Amber Portwood Net Worth

What is Amber Portwood's net worth?

Amber Portwood is an American reality TV star who has a net worth of $10 thousand. Amber Portwood is best known for her appearances on MTV's "16 and Pregnant" and the long-running franchise "Teen Mom." Her early fame stemmed from her raw and often controversial depiction of teen motherhood, legal troubles, and personal battles with mental health and substance abuse. Portwood has remained a headline-making figure for over a decade, with her life unfolding publicly through reality TV, tabloid coverage, and court proceedings. Despite her struggles, she has maintained a role on television and occasionally advocated for mental health awareness, offering glimpses of growth and reflection along the way.

Early Life

Amber Leann Portwood was born in May 1990 and raised in Anderson, Indiana. She grew up in a working-class family with two siblings. Her teenage years were marked by turbulence, including the tragic death of her sister Candace from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Amber has publicly spoken about her difficult upbringing and the emotional impact of early loss and instability. She dropped out of high school but later earned her GED.

Reality TV Fame

Amber first came to national attention in 2009 when she was cast in the inaugural season of MTV's "16 and Pregnant," alongside Maci Bookout, Farrah Abraham, and Catelynn Lowell. The show documented her experience becoming a mother at age 18 to daughter Leah Leann Shirley, whom she shares with ex-boyfriend Gary Shirley. Her episode gained significant attention for its unfiltered look at the challenges of young parenthood and the volatility of her relationship with Gary.

She went on to become one of the original stars of the spin-off series "Teen Mom," which premiered later that year. Amber's on-screen storylines were often centered on conflict, both within her relationships and with the law. Her erratic behavior, on-camera physical altercations with Gary, and inconsistent parenting became defining elements of the show's early seasons. While some viewers sympathized with her struggles, others criticized her actions, making her one of the more polarizing figures in the franchise.

Legal Issues and Incarceration

In 2010, Amber was charged with multiple counts of domestic violence following several incidents with Gary that aired on "Teen Mom." She was later arrested on drug-related charges in 2011 and opted to serve a five-year prison sentence after failing to complete a court-mandated rehab program. She was released after serving 17 months.

Amber's legal troubles continued after her release. In 2019, she was arrested again—this time for domestic battery against her then-boyfriend, Andrew Glennon. The incident involved an alleged attack with a machete while their son, James, was present. She later accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to probation. In 2022, she lost custody of James, and Glennon was granted permission to relocate with the child to California.

Mental Health and Public Advocacy

Amber has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder and has occasionally spoken publicly about her mental health challenges. Over the years, she has expressed regret for past behavior and has used some of her media appearances to advocate for better understanding of mental illness, addiction, and the importance of therapy. She released a memoir in 2015 titled "Never Too Late," which detailed her struggles and desire to turn her life around.

Despite these efforts, Amber has remained a magnet for controversy, often criticized for repeated patterns of behavior. Her appearances on reunion specials and spin-offs like "Teen Mom: Family Reunion" have continued to fuel debate among fans and critics alike.

Relationships and Personal Life

Amber's personal life has played out almost entirely in public view. Her relationship with Gary Shirley ended years ago, though they continue to co-parent Leah, albeit with a strained dynamic. Her subsequent relationships with Matt Baier and Andrew Glennon were both marked by significant drama and eventual breakups. She has expressed regret over how her past actions affected her relationships and her children.

Amber remains based in Indiana and continues to participate in MTV franchise specials and spin-offs, although her long-term presence in the franchise appears uncertain. While her story has often been defined by setbacks, she continues to express a desire for healing, accountability, and personal growth.