In a recently released episode of Real Truth Media's After the Call, Lauryn “Pumpkin” Efird detailed enduring physical, mental, and emotional abuse at the hands of her stepfather Mike “Sugar Bear” Thompson while filming the reality series Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.

The abuse occurred throughout the height of the series which aired from 2012 to 2014. Efird said that the production hid much of Thompson’s behavior and anger from viewers and that her mother, June “Mama June” Shannon, also covered up for Thompson at the time.

Efird described one incident of Thompson throwing a set of keys at her during an anger fit when she was a teenager. The keys struck her eye and caused a retinal detachment that required medical intervention.

She revealed a history of difficulty in trusting men that has lasted into adulthood stemming from the experiences. Efird said she has questioned why those who knew about the abuse did not act and why producers and her mother failed to intervene or stand up for her. She described feeling like she had to be the mother of the family even to her own mother.

Sugar Bear Thompson and Mama June separated after the end of the reality show. Mama June has previously accused Thompson of emotional and physical abuse, including responsibility for her daughter's eye injury, during interviews that came years after the show ended.

The latest comments have prompted fans to revisit edited footage from the series, highlighting how reality television often prioritizes entertainment over accountability, and renewing calls for protections of children acting stars. Efird, now 26 and engaged, has spoken publicly about her efforts to build a stable life for herself and her children after years in the spotlight.

Watch the full interview here.