A brand-new season of Unexpected will premiere later this month (with a cast that’s already creating a lot of controversy, even before the season has aired!) Tyra Boisseau— who appeared on the TLC reality show for several seasons— recently posted a message to young girls who will be watching the new season of the teen pregnancy reality show.
Tyra made her ‘Unexpected’ debut back in Season 3, where viewers watched as she and boyfriend Alex Wilson welcomed daughter Layla. She appeared on Season 4 as well, and then came back for Season 5, where she joined by her sister Tiarra and cousin Taylor Williams. Taylor and Tiarra were both expecting children of their own that season.
In a video posted to TikTok over the weekend, Tyra made it clear that she hopes no young girl watches ‘Unexpected’ and gets inspired to try to get pregnant.
“So many people ask me if I think me being on a young and pregnant show inspired other young teenagers to go out and get pregnant,” Tyra said. “If you watched me on that show, I was a damn mess! I wouldn’t want to be like me on a show. I can’t even watch it.
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“If I did inspire you [to try to get pregnant], number one, I’m sorry,” Tyra continued. “Being a mom is not always easy. It’s the most rewarding job but it’s not always easy. It’s very hard, especially doing it that young and still trying to accomplish your dreams while being a mother. So, you should have free range to accomplish your dreams without that added on struggle and stress.”
Tyra gave birth to her daughter Layla at the age of 18 and then had her son Mylo at the age of 22. She has spoken out in other TikTok videos about how hard it has been to parent two kids at such a young age.
“Being responsible for another human before you ever have to be responsible for yourself is hard. I turned 18 and had to be responsible for myself and my daughter all at the same time,” she said. “And even if you’re not 18, you’re still considered like an adult after you have a kid.
“Live your life. Be responsible for yourself for as long as you can. Live your life while you’re a kid for as long as you can. And that’s what I have to say. Hope that’s enough.”
In the comment section of the post, fans brought up the fact that the girls who appeared on MTV’s Teen Mom shows made millions off of their teenage pregnancies, which may have encouraged some girls to try to have a baby to get on the show. Tyra replied that the pay she made from doing ‘Unexpected’ was nowhere near that level, and was not enough to even pay for her childcare necessities.
“Well the pay isn’t nearly enough of what it cost to take care of a kid!” she told one person. “Especially not for 18 years lol.”
The seventh season of ‘Unexpected’ premieres Monday, February 16. Some of the Season 7 cast members have already been making headlines, particularly Bella Vaughn— a girl who got impregnated at the age of 14 by her 12-year-old boyfriend. Since it was announced that Bella would be on the show, she and her family members have been defending themselves on social media, and slamming rumors that Bella’s parents allowed her to stay alone with her boyfriend, etc.
You can watch Tyra’s video below.
@tyraboisseauuNot trying to take away from the fact that if you were or are a young mom you can’t accomplish your dreams and goals but I think we can all agree it makes it more challenging ❤️♬ original sound – Tyra B
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(Photos: TikTok; Instagram; TLC)
