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Season two of the MTV hit "Teen Mom" showed Amber Portwood repeatedly punch then-fiance Gary Shirley.
Update: Amber Portwood is now behind bars in Indiana. Celebrity gossip site TMZ reports that she was booked at 4:21 p.m. ET and is on a 24-hour hold. Bail was set at $5,000.
Portwood surrendered to police this afternoon, E! News confirmed.
"Amber is scared," her brother Shawn Portwood told E! "It's just been awful because we were supposed to have Christmas all together with my mom today and (the cops) picked her up an hour before."
Radar Online and TMZ reported this morning that the "Teen Mom" star was officially charged by the Madison County Prosecutor's Office with three felonies: two for domestic battery and one count of neglect of a dependent. On top of that, she faces one misdemeanor count of domestic battery. The charges were all filed on Dec. 27.
Portwood's troubles stem from footage aired on season two of MTV's hit program, which showed the 20-year-old repeatedly punching and hitting then-fiance Gary Shirley, who is the father of her toddler, Leah.
Police in Anderson, Ind., where Portwood and Shirley live, officially charged her with two felonies and one misdemeanor for domestic violence in November. It was up to the prosecutor to determine whether to stick with those charges. Portwood faces a $10,000 fine and up to three years in jail if convicted on all of the charges. As Radar reports, a warrant has already been issued for Portwood's arrest.
But the brewing legal troubles may not have been enough to convince the young mother to change her ways. A source told Radar Online earlier this month that Portwood hit Shirley again, and also acted as if she was going to hit Shirley's new girlfriend.
"Teen Mom" Amber Portwood crosses the line as she attacks her child's father, Gary Shirley.
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Maybe some jail time will help her figure out her anger management issues.
Doubt it!
Freak Zone
Would anyone be watching this show if she was behaving beautifully, with proper manners etc etc, instead of acting like a 'leggobeas'? Hardly imo.
The prosecutor can attempt to prosecute but he will not win the case, as it will be stated that it was an act for the camera/program.
If she was doing anything wrong - per the guidelines of the program- and committing a chargable offense per the law, wouldn't MTV be equally as guilty for not stopping her actions and not showing the tape?
If what she did was a chagable per the law wouldn't the folks on the Jerry Springer etc shows be charged for beating up/assaulting etc others on those shows?
So what has changed regarding these shows now, where this teenage mom in partcular should be charged with a crime? Is it because we are just getting weary of these types of shows and this type of obnoxious behaviour?
If what occured on the show could be used to convict this teenager it is doubtful if MTV would air the episode imo.
The prosecutor has just given the MTV show some very valuable exposure and advertisement. LOL
"Would anyone watch this show" LOL! Why would anyone in their right mind watch any of these stupid shows of people arguing? Go outside and get a life....
BZe1,
If he had instead punched her in the face on camera, would you also think that he should not be charged?
this video should keep the court proceedings short and to the point!
Jim, #1.4, I was attempting to point out that there are loopholes that this teenager can wriggle through with regards to the 'incident'. Did she really hit the guy or is it make belive/pretend?
Lock him up for being an idiot to have impregnated this teenager in the first place. Lock her up for being an ignoramus who would carry out an act of violence against another with the camera rolling. But then... this sort of outrageous behaviour is being encouraged by these sort of shows anyway.
What the hey.... lock them all up including the producers etc of the show.... can't imagine who want to watch this sort of thing anyway.
Oh well it is a reality show...... the guy did not call the police did he, and he is more than likely being handsomely compensated for his participation in the show including taking a hit or two for his 'art' or part. LOL
I suggest that you do NOT follow your own advice because YOU will end up in jail. THE PROGRAM IS EVIDENCE OF BATTERY. What will happen next is the judge will authenticate said evidence and it will be used against this uncontrollable brat who should NOT be raising a baby.
It depends but normally MTV WOULD NOT be guilty. NO ONE HAS A DUTY to report a crime. MTV could argue that they were just taping and NOT involved in the domestic dispute.
Absolutely ridiculous. and she is a mother. we wonder why our children are a mess!! look what is raising them. how bout we teach birth control instead of watching these idiots raise children!!!!!
