Teen Mom's Maci Bookout and Ryan Edwards: A Rollercoaster Journey of Coparenting, Restraining Orders, and Beyond
Maci Bookout and Ryan Edwards, former stars of 'Teen Mom,' have navigated a tumultuous co-parenting journey since their son Bentley's birth in 2008 From restraining orders to ups and downs, explore the rollercoaster ride of their relationship
Teen Mom viewers have witnessed the ongoing turmoil between Maci Bookout and Ryan Edwards for over ten years. Their turbulent relationship was originally showcased on the first season of 16 and Pregnant in 2009. Following the birth of their son Bentley in October 2008, they briefly became engaged in 2009 but eventually ended their relationship for good. Despite moving on with other partners, Bookout and Edwards continued to face difficulties in their interactions. (Bookout tied the knot with Taylor McKinney in 2016, while Ryan was married to Mackenzie Edwards from 2017 until she initiated divorce proceedings in 2023.)
Things reached a climax in 2018 when Bookout obtained a two-year restraining order against Ryan, following his reported threats towards her and McKinney. Three years later, tensions rose between McKinney and Ryan's father, Larry Edwards, as they engaged in a heated on-camera debate regarding Ryan's connection with Bentley. Continue reading to discover the various highs and lows in Bookout and Ryan's relationship.
Credit: Jeff Christensen ; MTV
Teen Mom's Maci Bookout and Ryan Edwards’ Ups and Downs Over the Years: Coparenting, Restraining Order and More
Teen Mom fans have watched Maci Bookout and Ryan Edwards’ drama play out for more than a decade.
The pair's tumultuous relationship was first featured on season 1 of 16 and Pregnant in 2009. Following the birth of their son Bentley in October 2008, they got engaged briefly in 2009 before ultimately ending their relationship. Bookout and Edwards moved on with other partners, but their relationship remained strained. (Bookout married Taylor McKinney in 2016, while Ryan was married to Mackenzie Edwards from 2017 until she filed for divorce in 2023.)
The situation reached a breaking point in 2018 when Bookout obtained a two-year restraining order against Ryan after he allegedly made threats towards both her and McKinney. Three years later, tensions escalated further when McKinney and Ryan's father, Larry Edwards, engaged in a heated on-camera confrontation regarding Ryan's relationship with Bentley.
Keep scrolling to see all the ups and downs in Bookout and Ryan’s relationship:
Credit: Courtesy of Maci Bookout McKinney; /Instagram
October 2008
The then-couple welcomed son Bentley. At the time, Bookout was 16 and a junior in high school, while Ryan was 20.
Credit: Youtube
June 2009
Bookout and Ryan launched the entire Teen Mom franchise with their first-ever episode of 16 and Pregnant. The episode showcased their tumultuous relationship and the birth of their son, Bentley, while also highlighting Bookout's challenges as a teenage mother.
Credit: Youtube (2)
2009
The pair were briefly engaged in 2009 but called it quits soon after, with Bookout famously taking off her wedding ring during the first season of Teen Mom.
Credit: Courtesy of Maci Bookout McKinney; /Instagram
2010 to 2012
Teen Mom fans will recall the tumultuous love story between the Bulletproof author and King, which commenced in 2010 and became infamously contentious on an episode of the MTV series. At the same time, Ryan, the skilled BMX rider, was romantically involved with Paige. Both Bookout and Ryan decided to part ways with their respective partners in 2012, exactly two years after their initial relationships had begun.
Credit: Courtesy of Maci Bookout McKinney/Instagram
2012 to 2016
Both Bookout and Ryan had eventful dating lives in the next four years. Bookout broke up with King in 2012 and began a relationship with McKinney, whom she later married in 2016. Their first child, Jayde, was born in May 2015, followed by their son Maverick in May 2016.
On the other hand, Ryan dated Shelby Woods from 2013 to 2014. He met Mackenzie in 2016 and the couple had two wedding ceremonies the following year.
Credit: Courtesy Maci Bookout/Instagram
October 2016
Ryan was in attendance as Bookout married McKinney.
Credit: Courtesy Mackenzie McKee/Instagram
November 2017
Bookout returned the favor at Ryan and Mackenzie's second round of nuptials.
Credit: MTV
May 2018
Bookout was given a restraining order for two years against her former partner, who she alleged had made threats to both her and her husband's well-being. This order ensured the protection of Bookout, McKinney, and their two children, while still allowing Ryan to have visitation rights with Bentley.
