Amber Portwood’s distant relationship with Leah Shirley continues to be a hot topic on Teen Mom: The Next Chapter.
While the mother-daughter duo haven’t always had the closest bond, the current season of MTV’s hit reality show is showcasing just how distant the pair have become.
“I haven’t really talked to [Amber] or seen her in a while. It’s fine,” Leah said on a February 2025 episode of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter. “I don’t really care anymore. I kind of want [my dad’s wife] Kristina [Shirley] to adopt me. I’ve been wanting it for a while just because Kristina’s been there for me since I was, like, in kindergarten and before that.”
After discovering that Gary Shirley and his wife could be taking legal steps to make an adoption possible, Amber expressed how hurt she was.
“When I found out about my daughter saying that she wanted to be adopted, it took over everything,” she shared on an April 2025 episode. “I was really in bed for over four months.”
As both Amber and Leah continue to share their experiences on MTV, many cast members have started to weigh in on the situation. Keep reading to see what they’ve said:
Maci Bookout
After appearing on separate episodes of 16 and Pregnant in 2009, Maci and Amber have built a special bond as they helped launch the Teen Mom franchise. More than 15 years after first connecting, Maci said she won’t be abandoning her friend.
“Anyone’s opinion on the type of friend I am or how I show up as a friend doesn’t matter to me,” Maci said on an April 2025 episode of Kailyn Lowry’s “Barely Famous” podcast. “I’m not going to stop caring and showing up for anyone that I love because you disagree with it.”
At the same time, Maci expressed to Leah a May 2025 episode of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter that she was proud of her for handling a difficult situation with strength.
During a May 2025 episode of Teen Mom, Catelynn told Leah that she believes Amber needs to “show some consistency.”
After learning Leah and Amber hadn’t seen each other in nine months, Catelynn couldn’t help but applaud the 16-year-old for showing boundaries.
“I just want you to know it took me way into my adulting and me having my own children to look at my mom and say, ‘I want nothing to do with you. You don’t help me in any way.’ It was one of the hardest things I ever had to do so to see you at your age make those boundaries to protect your own mental health and your peace, that’s huge,” she said. “I don’t think my mom and I will ever be normal and that sucks. You’re doing hard work and I don’t even think you realize that yet but I’m proud of you.”
Jade Cline and Briana DeJesus“So proud of Leah ❤️❤️❤️ & thank the lord she has Gary and Kristina,” Jade wrote via Instagram May 2025 after seeing a clip of Leah expressing her feelings. “They are always there for her and I just love seeing the support they give to her ????❤️.”
Briana also saw the clip and commented, “Leahhhh❤️❤️❤️❤️.”
Cheyenne Davis
After speaking with Leah during an episode of Teen Mom, Cheyenne said she had a better understanding of what was going on with her and Amber.
“It came up in conversation and I just felt like, ‘OK, let me just be a listening ear. I’m not going to tell you what I think you should do or how you should feel.’ She spoke from her heart and it made me honestly sad,” Cheyenne exclusively told Us Weekly at Us + Maidenform’s Reality Star Style Awards party in April 2025. “Leah’s such a beautiful, great kid. I just want Amber to be a part of that. I mean, I couldn’t imagine not being a part of my daughter’s life.”
“It’s almost like I want Amber to put your boots on and your hat and just say, ‘I’m getting my daughter back.’ Leah is amazing. I wish her the best. I love her. I’m always here if she ever wants to talk. But it broke my heart, honestly.”
Cory Wharton
“At this point, I just want Leah to be happy,” Cory told Us in August 2024. “Whatever Leah wants, I think she’s at a stage where everyone in that party needs to listen and kind of hear her out because it’s all about the kid first. I think that’s what Gary’s trying to do.”
Cory made it clear that he has “nothing bad to say about Amber” and is hopeful the family unit can come to a peaceful resolution. “I just wish them the best,” Cory added, “and hope they can figure it out.”
