Family Crisis’ Jennifer Says Pumpkin ‘Really Stepped Up’ By Taking in Alana Amid Mama June’s Drama

Sisters have each other’s backs. Amid Mama June Shannon’s drama, Lauryn “Pumpkin” Shannon has been there for little sis Alana Thompson, a.k.a. Honey Boo Boo. At only 20-years-old, she’s “really stepped up,” Alana’s stepmom, Jennifer Thompson, exclusively tells In Touch. The Mama June: Family Crisis star commended husband Mike “Sugar Bear” Thompson’s former stepdaughter for doing everything she can for the 14-year-old.

“She has a baby that’s almost 2 years old and she takes in her sister,” Jennifer said. “It takes a lot for a 20-year-old to say, ‘I’m going to be able to do this.’” Despite their drama with Mama June, Jennifer and Sugar Bear are also doing what they can to be there for their family.

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When they first heard about June’s arrest, they were “shocked” — and their phones started blowing up. “Our main concern was Alana,” Sugar Bear tells In Touch. Thankfully, they know she’s in good hands now. And in terms of advice he has to share with Pumpkin, he keeps it simple. “Just take care of her,” he says. “And if you ever need me, I’m a phone call away.”

Even outside of their coparenting relationship with June, however, there are still plenty of hard feelings. “I don’t know if she’s jealous or she’s just hardheaded and stubborn,” Jennifer says. “She thinks she’s the best of everything.” The two women were meant to face off in a weight-loss competition on the show, but the game was called off once the legal drama ramped up.

“It takes two people for a competition,” the From Not to Hot star continues. “I wanted her there so I could kick her butt and let everybody see that there is a better person than June Shannon.” But there’s one person who doesn’t need any more convincing on that front, and that’s Sugar Bear. She quickly shuts down any questions about whether her husband might ever reunite with his ex.

“That man? He don’t [sic] need a play toy,” she says. “Play toys are for little dogs that chew on them and then they get thrown in the trash.” The man himself agrees. “Been there, done that,” he jokes. “I’m sticking with Jennifer.”