Amanda Bynes, once a peppy and goofy, young childhood star, is now very far away from who that person was. Over the years, Bynes went through intense periods of substance abuse and addiction, leading to odd and eccentric behaviors, and even several arrests.
After one incident too many, Bynes was sent to receive psychiatric evaluations, which ultimately led to the former actress being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Additionally, she’s relapsed several times from drug rehab programs that she’s entered. It’s reported that she’s currently living in a sober living home, but it has not been confirmed whether she’s living alone or not.
All of these issues, though, apparently haven’t prevented the former Nickelodeon star from getting engaged.
Fast forward to Valentine’s Day, this past Friday, and Bynes made a huge announcement on Instagram. She shared with social media that she became engaged, posting a picture of the engagement ring with the caption, “Engaged to tha love of my life.” At the time, the man in question was not known, but later identified as Paul Michael.
Bynes has not announced any plans for a wedding at this point, however, it may not be up to her to decide in the first place. That decision would go to her mother who has been legally designated as her conservator, or her legal protector.
A source speaking with Us Weekly revealed what’s currently going on in Bynes’ life and how her mother’s role could interfere with any marriage plans the engaged couple might have.
“Amanda’s not currently working. She doesn’t have friends. And her relationship with her parents continues to be a roller coaster,” the source began. “As Amanda’s conservator, her mother has responsibility over her daughter’s decision-making, including whether or not to allow her to marry. If Amanda’s parents did not consent to the marriage, they can petition the court to annul the marriage on the basis of Amanda’s ‘unsound mind.'”
Not much has been made about Michael or who he is, but a source that spoke to Us Weekly was able to provide some not so flattering descriptions about the Bynes’ fiance.
The source shared that Michael ‘has a very dark personality’ and ‘is very goth’. It has also been previously revealed that the two met at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and have only known each other for several months. The Valentine’s Day photo that Bynes posted to Instagram was the first time the public had seen his face.
It’s worth noting that it would seem very unlikely for Bynes’ mother to be relieved of her conservator responsibilities, given that her daughter is still in a sober living facility and has continued to display erratic behavior, including posing with facial tattoos and dying her hair bright pink, among other behavioral oddities.
Who knows, though. Perhaps Bynes is in a better state of mind than we can ascertain from her social media posts. Either way, this story is sure to develop over the coming weeks or months.
