Mama June fans watched as Anna Cardwell passed away from stage 4 adrenal carcinoma. She left behind two daughters, Kaitlyn and Kylee, and no firm custody plan. This was a problem because the sisters wanted to be together, but that would end up in a legal battle. They were ultimately separated, and there has been a lot of mudslinging amongst the adults.
Now, Anna’s sister, Pumpkin Efird, is bashing Anna’s ex-husband, Michael Cardwell, for essentially holding Kylee hostage. Keep reading for all of the details.
Michael Cardwell Holding Kylee Hostage?
When Mama June and her family were on their press tour for Family Crisis, the topic of Kylee Cardwell came up. She is the youngest daughter of Anna Cardwell, whom she shared with her first husband, Michael. It made sense that he would get custody of her after Anna passed, given that he was her biological father. As for Anna’s eldest child, Kaitlyn, her dad was always unknown, although Michael allegedly helped raise her. He attempted to fight June for custody but lost. Despite Kaitlyn and Kylee living in two different states, the goal was to keep them close.
While doing press, it came out that Michael had blocked Kaitlyn. This was shocking, and his wife, London Cardwell, soon disputed the claim. Fans even thought that it was a Mama June fabrication. Now, Pumpkin Efird is saying her piece, and she is bashing Michael and London. She stated that no one has seen Kylee in two years and added:
- When my sister passed Michael Cardwell and London Cardwell BOTH sat in the yard at my mom’s house in Ivey and said “I promise we won’t keep Kylee from yall or Kaitlyn”.
This has allegedly all been a lie, and no matter how many times the Shannon women have attempted to reach out, nothing comes of it. However, if Michael, London, and Kylee happen to come to Georgia, they want to see Kaitlyn. Yet, they allegedly do not allow Kylee to swing by. Finally, Pumpkin noted that Anna never wanted any of this. She only wanted the girls together, and that has been made very clear by everyone, even Mama June. This was all sparked when London reposted this video, saying to pray for the family.
@salty_teaquila Mama June talking about how KP doesn’t get to see her younger sister Kylie since Anna passed. #mamajune #honeybooboo #KP #sisters #saltyteaquila ♬ original sound – saltyTEAquila
London Claps Back, Family Jumps In
After Mama June fans read what Pumpkin Efird wrote about her experience with Kylee’s father and stepmother, there was a lot to say. Moreover, there was a lot to process. In this situation, it is truly hard to know what is true, what is false, and what is somewhere in the middle. It is clear that they all really love these girls, but there is a lot of pride and anger. All Pumpkin wants is to see her niece and for the kids to be together, which is fair. When London Cardwell saw what Pumpkin posted, she clapped back.
She claimed that no one has reached out in two years. Her mother even jumped in, stating she tried to act as a mediator, and that did not work. Mama June addressed trying to get grandparents’ rights, but that seems like a long shot. Alana ‘Honey Boo Boo’ Thompson stated that she wants everyone to get along. The most shocking person to chime in was Mama June’s estranged mother, Sandra Hale, who raised Anna:
- I haven’t seen Kaitlyn in 2 years either other than talking to her once in a while on the phone and I’m her Grandma. You all have made no attempt to get us together.
It looks like there is a lot more going on than anyone knows. Maybe they need a lot of family therapy and some unblocking to get this all worked out.
Are you stunned about how this is playing out? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade, holding both a BA and an MA. Her passions include animals, iced coffee, gnomes, summer, music, and ‘Vanderpump Rules’.
