Former Teen Mom star Jenelle Evans is speaking out, demanding privacy and grace from the public while her 16-year-old son, Jace, undergoes mental health treatment.
The teenager was recently admitted to a facility following an alarming alleged altercation with his grandmother, Barbara Evans. According to multiple reports, Barbara called 911 on February 22 after Jace allegedly pulled a gun on her at her North Carolina home. Seven officers from the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office responded to the property for what authorities categorized as a "troubled teen disturbance."
On March 28, the 34-year-old reality television personality took to TikTok to address the rampant online speculation surrounding her family. Visibly frustrated, Evans pushed back against rumors claiming she was ignoring the situation.
"I shouldn't even be getting on here to say anything, but I feel like I have to," Evans expressed in the video, explaining that she had intentionally stepped away from social media to prioritize her son's well-being. "I feel like at this moment, it is imperative for my family to have their privacy."
She firmly defended her actions as a mother, asserting, "Behind the scenes, I'm doing everything I can for my child, and I'm doing what's in the best interest for him, and that's none of your business to know."
Evans directly asked onlookers and extended family members to give her immediate family the space they need to navigate the difficult chapter.
"With all due respect, including my family, please just back off a little bit," she pleaded. "Let us breathe. I am not the villain in this, and you guys, eventually, will see that."
While the mother of three—who also shares 11-year-old Kaiser with Nathan Griffith, and 9-year-old Ensley with David Eason—kept the specific details of Jace's treatment confidential, she did offer a brief glimpse into his recent whereabouts. Later that same day, Evans posted photos to her Instagram Stories showing her son looking out the window of an airplane with a tablet in hand.
Earlier in the month, a representative for Evans confirmed the frightening February incident to the press, noting that the family was actively searching for an appropriate facility tailored to Jace's needs.
"Out of respect for our client's family, we kindly ask that the media honor the privacy of her son," the statement read. "Jenelle remains focused on protecting her child's well-being and maintaining a safe, private environment for her family during this time."