Credit: Maci Bookout McKinney
May 2019
In the wake of continuous online onslaught against Mackenzie, tarnishing her fidelity, Ryan found himself apprehended due to his infringement of a Restraining Order his spouse had pursued. Merely hours before his apprehension, Bookout enigmatically conveyed her thoughts via Instagram addressing the issue of "narcissistic abuse" and the resulting trauma it entails.
Ryan was booked on multiple charges, including harassment, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.
Credit: Youtube
March 2021
The Edwards family, including Ryan's parents, Jen and Larry, were dismissed from the show "Teen Mom" after Larry and McKinney engaged in a confrontational sit-down discussion regarding Ryan and his relationship with Bentley. Mackenzie alleged in an interview with Without a Crystal Ball that Bookout was the reason behind their departure. She stated, "It's more of a hostile, I'm-going-to-assert-my-dominance kind of situation," and added, "The reality is, [Maci] has control over the show. It's her production. That's just the way it is, and that's okay."
Credit: Jeff Christensen
September 2022
Bookout exclusively told Us that Ryan and Bentley “don’t have a relationship at all.”
Credit: Courtesy Maci Bookout/Instagram; Courtesy Mackenzie Edwards/Instagram
December 2022
The Teen Mom: Family Reunion star exclusively revealed to Us that, with the help of a life coach during filming, she was able to effectively address her anger and identify the emotional baggage she carries as a result of her past experiences with Ryan. She expressed feeling more equipped and mentally prepared to move forward independently, whilst also figuring out how to navigate the process of rebuilding her relationship and becoming a better parent who can effectively manage the complex emotions that arise.
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February 2023
Following a barrage of social media attacks targeting Mackenzie, Ryan found himself in custody for violating an Order of Protection which she had previously filed against him. Mere hours before his apprehension, Bookout posted an enigmatic message on Instagram alluding to "narcissistic abuse" and the resulting psychological distress. Ryan was subsequently charged with harassment, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance.
Credit: Courtesy of Teen Mom/Twitter; Inset: Courtesy of Ryan Edwards/Instagram
February 2023
Despite being released from the show, Ryan made an appearance on the Teen Mom Family Reunion: The Aftermath - Part 1 reunion in February 2023, which was likely recorded before his issues with Mackenzie. During the heartfelt discussion about his strained relationship with Bentley, Ryan became emotional. His ideal scenario would be for Bookout to be accepting of their son spending time with him. Ryan mentioned, “I haven't had the opportunity to spend quality time with him for a while now." (Bentley, on his part, has openly expressed his unease in seeing his father on Teen Mom.)
The teen “isn’t necessarily comfortable” with spending time with Ryan, Bookout told Us in 2021.
Credit: Courtesy of Maci Bookout/Instagram
April 2023
Bookout recently posted a selfie with Bentley shortly after Ryan's arrest during the Easter weekend for a DUI and possession of a controlled substance. Although she didn't directly mention his legal troubles in the post, she included meaningful lyrics from Pink's "All I Know So Far" in the caption.
"I wish someone had warned me about the unpredictable nature of this darkness," Bookout wrote, referring to a song Pink wrote for her daughter, Willow. "People may pretend, but my son, nobody truly understands / And even I cannot teach you how to soar / However, I can guide you on how to live as if every moment counts."
Credit: MEGA (2)
June 2023
Bookout attended Ryan's court hearing on June 7, two months after he started serving his jail sentence. She emphasized the significance of her presence, stating that it was crucial for her to support both Ryan and Bentley, who is her son.
Credit: The US Sun / MEGA ; Courtesy of Maci Bookout/Instagram
July 2023
Bookout expressed her optimism and satisfaction with her coparenting relationship with Ryan while promoting the return of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter. She shared that she felt "really good" and "comfortable" with their dynamic, highlighting their commitment to effective communication and Ryan's consistent presence in Bentley's life.
Ryan and Bentley's bond has surprisingly strengthened while Ryan was behind bars, according to the MTV personality. She revealed that Ryan's consistent communication and presence in Bentley's life during his jail time was astonishing. (Per The Sun, Ryan was released from jail and immediately sent to rehab after one week).
In a teaser for upcoming episodes of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter, Bookout demonstrated the significant progress in her relationship with Ryan. Upon discovering that Ryan had been put on "suicide watch" following an arrest, she encouraged him to seek therapy. In the trailer, she conveyed the impact his absence would have on countless people, expressing that she would prefer him to be a nuisance but alive rather than absent.
