Briana DeJesus Endorses Jenelle Evans’ Return to ‘Teen Mom 2’ Despite Past Controversies

The ever-evolving world of reality television rarely sees a dull moment, and MTV’s Teen Mom 2 has consistently been at the forefront of captivating audiences with its dramatic storylines and deeply personal journeys. At the heart of much of the show’s most memorable, and often tumultuous, periods stands Jenelle Evans. Despite her highly publicized and controversial departure from the series, speculation surrounding her potential return has never truly vanished. Adding a fresh perspective to this ongoing conversation, fellow MTV personality Briana DeJesus recently shared her candid thoughts, openly advocating for Jenelle’s comeback to the popular reality show.

As Teen Mom 2 prepared for its latest season, which premiered on September 1, the absence of Jenelle Evans continues to be a talking point among long-time fans. Briana DeJesus, while actively promoting the new season, exclusively revealed her sentiments to HollywoodLife. She believes that the show is missing a vital dynamic without Jenelle’s presence. “She was on Teen Mom 2 for a long time. She kind of made the show what it is today,” Briana passionately stated, underscoring Jenelle’s undeniable impact on the series’ identity. Jenelle’s journey into the reality TV spotlight began with her debut on 16 and Pregnant in 2010, quickly transitioning to Teen Mom 2 where she became one of its most recognizable—and frequently controversial—figures, shaping much of its early narrative and attracting a massive viewership.

The Controversial Incidents That Led to Jenelle Evans’ MTV Exit

While Briana DeJesus vocalized her support for Jenelle’s potential return, she did not disregard the gravity of the events that precipitated MTV’s decision to stop filming with Jenelle in April 2019. “And it’s unfortunate with the events that, you know, transpired,” Briana acknowledged, referencing the highly sensitive circumstances. The situation reached a critical point in May 2019 when Jenelle’s husband, David Eason, publicly admitted to shooting and killing their family dog, Nugget, after it allegedly nipped their daughter. This act ignited a firestorm of public condemnation from animal rights organizations, fans, and the general public, leading to immediate and intense scrutiny of Jenelle and David’s home environment and parenting methods.

The repercussions of the dog shooting incident were profound and immediate. Child Protective Services launched a comprehensive investigation into the welfare of the children living in their home, ultimately leading to Jenelle and David temporarily losing custody of their kids. Their daughter Ensley, then just 3 years old, along with Jenelle’s sons Kaiser Griffith, 6, and Jace, 11, were removed from their care and placed with other family members. This period was an incredibly challenging time for Jenelle, who embarked on an arduous legal battle to regain custody, a struggle that was widely reported in the media and deeply impacted her public image. Prior to this, David Eason had already been a contentious figure; his history of aggressive behavior, homophobic and transphobic social media posts, and public altercations had led to his own dismissal from Teen Mom 2 by MTV in 2018. However, the dog incident proved to be the ultimate breaking point for the network regarding Jenelle’s continued involvement.

Jenelle’s Life Beyond MTV and Briana’s Empathy

In the aftermath of these turbulent events, Jenelle once again made headlines in October 2019 when she announced her separation from David Eason, moving with her children to Nashville. Many observers viewed this as a potential turning point, a step towards rebuilding her life and possibly repairing her strained relationship with MTV. However, this separation proved temporary. Jenelle eventually returned to her North Carolina home and, to the surprise and dismay of many, reunited with David. Their relationship continued to be marred by legal issues; in June 2020, David Eason was charged with one misdemeanor count of assault with a deadly weapon and another misdemeanor count of communicating threats. These persistent legal and personal challenges present significant hurdles to any potential return to a major network like MTV, which maintains strict guidelines regarding its public image and talent conduct.

Despite the ongoing complexities surrounding Jenelle’s personal life and choices, Briana DeJesus maintains a supportive and empathetic stance. “I just hope she has a safe life. And I hope, you know, she’s okay,” Briana confided to HollywoodLife. Her comments reflect a camaraderie often found among reality television cast members who have shared the unique experience of having their lives unfold under intense public scrutiny. When asked about their current level of contact, Briana indicated that their communication has become less frequent but remains cordial. “Sometimes we comment on each other’s Instagram Stories, but we don’t talk as much as we used to,” she clarified. This suggests a friendly but somewhat distant connection, indicative of how relationships among reality stars often evolve once their professional paths diverge.

