Alana 'Honey Boo Boo' Thompson Opens Up On Fat Shaming: 'I Don't Have Many Friends'

Honey Boo Boo is about to turn 16 years old this week, and the former child star is opening up about her life including fat-shaming, family drug abuse, and having no friends.

The 'Here Comes Honey Boo Boo' star sat down with 'Teen Vogue' in a profile interview which covered how she changed since gaining international fame following her spot on 'Toddlers & Tiaras' in 2012.

At this point, Alana attends a public high school and says she filters out friends based on ones who still choose to call her by the childhood nickname. Thompson admits she embraced it once upon a time but chooses to leave it behind. "I feel like folks are so much like, 'Oh my God, I'm friends with Honey Boo Boo," admitting that many expect her to act a certain way as she did on the show.

The other issue, many believe she is very wealthy based on her time on the show -- which is not the case. Many of the problems make it difficult to connect with classmates at her high school. "To be honest, I do not have many friends. At all," she said. Adding, "I don't trust nobody really, so I don't have friends."

As we reported, Alana is also dealing with the fall-out of her mother -- Mama June -- and her substance abuse issues. June Shannon was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia in 2019, and it led to the legal guardianship of Thompson being transferred to her 21-year-old sister, Lauryn 'Pumpkin' Shannon.

“A lot of folks in this world do not realize how many people are actually really affected by drug and alcohol (use) … It’s very, very hard. It’s something I’d wish on nobody, for real,” Alana said.

She continued, “When my mama got real bad with her (drug use), I didn’t know where I was going to end up. I’m proud of myself for how far I’ve come.”

While dealing with the backlash and public scrutiny of her mother's addiction issues, Alana continued to be harassed by online trolls and 'fatphobia' that have followed her around for quite some time. "Just because I got a little bit of extra meat on my bones, you want to hate me? she asked. "I never get body shaming," she quipped. Adding, "Everybody's all about body positivity, body positivity until they see a body they don't like... I don't understand why people think this way."

Interestingly, Thompson points out she gets a lot of negative Instagram and social media comments about her nails and eyelashes. "I don't care," she said. Adding, "As long as I like myself, I'm good."

As you know, Honey Boo Boo was an international hit television show and the family's drama has been front-page news for over 10 years. Recently, the family is still dealing with Mama June's criminal case for drug possession and issues with her boyfriend.

The Teen Vogue article was released with a host of professional photoshoots where Alana is almost unrecognizable. She looks glamorous and all grown up.

To See The Photos...Click Here.