Teen Mom Star Jenelle Evans Breaks Silence After Son Jace Leaks Their Text Messages, Saying She Was “Disciplining Him” and “Setting Rules and Boundaries”
Jenelle Evans is speaking out after her son Jace leaked private text messages between them that quickly made headlines and stirred conversation across social media. The former Teen Mom star, now 33, shared her side of the story after the 16-year-old posted — and later deleted — screenshots of their messages, which showed a tense exchange between mother and son.
In an Instagram Story on Tuesday, August 19, Evans addressed the controversy directly, saying that while the texts may have appeared harsh to outsiders, they were taken out of context. “I was disciplining my son,” she wrote. “I set rules and boundaries like any parent would. The messages don’t show everything — only parts that make me look bad. I love my son, but there have to be limits.”
The incident began when Jace, whom Jenelle shares with her ex Andrew Lewis, posted a series of screenshots on his Instagram page showing the two arguing over household expectations and discipline. In the texts, Jenelle appears to be setting restrictions, while Jace expresses frustration over what he described as controlling behavior. Within hours, the posts were deleted, but not before they were captured and shared widely by fan accounts and Teen Mom discussion pages.
Jenelle, who has faced public scrutiny for much of her adult life, seemed calm but firm in her response. She emphasized that being a mother of teenagers comes with challenges, especially under the microscope of fame. “Raising kids isn’t easy — especially when they’re testing your patience and growing into independence,” she explained. “I’m not perfect, but I’m doing my best to protect and guide him.”
Sources close to the family told People that the situation has been difficult for both mother and son. “Jace is a teenager with a strong personality,” the source said. “He’s testing boundaries like most kids his age, but when your family’s been in the public eye for years, those normal arguments become headlines.”
Evans, who has three children, has often been candid about her struggles balancing fame, motherhood, and personal growth. Her relationship with Jace has been complicated over the years, in part due to custody changes and past public disputes. Jace had previously lived with Jenelle’s mother, Barbara, before moving back in with Jenelle last year. Evans has since said that rebuilding their bond has been a work in progress.
Despite the drama, Jenelle insists her intentions are rooted in love and concern. “I’m trying to teach him accountability,” she said. “Social media isn’t the place for private family matters. What happened should’ve stayed between us.” She added that she’s focusing on keeping communication open with her son and ensuring he feels heard, while still maintaining authority as a parent.
Fans were divided in their reactions — some expressing sympathy for Jenelle, understanding the challenges of raising teenagers, while others criticized her tone in the leaked messages. Still, many agreed that no parent-child relationship should play out publicly. “This is why family issues should stay offline,” one commenter wrote. “They both need space to heal privately.”
Jenelle’s statement ended on a reflective note, highlighting the importance of patience and understanding. “Parenting doesn’t come with a manual,” she wrote. “You learn as you go. I’ve made mistakes, and I’ll make more, but I’ll never stop trying to do what’s right for my kids.”
For Jenelle Evans, who has spent much of her adult life in the public eye, moments like these are reminders that fame doesn’t make parenting easier — it makes it harder. Behind the headlines and hashtags, she’s still a mom doing what millions of parents do every day: trying to raise her child with love, discipline, and hope for a better tomorrow.
