Maci Bookout Responds to Fan Outcry Over Son Bentley’s Wrestling Diet on Teen Mom OG

Following a highly discussed episode of MTV’s reality series, Teen Mom OG, fan favorite Maci Bookout found herself at the center of a social media storm. The recent broadcast, which aired on Tuesday, May 26, ignited a passionate debate among viewers after it showcased Maci’s decision to put her 11-year-old son, Bentley Edwards, on a specific diet. This dietary adjustment was presented as a means to assist Bentley in achieving his ambitious wrestling goals, particularly his aspiration to compete in a lower weight class. However, the revelation was met with widespread criticism from fans who expressed deep concern over a child of Bentley’s age adhering to such a regimen. Addressing the intense backlash, the 28-year-old reality television personality promptly took to her Twitter account to clarify her intentions and provide context for her parenting choices. Her statement aimed to reassure concerned viewers that her approach was rooted in health and support for her son’s athletic endeavors, rather than an unhealthy push to “cut” weight.

In a series of tweets that quickly gained traction, Maci meticulously detailed the circumstances surrounding Bentley’s diet. She began by unequivocally stating, “In reference to tonight’s episode — I have never and will never convince Bentley to ‘cut’ weight.” This strong opening set the tone for her explanation, directly confronting the primary fear of many fans. Maci clarified that the initiative for the weight adjustment came directly from Bentley himself. She recounted how, after wrestling his first two tournaments in the 75-pound class, where he weighed in at 72 pounds, Bentley approached her with a personal goal: he wanted to compete at 70 pounds. Maci explained her response to her son’s ambition, emphasizing her boundaries and commitment to his health. She told him, “I told him that’s fine, but you WILL NOT ‘cut’ weight.” This crucial distinction between “cutting weight” – often associated with unhealthy, rapid dehydration tactics – and a structured, healthy diet became the cornerstone of Maci’s defense and clarification.

Expanding on her discussion, the mother-of-three further elaborated on the dietary plan she offered Bentley. She explained that her role was to facilitate a healthy path for him to reach his wrestling target. “I will lay out a healthy scheduled diet for u, u can eat salads, grilled chicken, veggies, good carbs-instead of pizza, doritos & candybars,” Maci shared, outlining the nutritious alternatives she proposed. This approach focused on whole, unprocessed foods and balanced macronutrients, a stark contrast to the typical childhood diet rich in snacks and fast food. Importantly, Maci also highlighted Bentley’s agency in the process. She revealed that as the wrestling season progressed, Bentley made his own decision about the strictness of the diet. “Through the season, he decided he didn’t like it-I told him that’s okay! U can go back to usual and wrestle at 75 which is what he did,” she concluded. This demonstrated her willingness to listen to her son’s needs and prioritize his well-being and comfort over a rigid adherence to a specific weight class, ultimately allowing him to return to a weight where he felt more natural and sustained.

I will lay out a healthy scheduled diet for u, u can eat salads, grilled chicken, veggies, good carbs-instead of pizza, doritos & candybars. Through the season, he decided he didn’t like it-I told him that’s okay! U can go back to usual and wrestle at 75 which is what he did.

— Maci McKinney (@MaciBookout) May 27, 2020

The episode that sparked this controversy delved into Bentley’s life, showing how wrestling had become “a great outlet” for him. At 11 years old, Bentley, a recently graduated fifth grader, has been navigating complex family dynamics, particularly the ongoing tension between his mother, Maci, and his biological father, Ryan Edwards. Wrestling provided him with a positive focus and a sense of achievement amidst personal challenges. However, the narrative took a turn that concerned many viewers when Maci explained her intention to put her son on a “strict diet.” She articulated in the episode that this diet was specifically designed to help Bentley “achieve his goal” of qualifying for the regional wrestling tournament, framing it as a supportive measure for his athletic aspirations. The term “strict diet” immediately raised red flags for a significant portion of the audience, who questioned the appropriateness of such an intense regimen for a pre-teen.

