Reality Star Hopes for Stability in Co-Star’s Turbulent Teen’s Life


Cory Wharton and Amber Portwood.
Getty Images(2)

Cory Wharton is showing his support for Gary Shirley after he opened up about Amber Portwood’s strained relationship with their daughter Leah.

“Gary’s just being real with the guys,” Cory, 33, told Us Weekly at The Children’s Heart Foundation’s Los Angeles Congenital Heart Walk. “He’s trying to tell his story and see who can relate and what type of advice we can give him.”

On the July 18 episode of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter, Gary, 37, claimed his 15-year-old daughter has expressed interest in being adopted by stepmom Kristina Shirley.

“Trust me, the best thing that ever happened to Leah was Kristina,” Gary told his costars during a guys’ cast trip to Michigan. “Kristina is a loving parent and Leah’s wanting to be adopted by Kristina.”

After having some time to reflect on the candid conversation, Cory — who is dad to Mila, 4, and Maya, 2, with girlfriend Taylor Selfridge and daughter Ryder, 7, with ex Cheyenne Floyd — believes it’s essential for the parents to listen to Leah’s needs.

“At this point, I just want Leah to be happy,” he shared. “Whatever Leah wants, I think she’s at a stage where everyone in that party needs to listen and kind of hear her out because it’s all about the kid first. I think that’s what Gary’s trying to do.”

Cory made it clear he has “nothing bad to say about Amber” and is hopeful the family unit can come to a peaceful resolution. “I just wish them the best,” Cory said, “and hope they can figure it out.”

As Leah’s strained relationship with her mom continues to play out on the current season of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter, a source exclusively told Us Weekly that Amber, 34, would not be supportive of Kristina adopting her daughter.

“Having Kristina adopt Leah would never happen on Amber’s watch,” a source told Us in July. “She wants to be in Leah’s life. She is not looking to hand off parental responsibility to somebody else.”

Although it’s unclear when Amber learned about her daughter’s wishes, the insider said that the topic is an emotional one for the former 16 and Pregnant star.

“Obviously, any implication that her daughter wants to be adopted is devastating to Amber,” the insider told Us. “Her two kids are the reason Amber wakes up in the morning. They are why she continues filming the show and her motivation for everything.” (Amber is also mom to James, 6, with ex Andrew Glennon.)

Teen Moms Cory Wharton Reacts to Amber Portwoods Daughter Leah Considering Adoption
Instagram @can_seco

In regards to Cory’s parenthood journey, The Challenge star continues to celebrate life’s big moments with his daughters.

On July 28, he joined Taylor to help emcee the Los Angeles Kids Congenital Heart Walk after their daughter Maya was diagnosed with a congenital heart disease called tricuspid atresia.

“I’m a proud dad,” Cory said when reflecting on his children. “I’m proud of all my daughters. Maya overcame her heart condition. Ryder’s working with Disney. Mia’s about to start school. She’s doing great in swimming. I’m just proud of everybody and proud of all these families for coming out for a good cause.”

Teen Mom: The Next Chapter airs Thursdays on MTV at 8 p.m. ET.

Related Posts

Foo Fighter’s Frontman Faces Fallout: Did Repeat Infidelity Seal His Marriage’s Fate?

Dave Grohl’s Marriage on the Rocks: A Repeat of Past Mistakes? Dave Grohl, the iconic Foo Fighters frontman, has found himself in the midst of a marital crisis. In a…

Read more

Rockstar’s Secret Shame: Foo Fighter Frontman’s Hidden Affair Exposed

Dave Grohl, the legendary guitarist of Foo Fighters, has made a shocking admission – he has fathered a child outside of his marriage. Dave Grohl. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images Grohl, 55,…

Read more

Scandal Rocks Port Charles: Soap Starlet’s Shocking Exit

Dramatic news has shaken the world of daytime television: Kelly Monaco, a veteran actress who has played the iconic role of Sam McCall on ABC’s General Hospital since 2003, has…

Read more

Keke Palmer Silences Whispering Wombs After Rekindling Romance

Keke Palmer Sets the Record Straight on Pregnancy Rumors Keke Palmer Actress Keke Palmer, 31, recently shut down pregnancy rumors after sharing photos from her birthday celebration on social media….

Read more

Rap Mogul’s Team in Hot Water Over Intense Run-In with Eager Admirer Seeking Snap with 50 Cent

Rap mogul 50 Cent, renowned for his massive global following and business acumen, recently headlined the “Earn Your Leisure” Invest Fest in Atlanta, leveraging his popularity to boost his influence…

Read more

Tragedy Strikes Julianne Hough: Heartbreak Over Lost Loves and Loyal Companions

Julianne Hough Opens Up About Losing Her Dogs and Ending Her Marriage Actress Julianne Hough has shared a heart-wrenching story about the tumultuous period when she ended her marriage to…

Read more