Jenelle Evans publicly expressed affection for her controversial “hubby,” David Eason, in the above Instagram post on August 17, 2020, reigniting discussions about their relationship dynamics. (Instagram/@j_evans1219)

Jenelle Evans’ Perspective on a ‘Teen Mom’ Comeback: “Not Fired, But Let Go For A Season”

Jenelle Evans herself has consistently articulated her conviction that she deserves a second chance on Teen Mom 2. Her personal narrative surrounding her departure offers a distinct contrast to MTV’s official actions and the prevailing public perception. In an EXCLUSIVE interview withHollywoodLife in March 2020, Jenelle firmly stated, “I have spoken with my old producers many times about this. They still claim I was not ‘fired’ but ‘let go for a season’.” This particular phrasing suggests Jenelle views her hiatus as a temporary removal rather than an irreversible termination, fueling her hopes for a significant return to the show. She further expressed her discontent, adding, “I am guessing they are still holding me responsible for my husband’s actions, even though I did not do anything wrong.” This statement directly addresses the complex ethical quandary MTV faced: how to manage a cast member’s involvement when their partner’s actions cross unacceptable boundaries and reflect poorly on the network’s brand.

Adding another layer to the ongoing discussion about her potential re-entry, Jenelle made unsubstantiated claims just a month later. She alleged that Teen Mom producers had not only expressed a desire for her return but also intended to dismiss Jade Cline, who joined the cast after Jenelle’s departure, to facilitate her comeback. While these allegations were never corroborated by MTV and were met with skepticism by many fans and other cast members, they highlight Jenelle’s persistent belief that the door to Teen Mom 2 remains open for her. Through her consistent presence on YouTube vlogs, active social media engagement, and various interviews, Jenelle frequently revisits the theme of her desire to reclaim her spot in the reality television spotlight—a platform that undeniably brought her immense fame, significant income, and considerable notoriety.

Season 10 of ‘Teen Mom 2′: Unfolding Drama and Briana DeJesus’ Journey of Growth

Even in the absence of Jenelle and David Eason, the current ensemble cast of Teen Mom 2 is poised to deliver its signature blend of personal milestones and intricate dramatic narratives. Briana DeJesus offered an intriguing preview for dedicated fans regarding what to anticipate in Season 10, assuring viewers that the drama and emotional intensity are far from over. “[It’s] definitely a shit show…There are definitely a lot of up and downs. You’ll see a lot of breaking points,” Briana candidly told HollywoodLife. This forthright teaser suggests that the upcoming season will deeply explore the individual struggles, relationship complexities, and significant life events of the cast members, a consistent formula that has kept the long-running series’ dedicated audience deeply engaged.

Briana also elaborated on her personal storyline for the new season, emphasizing significant developments and considerable emotional growth. “There’s definitely a lot of growth going on. At least in my storyline. There are a lot of things that I didn’t think I would have done. But I did as far as you know, buying a new home, having a conversation — a difficult conversation — with Luis [Hernandez] and DeVoin [Austin] to discuss our co-parenting,” she explained. This statement provides invaluable insight into the substantial personal strides Briana is making, from achieving significant life milestones such as homeownership to confronting and navigating challenging interpersonal dynamics with her children’s fathers. Her commitment to fostering effective co-parenting relationships with Luis and DeVoin, despite past difficulties, is a relatable theme for many viewers, highlighting the complexities of modern family structures and the persistent efforts required to maintain healthy environments for the sake of the children involved.

The narratives presented by the Teen Mom cast members have consistently resonated with audiences precisely because they reflect authentic, real-life challenges faced by young parents. Briana’s journey in Season 10 is set to showcase her continued evolution as a mother and an individual, as she grapples with increasing responsibilities, embraces new beginnings, and navigates the often-fraught process of maintaining relationships with ex-partners. This consistent focus on genuine growth and difficult, yet necessary, conversations ensures that even without some of its original, most controversial figures, Teen Mom 2 successfully continues to offer compelling and deeply relatable content to its enduring fanbase.

The Enduring Allure of ‘Teen Mom 2’ and the Lingering ‘Jenelle Evans’ Question

The ongoing discussions surrounding Jenelle Evans’ potential return encapsulate a broader, critical theme within the reality television industry: the delicate balance between generating engaging drama and upholding ethical responsibility. While Jenelle’s tenure on Teen Mom 2 was undeniably characterized by intense storylines and consistently high ratings, her eventual departure was equally defined by serious controversies that rigorously tested the boundaries of public tolerance and MTV’s internal network policies. Briana DeJesus’ public support for Jenelle underscores the unique and often complex bonds formed among cast members who share such an extraordinary and public life experience, bonds that frequently transcend on-screen conflicts and personal disagreements.

For MTV, the consideration of potentially bringing Jenelle back to the show would involve a multifaceted and challenging decision-making process, requiring a careful weighing of the potential ratings boost and renewed public interest against the very real possibility of significant backlash from advertisers and viewers who remain concerned about endorsing past behaviors. Jenelle’s persistent efforts to re-enter the reality TV space, coupled with Briana’s vocal endorsement, ensure that the ‘Jenelle Evans comeback’ question remains a relevant and intriguing topic within the entertainment news cycle. As Teen Mom 2 continues to forge ahead with its current cast, concentrating on compelling stories of personal growth, evolving co-parenting dynamics, and everyday challenges, the indelible mark of its most controversial star undeniably continues to loom, serving as a powerful reminder of the show’s volatile history and the inherently unpredictable nature of reality television fame.