Tyler Baltierra Challenges Sympathy Following Amanda Conner’s Arrest
Teen Mom’s Tyler Baltierra is openly questioning why fans appear to show more empathy for Amanda Conner following her arrest for an alleged DUI, while his wife, Catelynn Lowell, navigates her own struggles with adoption.
“What surprises me is the comments saying, ‘She’s struggling and this is part of addiction; relapse is part of recovery, and she’s having a tough time right now. Please get better,’” Baltierra, 34, stated during the May 27 episode of the “Cate & Ty Break It Down” podcast. “All this sentimental, empathetic response is wonderful, and I believe we’ve made strides in society to understand its impact. I’m glad that empathy is growing.”
On May 24, news of Conner’s arrest emerged, revealing she was charged with child abuse/neglect for allegedly driving under the influence with a baby on board. She was also accused of driving on the wrong side of the road.
Shortly after, Conner acknowledged her arrest, admitting she relapsed after three years of sobriety.
“I have disappointed you all and let my family down,” she expressed via TikTok on May 27. “Just saying that out loud brings discomfort; it’s shameful. I am disappointed, I feel guilty and scared. I’m not perfect.”
Conner’s bond was set at $16,000. After her release, she was instructed not to contact the alleged child victim.
In a recent podcast episode with Lowell, 34, Baltierra noted the contrasting reactions Conner has received compared to the responses his wife has gotten when sharing her experiences with adoption. (Baltierra and Lowell placed their daughter Carly for adoption when they were just 16 years old; Carly, now 17, has no contact with her biological parents, according to Baltierra and Lowell.)
“It’s intriguing that we’re discussing a woman in recovery who relapsed, endangering both her child and herself,” Baltierra remarked. “She receives a significant amount of empathy because she is battling addiction. Meanwhile, my wife, who is sober and a wonderful mom, posts about how difficult it is to miss the child she relinquished out of desperation on her birthday. The difference in comments between these situations is astonishing.”
He added, “This highlights how adoption is often overlooked and the broader issues surrounding mental health in adoption. How can a woman who has endangered her children receive more sympathy than a birth mother who placed her child out of necessity, mourning her on her birthday?”
While Conner has yet to publicly address her arrest further, she shared in a TikTok video that she is grappling with the “consequences” of her actions.
“It’s going to be raw and real, reflecting what happens when you relapse and make poor choices; there are consequences,” she stated. “We won’t give up; we will fight to get back on track. With that said, we are preparing to meet with the lawyer, so stay tuned.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