The troubling part is that these people keep breeding.
I find the video and this young woman's behavior absolutely sickening. I hope she is charged.
Now, had that guy even so much as raised a hand in the air, the DA in our city would have him locked up, rather than the girl. I've seen young men charged when all they were doing was defending themselves by raising both arms in front of their faces, but because the woman attacked her spouse in front of their children, HE was arrested and charged. She's 5'3" and he's 6'2" and that's how the DA sees it.
It seems that the woman NEVER gets punished for these crimes! It happened in my family and the woman claims ,(oh, it was nothing, just a little smack when the she had repeatedly slapped him and even knocked him down steps in front of the children). Then the public and T.V. people almost always side with the divorced mom! And why does the father always have to fight in court to even have equal custody of the children! Then the exwife constantly puts their father down because he won~t continue supporting HER FINANCIALLY! _MEN! PLEASE STAND UP AND DEFEND YOURSELVES AND GET THE LAWS CHANGED TO LET PEOPLE KNOW THAT THERE ARE VIOLENT AND DANGEROUS WOMEN WHO ARE GETTING AWAY WITH THIS CRIME!
"Portwood's troubles stem from footage aired on season two of MTV's hit program"
MTV's HIT PROGRAM. Just think about this for a minute! A hit program featuring the complete dysfunction of those little Profit Making Dysfunctionals! And on a lousy network that is supposed to be about Music?
This 'Reality' Crap has to stop, and now, before it rots any more brains among those inclined to watch this garbage!
It will stop when "we" stop watching it.
You are right there! Truly horrifying that there are enough watching to make this junk profitable.
Which I guess brings forth the question, how is viewership measured? I personally do not know anyone who watches any of this junk, save for the occasional DWTS watcher.
That's the funny thing. We do not know anyone that watches these type of shows, because we are not their targeted demographic. I work, go home, go to sports with my children, do the family thing and never came across the program. I remember watching Jerry Springer in college and loving it, because it was a train wreck and finally I out grew it. So as long as they have curious tweeners, teenagers and college kids watching, they will keep making it. I am not going to say it all bad, because I have not watch the program at all. I think the subject matters deserved to be presented in a documentary style vs the on screen drama, but what do I know...I am a square. :)
Jahm - I guess the closest analogy to this train reck is what used to be 'Wrestling'. And you are right, I watched it when I was very young and now you could not get me to look at it for an instant!
Jerry Springer is also apt although it took me much less time to get bored/repelled at what was presented. But even this Butt-Hole tried to parlay his abhorrent gig into higher Political Office. Go figure about the state of Humanity.
U of M Fan - FYI, Springer was a politician almost 2 decades before he started the Springer show.
I knew that. I think Mayor of Cincinnati, right? He just tried to go up the rung to the Senate I think.
Maybe the producers and crew of the "hit MTV show" should go to jail for conspiracy as they not only allowed it to happen, but more than likely loved it, egged it on and filmed it for money. If you film a crime for money knowing its going to continue it should be felony conspiracy. Why is the prosecutor not doing his job and filing charges against them? Is it because of money? Is it because if they did MTV would pull out of their town? We all know it is, do your job and do it right or you too are guilty Mr prosecutor.
Actually I DO watch this show with my pre-teen daughter because it is the most honest window into what happens when you choose to have unprotected sex and get pregnant at a young age. I am glad that I can now tell her that Amber will have to pay the consequences of her very poor actions. If you don't like the show then fine, but it actually gives a very accurate assessment of what happens to your life, your relationships with your boyfriend/ girlfriend, friends and parents, and how hard it is to juggle your responsibilities as well as plans you had for your future.
@JS-627 said "Actually I DO watch this show with my pre-teen daughter because it is the most honest window into what happens when you choose to have unprotected sex and get pregnant at a young age.".
By this do you mean that you blame everyone in the world for your problems and take no responsiblity for your own actions and become a violent, irrational biotch that uses violence as a means to control people and make them do what you want? Oh, and lets not forget using your little girl as a pawn to start a career and make money treating her like a prop on your show.
