She told E! News in February 2020, “She’s just getting older and she wants to know why and what happened back in the day and she wants to know certain things.”
She also hinted to feeling a bit envious of Leah’s relationship with her stepmother. Gary and Kristina have been married since 2015. “It’s hard because it’s hurtful to me when she feels possibly like she has more of a connection with somebody else than me because I’m not around as much as other people,” Portwood said. “That sucks. I’m an hour way. It’s hurtful, it really is. But I’m happy to watch my daughter become this strong queen.”
Leah is not excited to invite her mother to her birthday party on ‘Teen Mom OG’
During the Mar. 30 episode of Teen Mom OG, Portwood reveals plans she made to spend time with Leah fell through. With Leah’s birthday approaching, she’s hoping she can make things up to her. But when Gary speaks with Leah about inviting Portwood to her birthday party, Leah reveals her hesitations.
Related: ‘Teen Mom OG’: Fans React to Alleged Audio of the Night of Amber Portwood’s Arrest
“We don’t really have a bond like that,” Leah tells her dad. “Twelve years and she hasn’t really done anything. That’s kind of been like Kristina’s spot…All she did was give birth to me.” Leah also says she’s closer to Kristina.
Still, Gary emphasizes that maintaining a relationship with her mother is important and that Leah should give Portwood a chance to make amends. Leah hesitantly agrees to let Portwood come. Later on in the episode, Portwood chooses to sit Leah’s party out in favor of one-on-one time.
Amber Portwood slams Gary and Kristina Shirley
Portwood isn’t happy about the latest episode. In response to fans praising Gary and Kristina, Portwood took to Instagram live to defend herself while throwing some shade her ex’s way.
“I try to invest time with Leah all the time, all the time. It’s all I ever do,” she shared. “[Kristina] doesn’t take care of my daughter. No, Gary does not clothe her, feeds her. Gary wouldn’t have a job if it wasn’t for me in the very beginning.”
Related: ‘Teen Mom OG’: Amber Portwood is Fighting to Keep Baby James in Indiana
Portwood didn’t hold back about Kristina, adding, “[Leah] respects her because she brings her out to Starbucks, gets her nails done and spends over $1,000 of clothing on her. Hell, I’d respect her too. See, I wasn’t raised that way. I was raised to not spoil my child.”
Teen Mom OG airs every Tuesday at 8 pm EST on MTV.
