Allison Holker’s daughter asks people to 'leave family alone' amid backlash against mother over memoir

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Weslie Renae, the 16-year-old daughter of Allison Holker, has taken to social media to defend her mother amid backlash over the upcoming memoir detailing Stephen 'tWitch' Boss’ struggles.

Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, a beloved dancer, DJ, and actor, tragically died by suicide in December 2022, leaving behind a grieving family and a shocked fan base.

Weslie Renae says she's still getting 'hate comments'

In a heartfelt Instagram video shared on Friday, January 10, Weslie Renae addressed the ongoing criticism and hate directed at her family.

“My stepdad’s been gone for two years, and I’m still getting hate comments,” she said.

“This isn’t just a social media gig — this is literally my life. I’m so sick of seeing my mom get hate for losing the person she loves,” she added.

Weslie Renae reflects on a father-daughter bond

Weslie Renae, who was raised by Stephen 'tWitch' Boss since she was one-year-old, spoke fondly of their close relationship.

Although Boss never formally adopted her, she described him as a constant presence in her life.

“For 13 years, he was the person I would go to about everything,” she shared.

“He would wake me up every morning, we’d have breakfast, and he was the person I’d see when he came home from work. He raised me, and now I’m getting hate for him leaving. It’s hurtful,” she shared.

“People say it’s not my place because I’m not his biological daughter, but he never made me feel like anything besides his daughter — and I think that speaks to who he was,” Renae added.

Allison Holker’s memoir sparks debate

The backlash intensified after Allison Holker announced her forthcoming memoir 'This Far' set to release later this year.

The book delves into Boss’ mental health and addiction struggles, with the intention of raising awareness and supporting others facing similar challenges.

Holker has pledged to donate all proceeds to a nonprofit organization established in Boss’ honor, according to Us Weekly.

Despite Holker’s good intentions, the memoir has drawn criticism from some members of Boss’ family, who have accused her of publicizing his private struggles for personal gain.

Renae refuted these accusations, defending her mother’s decision to share Boss’ story.

“Nobody’s sitting up here trying to bash him. He was a good person. My mom is doing this to help others, not for attention or money,” she explained.

Allison Holker's strained family dynamics

Weslie Renae also addressed tensions with Stephen 'tWitch' Boss’ extended family, revealing that their relationship has become increasingly strained.

According to Renae, some family members have been publicly dismissive of her and her mother’s grief.

“They’ve gone on social media saying things like, ‘Blood’s thicker than water,’ and that’s a direct [hit to] me and my mom,” she alleged.

“I know for a fact that’s never how Stephen saw it. It’s hurtful,” Renae added.

She explained that while her family lives in a different state than Boss’ relatives, her mother has made consistent efforts to maintain ties.

“My mom’s constantly making the effort so the kids are part of their lives,” Weslie said. “But for me, it’s like, y’all don’t make me feel comfortable,” she shared.

Weslie Renae's call for kindness

As Weslie Renae navigates the complexities of grief and public scrutiny, she is calling for compassion and understanding from critics.

“Leave the family alone,” she implored.

“This isn’t the type of family dynamic we had, and it’s not what Stephen would have wanted,” Renae added.

She emphasized the long-term impact of online negativity on her siblings, Maddox, eight, and Zaia, five.

“They’re going to grow up seeing all this on social media, and it’s so hurtful. They’re going to have to form their own opinion of who their dad was, and we only speak about him in such a beautiful light,” Renae shared.