This is not the only thing that happens if you have unprotected sex. I do like the ulitmate scare tactic tho. Do it and you'll become HER!!!
Actually, if you have a teenager, this is a pretty good show to watch. Sure, it's sensationalized at points, but it does a pretty good job of accurately depicting what teen pregnancy is about and the effect it has on everyone's lives. It seems a lot of people have judged this show without actually watching it.
I saw the episode where Amber went off on Gary. I'm not violent by nature, but that boy deserved a kick in the a$$.
waste of tax payer money in my opinion
Maybe, but the law is in place to help battered spouses who do not want to press charges or who are too afraid to press charges against an abusive spouse.
@umdterrapins says...waste of tax payer money in my opinion
A waste of taxpayer money? So its only abuse if a man does it to a woman? Is that what you're getting at here? If so, you are part of the problem in this country. Women are not above the law in abusive relationships. The BF never reported it, the prosecutor saw it on TV and decided to go after her. Men very rarely report anything like this.
Spousal abuse is a serious issue. Its sad and unfortunate, but some women use abuse reports as a tool to get what they want. Not all the time, so don't get all high and mighty trying to crucify for that comment. Its well documented. But for you to spout that comment? Do you think its ok for her to do that?
Hey, latexlatina, stop putting words in people's mouths. How did you get your conclusion from a completely generic statement? Talk about high and mighty.
you aren't concerned for her child? unbelievable!
"Maybe, but the law is in place to help battered spouses who do not want to press charges or who are too afraid to press charges against an abusive spouse."
Translation: "We are from the government, we are here to help you."
My advise... when the government decides what is best for you, regardless of what you want, shut the door and hide.
For those trapped in the 'Domestic Violence' issue with the government forcing you to charge your spouse... if you don't return the calls, ignore the people wanting to talk to you, and don't answer the subpoena, they take you as a unreliable witness and the situation helps.
If you change your story and lie, by taking that path they bring in a psychologist to come and explain why you are crazy for having changed your story and it hurts both you and your spouse. Just ignoring them and refusing to talk... period... is usually the best way.
"the prosecutor saw it on TV and decided to go after her"
The truth is that they go after just about everything and anything now to try and justify the input of more tax money, even start searching for crazy cases on the television. Just today, I just read an article about a prosecutor pressing charges against a man for reading his wife's email.
My advise is to riot, storm the D.A.'s office, toss every one of them out on their butt, and demand that common sense be used in cases.
Who's to say, before long this will be how she deals with her daughter. Makes me sick.
For me, that is the biggest concern. Even if she never strikes the child, being raised around anger and agression like that will only ensure the child thinks it is the way to be and carries on the family tradition.
I totally agree KAREN... She has a hair trigger and I would be very cautious to her getting custody of that poor little girl!
I dont know what is worse, the people on this show...mtv for even producing a show this pathetic...or the people who watch it (and I know a few). I have a cousin who could be on this show...
Today she said - and this is a direct quote: "My daughter answers the phone like a G. all thug like and @!$%# lmfao :)"
of course, they always make sure they have their "ciggys"...who cares about getting her GED, getting a job, actually being a good example for her daughter...all she seems to care about day in and day out is having cigarettes and "chillin with her nig***"...and for the record, my cousin is 1/2 mexican, 1/4 white and 1/4 native american...apparently in her circle of friends, that include black people, that's just another word to call someone your friend.
Im pretty sure its not white racists making this difficult for confused white kids who dont understand why using the word with an a's instead of er's is still completely wrong.
For the record Jessica....the N word is WRONG NO MATTER WHO USES IT. It's a racial slur, a demeaning insult, like b*tch, ho, etc., not a term of endearment, regardless how it's spelled or pronounced.
Amen Maria. If I ever hear my children using those words in any form, I will smack their mouths. Period. If you want to be endearing towards me...call me by my name and say something nice afterwards. Awe Richard you are so wonderful and I would say...awe I know, right?. ;)
Seriously, it will not be tolerated in my house.
