The Shocking Truth About Big Mike: 5 Controversies That Ended His Time On Mama June's Show

The disappearance of Michael “Big Mike” Mclarty from the Mama June reality TV universe remains one of the show’s most perplexing and controversial mysteries, even as of December 2025. Big Mike, known as June Shannon’s longtime best friend, played a pivotal—and often volatile—role during the family’s darkest period, particularly during the intense drama documented in *Mama June: Family Crisis* and the lead-up to *Road to Redemption*. His sudden exit from the public eye was not a quiet fade but a dramatic departure following a series of shocking on-screen moments and off-screen scandals that ultimately made his continued involvement untenable for the network and the family.

The latest updates on Big Mike are scarce, which is, in itself, the biggest update: he has successfully retreated from the spotlight. This article dives deep into the five major controversies and key events that defined his short but impactful run on WEtv, detailing his biography, the infamous tattoo scandal, and the final confrontation that led to his permanent removal from the family's narrative.

Michael "Big Mike" Mclarty: A Brief Profile and Biography

Michael Mclarty, better known by his nickname “Big Mike,” was introduced to WEtv audiences as a central figure in June Shannon’s life, a trusted confidant who dated back to her pre-fame days in rural Georgia. His presence on the show was meant to provide a grounding, familiar element for June as she navigated her dramatic weight loss journey and subsequent life changes.

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• Full Name: Michael Mclarty
• Nickname: Big Mike
• Relationship to June Shannon: Lifelong Best Friend and Confidant
• Key Television Appearances: *Mama June: From Not to Hot* (Seasons 2-4), *Mama June: Family Crisis*
• Role on the Show: Initially a supportive friend, later a key player in the family’s intervention efforts.
• Current Status (December 2025): Not actively appearing on television; has retreated from public view.

Unlike June's ex-partner Mike "Sugar Bear" Thompson, Big Mike was a true friend, often seen assisting June with her weight loss surgeries and personal struggles. However, his time in the public eye quickly exposed him to intense scrutiny, revealing controversial aspects of his personal life that overshadowed his supportive role.

1. The Infamous Swastika Tattoo Scandal and Network Workaround

The single most shocking controversy surrounding Big Mike was the revelation of a swastika tattoo visible on his left forearm during his early appearances on *Mama June: From Not to Hot*.

This discovery immediately sparked outrage among viewers and presented a significant problem for WEtv. The swastika is widely recognized as a symbol of Nazism and hate, and its presence on a main cast member was deemed unacceptable by many fans.

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The network's response was a clear attempt at damage control. Instead of removing him immediately, WEtv implemented a production workaround. For subsequent episodes, Big Mike was almost always seen wearing long-sleeved shirts, or, if the tattoo was visible, it was blurred out in post-production.

This effort to hide the controversial body art only drew more attention to it, with many critics questioning the network’s decision to keep him on the air despite the highly offensive imagery and the controversial views he was rumored to share. The scandal became a black mark on the show’s production history.

2. The Central Role in June’s Drug Addiction and Financial Crisis

Big Mike’s most dramatic storyline revolved around Mama June Shannon’s descent into drug addiction alongside her then-boyfriend, Geno Doak. When June and Geno disappeared, falling deeper into their substance abuse issues, the family—led by June's sister, Doe Doe Shannon, and her daughter, Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird—launched a desperate search.

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Big Mike was a crucial ally in this search. As June's longtime friend, he was often the only person who had any idea of her whereabouts or her financial situation. He was instrumental in providing information to Doe Doe, who was trying to track down June to stage an intervention.

It was during this time that Big Mike revealed another major complication: June was in deep financial trouble. He informed Doe Doe that June had become entangled with "the wrong people" and owed them a significant amount of money, adding a dangerous, criminal element to her addiction crisis.

3. The Casino Confrontation and Relationship Breakdown

The breaking point for Big Mike’s relationship with June, and his eventual exit from the show, occurred during the family's attempt to confront June and Geno. Doe Doe and Big Mike managed to track the couple down to a casino. This confrontation was one of the most explosive moments in *Mama June: Family Crisis*.

During a heated argument, Big Mike clashed fiercely with both June and Geno Doak. His loyalty to June, which had driven him to help the family, was tested as June defended Geno and her destructive lifestyle. The argument was emotionally charged, and Big Mike ultimately made the decision to step away from the chaotic situation.

Fans speculate that this argument, coupled with the difficulty of maintaining a friendship with June while she was deep in addiction, led to his departure. The rift was clear: Big Mike was one of the last people to try and save June before she hit rock bottom, but his efforts were rejected.

4. The Phasing Out: Replaced by Geno Doak and Family Drama

Following the dramatic casino confrontation, Big Mike was "phased out" of the show's narrative. His absence became noticeable to fans during the later seasons of *From Not to Hot* and the start of *Road to Redemption*.

The primary reason for his reduced screen time was the shift in focus. Once June and Geno were arrested and their drug crisis became the central storyline, the focus of the show became less about June's friends and more about the immediate family’s struggle to cope. The narrative centered on Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson, Pumpkin, and Doe Doe.

Furthermore, Geno Doak effectively replaced Big Mike as June's main support system (albeit a destructive one at the time). With June and Geno inseparable, there was little room for a friend who was openly hostile toward Geno and opposed to their lifestyle. The network, having already faced controversy with Big Mike's tattoos, likely found it easier to let him quietly exit the series.

5. Where is Michael Mclarty Now? The Mystery of His Private Life (2025)

As of December 2025, Michael "Big Mike" Mclarty has successfully retreated from the intense public scrutiny that comes with reality television. There are virtually no current, verifiable updates on his personal life, career, or current whereabouts.

This lack of information suggests that Big Mike has chosen to embrace a private life, a stark contrast to the high-drama existence of the Shannon family. Given the level of controversy he faced, particularly regarding his tattoos and political views, a quiet life away from the cameras is a logical choice.

While the Shannon family, including June, Pumpkin, and Alana, continue to share their lives on *Mama June: Road to Redemption*, Big Mike remains a figure of the past—a controversial but pivotal character who helped define the show's most chaotic period. His story serves as a reminder of the intense pressures and public backlash faced by reality TV personalities, especially those with pre-existing controversial backgrounds. The mystery of his current life is likely a deliberate choice for peace and privacy.