TLC is “reassessing” the future of its hit reality show “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” after a disturbing TMZ report that one of the stars, Mama June, is dating a convicted child molester.

“TLC is not currently in production on ‘Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.’ We are very concerned about this new information and are reassessing the future of the series,” a network spokesperson said in a statement.

Additional Images

Alana Thompson, now 9, laughs during an interview at her home in McIntrye, Ga. She’s the title character in the TLC hit show “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.” The Associated Press 2012 file photo

The series, which follows child beauty pageant contestant Alana Thompson, mother Mama June and the rest of the outspoken, quirky family in central Georgia, wrapped up Season 4 in August. While rumored to be picked up for more episodes, the network never officially announced a fifth season.

TMZ reports that since Mama June broke up with partner Sugar Bear in September, she’s been seeing Mark McDaniel, a Georgia man convicted of aggravated child molestation (allegedly against one of June’s relatives) in 2004. He served 10 years in prison, according to TMZ, and he was released in March.

“Honey Boo Boo” has been a staple on TLC since 2008, after Alana (“Honey Boo Boo”) appeared on the cable network’s “Toddlers & Tiaras” and was so dynamic on camera that she practically demanded a spin-off. Since then, the show has been a constant target for mockery and memes, thanks to 9-year-old Alana’s endlessly quotable lines and Mama June’s extreme couponing and recipes for food like “sketti.” It averages 2 million viewers.

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