For the record I remember when the "N" word was considered an insult, a bad word, a fighting word. Now it's used so often that people don't even flinch anymore. The other day a hispanic/white teen, talking to his friend, used the "n" word 12 times in less then 12 minutes. Yes, I counted. The conversation went something like: "Yo n***! This n*** came to the house, n***, and he was like mad spitting some stupid sh** n**!..." And it continued like that, I stopped counting after 12.
Jahmekan, you're absolutely right to teach your kids not to use such words but please don't smack your kids. This is exactly what can cause the behavior this article is addressing. There are other ways. I hope you were just using the word "smack" figuratively.
Ian-973330~
I am not sure who you hang out with but... I very rarely hear that word used by people I know, and it does make me flinch when I hear it.
"Jahmekan, you're absolutely right to teach your kids not to use such words but please don't smack your kids. This is exactly what can cause the behavior this article is addressing. There are other ways. I hope you were just using the word "smack" figuratively."
Nope.. just smack them.
Oh wait, you are one of those liberals that say that you should never lay a finger on your child, right? I love the word liberal, but why does it always mean someone is trying to take away my liberties?
Let's see... Liberal = Being refrained from religion in school. Liberal = Being refrained from spanking your child. Liberal = Being refrained from buying a delicious happy meal for my child because it isn't nutricious enough. Liberal = Being refrained from buying a soda pop during school hours and making a federal law for it. Liberal = Being refrained from deciding whether or not to charge your spouse for domestic violence (let the government decide). Liberal = Being refrained from teaching sexual responsability while passing out condoms.
If I get any more liberal, I won't have any more liberties.
Did I say I was liberal? Did I say that my kids were not punished? I've raised three fine adults. Politics had nothing to do with it.
You sound so angry. It must have be a real pleasure to live with you.
onewonan: I said smack not beat my children. I am from Jamaica and we got beatings (the term used). I remember hammering a nail in the wall, missed and hit my thumb. I cussed for the first and last time in my mother's house. She heard me and smacked my mouth. I was scolded and told don't you ever say that again under my roof. So yes, I spank my children when warranted. My son is 10 and he has been spanked 4 times over the past six years. Yes, I remember how many times, because it's not an easy thing for me and the discussion that follows is time consuming as I always explain why he was spanked. I will not get into what he did, but as a parent I have a right to discipline my children. Anyway, I am as liberal as they get, but from a different culture. I have to find a balance between the American cultural norm, because the children mother is Natural born American and she is from the time out school of thought. Until things get really out of hand then I get the call at work and it usually start like this: "YOUR son did xyz and I want you to deal with it when you get home." That's the only time the momma's boy is my son :)
Did I hurt your feelings? I notice you didn't deny it.
Go burn a bra and protest your hatred of men, feminazi.
Jahmekan;
Ignore her. Liberals here in the USA have an ethnocentristic way of pushing their wants and desires on others just because they think they are always right and everyone else must be wrong.
They rarely see the nonsense of their ways and the best thing to do to them is ignore them.
I'm with you Jahmekan. However, we're a nation that now celebrates trailer trash (with or without money) -- Evidence: Lohan, Snookie, the situation, any Survivor winner, Hilton, Palin and family, etc. Where we once merely found these fools entertaining, we're now willing to vote them into office. I can imagine a Palin/Hasselback run for office. Hey, I'd vote for them if they keep it in Alaska.
Oh God that is so true! I don't watch "reality" shows, I just don't think they're realistic. Maybe it's because I don't have moronic (psychological definition) friends?
Reality TV, I think they try to out do one another in how low can we go. I hope they all run there course ASAP, and get on with something entertaining.
This girl is so stupid on so many levels. Fines and jail are unlikely to open her eyes. The best thing that guy could do is sue for custody and then get the hell out of Dodge.
I totally agree. He needs to get his child and run for the hills
If he denies the 'mother' visitation he will be charged witrh parental aliention or denial of visitation.
Reality TV, I think they try to out do one another in how low can we go. I hope they all run there course ASAP, and get on with something entertaining.
I wonder if MTV would even have thought about airing it if he had hit her. Glad she was charged. There shouldn't be a double standard when it comes to domestic violence.
