A new three-part documentary series uncovers the often overlooked and unregulated world of family vlogging, focusing on a particularly shocking case involving a couple who ‘re-homed’ their adopted son.
In 2020, family vloggers Myka and James Stauffer took the internet by storm with a video titled ‘An Update on Our Family’.
In this video, the Stauffers revealed that they had ‘re-homed’ their son, whom they had adopted three years earlier and whose adoption journey they had shared with their audience.
A new HBO docu-series, also titled An Update on Our Family, revisits the couple’s surprising downfall from public favor.
The Stauffers had amassed a significant following, with 700,000 subscribers on Myka’s YouTube channel and over 300,000 on their family vlog channel. Before finalizing the boy’s adoption from China, they had shared his photos and discussed his additional needs with their followers.
In a 2017 video, Myka expressed uncertainties, saying: “I don’t know what his medical diagnosis is gonna look like. How much schooling will he need? Will he need a little bit more hands on? Will he be delayed?
“But if anything, my child is not returnable.”
However, fans grew concerned when the boy suddenly disappeared from their videos, prompting the couple to address the situation.
Viewers were taken aback when the Stauffers announced they had re-homed the four-year-old.
James explained in the video: “International adoption, sometimes there’s unknowns and things that are not transparent on file.”
He added, “And once Huxley came home there was a lot more special needs that we weren’t aware of and that we were not told. For us, it’s been really hard hearing from the medical professionals, a lot of their feedback, and things that have been upsetting. We’ve never wanted to be in this position. And we’ve been trying to get his needs met and help him out as much as possible… We truly love him.”
Myka, tearfully admitting she felt like a ‘failure as a mom’, explained that Huxley now had a ‘new forever family’.
“They found somebody that they felt would be ultimately the best fit and he is thriving, he is very happy, he is doing very well and his new mommy has medical professional training and it is a very good fit,” she shared.
Following their announcement, the Stauffers’ attorneys spoke to People, emphasizing the couple’s intentions to ensure Huxley received the best care possible.
Thomas Taneff and Taylor Sayers stated: “We are privy to this case and given the facts at hand, we feel this was the best decision for Huxley. In coming to know our clients we know they are a loving family and are very caring parents that would do anything for their children. Since his adoption, they consulted with multiple professionals in the healthcare and educational arenas in order to provide Huxley with the best possible treatment and care. Over time, the team of medical professionals advised our clients it might be best for Huxley to be placed with another family.”
Directed by Rachel Mason, the HBO documentary aims to scrutinize the family vlogging industry by delving into this controversial episode.
The series features interviews with experts and investigates the financial aspects of family vlogging, including the income potential from featuring children in content, alongside examining the circumstances that led to the Stauffers’ decision to re-home their child.
Since the controversy, the couple has maintained a low profile, with Myka ceasing to post on Instagram since 2020.
An Update on Our Family is scheduled to air at 9.00pm ET/PT on HBO, with new episodes releasing every Wednesday until January 29.