The portrayal of the diet’s implementation in the episode further fueled public anxiety. At one point, Maci was seen reacting to Bentley’s choice of grilled chicken for dinner by remarking that he had “lost [his] mind,” a comment that, while perhaps said in jest, underscored the intense focus on his food intake. Maci elaborated on the regimen, stating, “He weighs like 74-75 pounds so he’s on a very strict, good, healthy calorie diet. Lots of water and workouts to actually cut out weight.” This explanation, using phrases like “strict” and “cut out weight,” deeply troubled many viewers who interpreted it as an unhealthy approach to weight management for an 11-year-old. The context of competitive youth sports, where weight categories are common, often leads to misunderstandings about healthy practices versus extreme measures. Even Bentley’s father, Ryan Edwards, and his step-mother, Mackenzie Edwards, voiced their reservations during the episode, expressing concerns that such a rigorous diet might negatively impact Bentley’s growth and development, potentially causing him to become a “late-bloomer” in terms of his physical maturity.

The most vocal opposition, however, came from the dedicated fanbase of Teen Mom OG. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Twitter, became avenues for long-time fans to express their dismay and direct scathing remarks towards Maci. Many comments highlighted the biological needs of growing children. One fan articulated this sentiment clearly, stating, “I have a son the same age as Bentley and I could not imagine telling him it is okay to lose weight at his age. He’s a growing boy and his body needs those calories and nutrients. Let him be little.” This comment encapsulated the widespread concern that prioritizing weight for sport at such a young age could compromise essential development. Another Instagram user conveyed a strong emotional reaction, telling Maci that the episode “just makes me so sick. He’s 11. No 11 year old should be on a diet.” These powerful and numerous criticisms underscored the deep public sensitivity surrounding children’s health, body image, and the role of parents in competitive sports, ultimately prompting Maci’s comprehensive explanatory statement on Twitter to clarify her position and actions.

The debate surrounding Bentley’s diet brought to light broader discussions about child athletes and weight management in competitive sports. In disciplines like wrestling, weight classes are a fundamental component, designed to ensure fair competition. However, the methods employed to meet these weight requirements can vary drastically, from healthy, gradual adjustments to dangerous “weight cutting” practices involving dehydration and extreme caloric restriction. Maci’s clarification aimed to draw a clear line, emphasizing that her guidance for Bentley was firmly in the realm of healthy eating and not the latter. Supporting a child’s passion for sports, especially one as demanding as wrestling, often involves a delicate balance for parents. It requires nurturing their ambitions while safeguarding their physical and mental well-being, ensuring they understand that health always takes precedence over competitive advantage. This situation highlighted the intense scrutiny reality TV stars face, where parenting decisions, often presented out of full context, become subjects of public debate and judgment, necessitating proactive communication to manage narratives and address genuine concerns.

Maci Bookout has long been portrayed as a fiercely protective and dedicated mother on Teen Mom OG. Her past storylines have often revolved around her efforts to provide a stable and loving environment for Bentley, particularly amidst the ongoing challenges and disagreements with Ryan Edwards regarding co-parenting and Ryan’s personal struggles. The decision to support Bentley’s wrestling aspirations, including the dietary aspect, stems from this commitment to fostering his growth and providing him with positive outlets. While the fan reaction was intense, Maci’s detailed explanation offered a more nuanced perspective on her approach, distinguishing between promoting healthy habits and endorsing potentially harmful weight loss practices for a child. Her transparency on social media sought to bridge the gap between viewer perception and her actual parenting philosophy, reminding audiences that behind the cameras, real families make complex choices with their children’s best interests at heart.

As the public continues to digest the unfolding story and Maci’s responses, the discussion serves as a reminder of the public’s investment in the lives of reality TV families and the importance of responsible parenting in the spotlight. The incident underscores the fine line between supporting a child’s athletic dreams and ensuring their long-term health and development. Ultimately, Maci’s intention, as articulated, was to guide Bentley towards a healthy lifestyle that supported his sport, rather than pushing him towards an extreme or unsafe weight management strategy. The ongoing journey of Maci, Bentley, and their family, alongside the other cast members, will continue to be a focal point as the season progresses. The Teen Mom OG season finale is scheduled to air on Tuesday, June 2 at 8pm on MTV, promising further insights into the lives of these well-known reality television figures and the resolutions to their current challenges.