One of the problems for me is that MTV - is supposed to a music channel. They are sensationalizing failures, and hooking us on this. They are contributing to the delinquency of all of us under the veil of "music." MTV also owns VH1 (or they have the same parent company Viacom), and both of these companies make a famous person out of a random and compliant stooge. They choose some idiot with a bad attitude and charisma, such as Nikki Minaj, and market the hell out of this corporate slave-stooge, and then Nikki becomes famous. Nikki will have her own run-in with the law when her popularity wanes a bit.
and she was calling him trash????? hahahaaaa...he showed a lot more class than you!
That poor little Leah doesn't stand a chance with two morons for parents. This is a case where adoption would have been a much better option. I don't give two @!$%#s about the adults here but that little girl is going to be the one to suffer.
And to all who hate this show, apparently the teen birth rate is way down and it is believed that this show may be helping. It is realistic to show how hard it is to have a baby, go to school, work and carry on a relationship while you are only 16 years old. I think sexually active teens might think twice about having unprotected sex after they see how difficult it really is.
Post a link that proves teen birth rate is way down and it is believed that this show may be helping. I find your statement ludicrous. Prove it.
taken from http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jiI1Avi3AE77iqEW3pRvw8DVNAog?docId=576e8360e3244a3781f57cfb9832f525
Research a little and perhaps you won't look so ridiculous calling others' statements ludicrous.
Why is it that unprotected sex is unsafe? I don't mean unsafe for STDs I mean unsafe as in pregnancy. I have never had protected sex in three years of sexual activity. I haven't even had a scare of pregnancy. It's about being smart and making sure you pull out before you finish. Seriously. Parents are teaching the wrong habits for kids. Abstinence is not a realistic goal for kids, teaching safe sex is far more important than no sex.
Pulling out is NOT safe sex...Males secrete semen long before orgasm, usually...
But saying "teach your kids to pull out and they'll be safe" is just.....ignorant and WRONG.....
jj18 - you need an education. You haven't gotten pregnant because you are either a) lucky or b) have a fertility issue. I happen to be seeing a fertility specialist and know for a fact that what get's you pregnant in most cases is what is actually secreted before orgasm. If you think pulling out is going to keep you from getting pregnant you are dead wrong. Ask my high school friend who tried that and ended up with a kid.
Either start using a condom or go on the pill. Our society doesn't need any more like you running around.
This kid needs some help parenting classes,anger management a basic education so she can get a job what she does not need is a Prosecutor looking to make an example out of her. Also I can't help but think being on reality tv does not help her or any of the other teenagers on the show either.
Liz, would you say the same about the prosecutor making an example if it was the fiance who hit Amber? Something tells me you would be saying good, he needs to be in jail. Well, then why have a doulbe standard when it comes to women?
Why don't they charge the producers?
I don't watch this show, but ran across the article while looking at the news.
This little gal Amber, should have the book thrown at her. I applaud Gary for keeping his cool. Gary should get custody of the child and take away all of Ms. Portwoods parental rights. And possibly give her supervised visits through the court.
Is this an indication on how she will discipline the child when she needs it?
I feel that every teen mother should go through a child upbringing class, as well as a psychological evaluation in order to be able to keep the child. If the mother fails either one, take the child from her immediately after giving birth and give it to a couple that really wants it.
feel that every teen mother should go through a child upbringing class, as well as a psychological evaluation in order to be able to keep the child. If the mother fails either one, take the child from her immediately after giving birth and give it to a couple that really wants it. Said by :
Missouri6423589
Seriously? Why shouldn't everyone who gets pregnant have to do the same? If only psychologically stable people were allowed to reproduce then this planet would be far less crowded. Not such a bad idea in my opinion but not something that people will EVER accept.
Cavalier - I agree completely!
Guys,
I agree that Gary should get custody and I want to commend him for keeping his cool both times that she beat on him. Most men would of hit back. You go Gary!!!
I wonder how many men get this kind of treatment from the ladies, and don't hit them back? I wonder how often this occurs and no charges are filed? It goes both ways. No hitting
I know her actions are wrong; but, that Amber is Smokin' HOTTTT. She can hit me any day as long as we get to kiss and make up.
