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Teen Mom 2’s Jenelle Evans broke down over her fractured relationship with “toxic” mom Barbara Evans.
On Wednesday, October 4, Jenelle (31) took to social media to address false abuse allegations made by her mother Barbara (70) against her and her husband David Eason. In an emotional Instagram video, Jenelle expressed her frustration at the tarnishing of her name caused by these unfounded claims. While tears streamed down her face, she mouthed the lyrics of Kesha's song "Praying" in the background, conveying her hope for resolution and peace.
“There are always two sides to every story, and currently you are only hearing one side: hers," she stated in the caption. "I have received guidance from multiple individuals on how to handle my situation with her. I refuse to allow her to continue making my life miserable and distracting me from living. I will no longer let her control my emotions. She has inflicted so much trauma on my entire family throughout my upbringing, always instilling fear in me. I am no longer afraid, and I must come to the realization that she cannot control me. I have authority over my own family and my own mental well-being."
On September 28, Jenelle notified authorities that Jace was missing for the third time. It was reported that he had left their home in North Carolina through a window. According to a police incident report from Monday, October 2, obtained by The Ashley's Reality Roundup, Barbara informed the police at the time that the teenager had called her and disclosed that he was "hiding" from his stepfather, who Jace claimed had assaulted him. (Aside from Jace, whom she shares with her ex Andrew Lewis, Jenelle is also the mother of her 9-year-old son Kaiser, whom she shares with her ex Nathan Griffith, and her 6-year-old daughter Ensley with Eason.)
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According to the police report, when contacted, Barbara informed that Jace was not present at the residence. She revealed that she had a conversation with Jace earlier that evening, during which he called from an unidentified number. In this call, he described being assaulted by David Eason and revealed that he had run away and was currently in hiding.
Barbara, who had been the primary caretaker of Jace until March when Jenelle was given custody, was unable to fulfill her grandson's request to pick him up due to ongoing legal and custody issues. Jace was found on September 30 and taken to the hospital.
Eason also alleged that police reports have been tampered with and the truth is already evident to all parties concerned. Furthermore, he specified, "Barbara is completely uninvolved and currently prohibited from communicating with him. The most beneficial action any of you can take for Jace is to refrain from discussing him altogether. Thank you."
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Jenelle asserted in her Wednesday video that Barbara is employing "third-party tactics" against her, while acknowledging that "God knows the truth." She wrapped up her extensive statement by appealing for prayers and support for both her family and her spouse.
"Please, I implore the media to safeguard my son's mental wellbeing. STOP, I beg of you," she pleaded. "Your information is inaccurage, and I will soon demonstrate it. Appreciate all of you! ❤️."
Jenelle previously refuted any connection between Jace's running away and the disagreements she had with Eason. She insisted that his actions were instead related to disciplinary issues at school. According to a statement from her manager, August Keen, Jenelle stated, "When we took away his phone, he made the choice to flee." She further emphasized that Jace's decision to run away had no correlation with her situation with David, as they made a point to avoid arguing or fighting in front of their children.
Eason has a history of violence, evidenced by his actions in the past. In May 2019, he was accused by Jenelle of cracking her collarbone, although no charges were filed. Another incident occurred when Eason shot and killed Jenelle's dog, Nugget, after it bit their child, Ensley, on the cheek. As a result of this incident, they temporarily lost custody of their children, which eventually led to their separation. Jenelle initially announced her intention to file for divorce in October 2019, but the couple ultimately reconciled. Conversely, Jenelle recently attempted to obtain a restraining order against her mother, but her request was ultimately denied.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.