'Teen Mom' Under Investigation for Domestic Abuse in Front of Child

By John Mitchell Posted Oct 20th 2010 02:00PM

Amber Portwood, the fiery and sometimes violent star of 'Teen Mom,' broke down during a reunion episode Tuesday night after Dr. Drew Pinsky confronted her about the abuse she inflicted -- on camera -- on her former fiance, Gary Shirley. Now, there are reports that she is being investigated for domestic violence by police in Anderson, Ind., and the state Department of Child Services, and could face felony charges for punching Shirley in front of their daughter, Leah.

In Indiana and other states, domestic violence in front of a child under the age of 14 can result in felony charges, Caryn Burton, training director at the Coalition Against Domestic Violence, told HollywoodLife.com. There has also been some talk about whether the MTV camera crew's decision to not intervene in the attacks could merit misdemeanor charges, as it is similarly against Indiana state law to not report witnessed domestic or child abuse.

The story was addressed in-depth this morning on the 'Today' show.

According to Life & Style, whose headline this week refers to Amber as an "Out-of-Control MONSTER," Portwood has become something of a pariah in her hometown since her violent behavior aired on a Sept. 28 episode of 'Teen Mom.' In an editorial entitled "Reality TV Giving Wrong Impression of Anderson" in a local newspaper, The Herald Bulletin, an Anderson-based reporter had a lot to say about Amber's behavior.

"She kicked and punched him seven times before kicking him in the back as he walked down a flight of stairs ... Reality shows prey on featuring people who appear to be undereducated, narcissistic and full of anger," the piece reads. "'Teen Mom' is not the national image Anderson wants. We don't push our loved ones down stairs. We don't take pride that our teenage girls are 16 and pregnant. We don't all drop out of high school."

At the time, MTV told the Herald Bulletin: "Our role in 'Teen Mom' is to document how incredibly challenging and difficult being a teen parent is. In this particular instance, we monitored the situation to make sure no one was in imminent danger and that the child was not there."

However, the child, Leah, was present during at least one of several different altercations between Amber and Gary, and according to HollywoodLife.com, "Failure to report child abuse/neglect is a crime ... Indiana law requires any person who has reason to believe that a child is a victim of abuse or neglect to make an immediate oral report to DCS or to law enforcement."

When confronted about the situation by Pinsky, Amber broke down in tears and claimed to have "blacked out" during the incident, saying she only remembers striking Gary once. For his part, a source close to Gary told RadarOnline that he believes Amber is a "great mother."

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Tags: Amber Portwood, teen mom

Comments

(475)

Wednesday 20 October

By Dewey Compost

Vote down Vote up Report this

You are truly the exception. Keep up the good work!

By vcrozas

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

Used Medicaid? Kid on Medicaid? Secion 8 or controlled rent? Food stamps? Wic? YOU HAD HELP!

By mercedes3892

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

She was so fake crying on the show last night, no tears. Then she wipes her eyes, for what, nothing was there to wipe. He seems like such a good person/ father and while that daughter sees all of this, she will grow up to dislike her mother if she doesn't stop this abuse. He's good, because he has never been filmed to have hit her back. I don't know what goes on when the cameras aren't running, but if there was abuse on his part, I'm sure she would have said something long before now.

By gasman

Indiana step up and do something for that kid
HELLO WAKE UP Indiana

By Anthony

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

To all you teen chicks who like to spread their legs! Don't! No need to be bending over and getting pregnant as a teenager! Are you guys that stupid? Whomever gets pregnant 'by accident' LOL as a teen, your absolute IDIOTS! No one should feel sorry for u because if you were spreading your legs you would not have to worry about raising a child and looking for pity!

By CW

This girl is pure TRASH. With her temper and rages, won't be long until she hits and curses her daughter. The authorities should have already stepped in. I feel for her daughter since she is growing up thinking that what 'mommy and daddy' do, say, show, act like, etc is normal. I wonder what happens 'off' camera if it's that bad 'on camera'?

By Apryl

Lock that loser a** b***h up. She deserves to be in jail. Good for him for not touching her back,but i'm sure some people will say he's a wuss cuz he didn't. He's not.It takes a strong man to walk away.

By Richard

They need to take this child away promptly from her. It's not going to stop and will spread to everyone including her child. She's a spoiled, immature "party girl". Totally out of control. Why this father doesn't press charges is unbelievable.

By fathertimema

rairaimunster
If what your saying is true good for you. Keep up the good work!

By Stephanie

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

If u actually watch these shows, you would know that the little girl Leah is so afraid of her mother. SHe was always clinging to her father. Leah should be with her father at this point while AMbwe goes to Anger managment

By piinktiimbz4me2

FINALLY something is being done about the abuse Amber has caused. Gary did the right thing about taking Leah, but the timing was SO OFF. Why did he choose to do so NOW if he already KNEW how Amber is. I see that he took Leah during HIS emotions and furstrations. I know he wants to keep his family together, BUT if it really WAS for Leah, he should have made that decision sooner than later. Good luck to Gary because he is going to need it!

By Michelle

Her child should be removed from her forever and she should be sterilized. People like that should NEVER be allowed to have children again. NEVER

By pst2868

I second that.

By Laureen

AMEN!

By MaryMRevis

EXCELLENT Michelle!!!

By krelorjac

This Amber is out of control, as in maybe she is bi-polar and she needs to be on medications. But you can't fix stupid.

By sweetpo90

PLEASE DON'T PICK YOUR KIDS UP BY THE ARMS!!!!! I noticed that Gary picked the child up by the arms. Everyone should be made aware that picking up a child by the arms can cause damage to the shoulder joints or cause a greenstick fracture of the bone. I have seen this happen in the past when a friend of mine used this technique to pick up her child. I see too much of this on tv and is one among many other actions that need to be addressed. Picking up a cat or dog that way is also harmful in the same way.

By mcamon

Double standard played out here. If it were Gary punching Amber, the MTV crew would have intervened, police called, Gary taken to jail and child protective services would have been notified. It has to be one for all. I feel MTV should have stepped up and stopped this before it got out of control. They are as much to blame as Amber and should face charges as well being they are supposed to be "adults".

By Tonya

He needs to LEAVE her... That made my heart hurt for him and that child!!!!! That is not clue.... if it happens on TV it happens off the CAM.... He need to leave her!!!!

Wednesday 10 November

By june

That girl is so stupid,she just wants attention yeah MTV Give it to her ..MTV crew will be prosecuted for not doing anything about the situation .

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