I like "trashy hott" just like the next guy, but this chick is fat. She's not hott dude. You want true trashy hott? Try Lindsay Lohan....
You are totally ignorant and young apparently if you find her appealing....
"Smokin Hotttt"?!?!? Friend, you need to get out of your Living Room more often, expand your horizons.
For my part, and admittedly based on what little I know of this mess, I find her repellent on physical, cultural, moral and psychological bases. Just a case of trouble that is inevitable.
Ok, I am all for equality and women should be punished in the same way men are. HOWEVER, 2 felonies for a girl hitting a 300 pound guy? Really?? Really? I can see maybe a misdemeanor, and some anger mgmt classes.........but FELONY ? C'mon people. Save felony status for true criminals please.
Would you say not to charge him with a felony if he hit her. The law is the law regardless of gender. I know way too many guys that don't get a fair chance when dealing with their exes whether it be in abusive situations like this or in custody cases.
STL: Punishment of some sort, yes. Felony......um no.
Please..... she is violent.....she deserves to be a felon.....hell people get felonies for writing bad checks...this bitch deserves jail time and a felony conviction....
If it were a man, he would have already been locked up.
Scrimminy B, this abusive person deserves the EXACT same protection/punishent the law affords for her if she were to be beaten. Thats it. No argument. Just because he's 3 X's her size means nothing. If it were a 300 pound woman and a little 120 pound man, would you feel different?
Bottom line, was he injured?? That should be the criterion for determining "felony" status.
Thats good to know that I can smack her around as long as I dont hurt her.
/sarc
Angry: a sack of sweet valencia oranges will do the trick ;-)
They are felonies because she did it in front of their 2 year old.
would u say the same thing if the roles were reversed?
That girl is nothing but white trailer trash, and to all those who watch these trashy reality shows, get a life and worry about your own issues rather thatn watching other peoples issues, truthfully nobody cares about this teen girl and her issues, we all have enough of our own problems in this day and age. Shame on MTV to portray this type of garbage on television, how about some more educational shows to educate America, not trash....
I would say the same thing about TLC...Palin, the Duggars, that midget couple.....etc etc etc
What has her being white got to do with anything? Why is it okay to say white trailer trash but not okay to say black gang banger?
Wow, I didn't even know who she was, just saw pictures on the magazine covers while waiting in line to check out at the grocery store. From what I've seen on the clip provided, and read in this article the girl should be thrown in jail, have her kids taken away and MTV should be paying the poor ex-fiance and father of Leah for emotional damages.
On a random note, why is MTV still called MTV when it has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with what it was originally created for?? I don't see music videos on there no more, it's always reality crap which I hurriedly turn off.
In the end, I do hope the children she births are taken away from her, she does not deserve her children.
We push for spaying and neutering pets, but these individuals breed indiscriminately creating a second and third generation of "quality" human beings. TV has sunk to an all-time new low, no wonder the U.S. is 14TH in education and 1ST in obesity among the nations of the world.
John: you don't realize that we need these fat, uneducated losers like this in our society; as odious as that may seem. When the end times come, we'll be using them to battle against the islamic radicals.....
From BMDD (Baby Momma-Domestic-Drama) to Islamic Radicals.
*scratch my head
Ah Scrim, have you looked at our armed forces lately? or EVER for that matter? I do a LOT, they might come in over weight but the don't stay that way. They develop muscle, pride, manners, and a whole lot more, IF they didn't have it already. These "people" don't become service members; they are too selfish and self centered to think of the service as anything more than something someone else should do for them.
Expounding on one (of several) uses for fat, uneducated, losers......and why we need them. They can be drafted for cannon fodder when WWIII breaks out with the islamic radicals.....
Thankfully they caught this on camera.
I've known some really abusive bitches in my time....and the guys never say anything...I don't get it....my old lady hits me one time and it's off to jail with her ass....just like it would be if I hit her.
What I'd like to know is this: How many girls out there are TRYING to get pregnant so they can be on this train-wreck of a show? MTV and all the shows sponsors are irresponsible to the Nth for allowing this debaucal to be aired.