Teen Mom's Jenelle Evans hits back at 'villain' label as son enters treatment after allegedly pulling gun on grandmother

Teen Mom alum Jenelle Evans says she's not the 'villain' amid ongoing family issues that have spilled over into the public eye involving her eldest child, son Jace.

'As the narrative is being spun as me being the villain,' Jenelle said, 'in actuality behind the scenes, I'm doing everything I can for my child.'

The reality star, 34, said she's 'doing what's in the best interest for' her son, adding, 'That's none of your business to know.'

Jenelle said she was hesitant to speak publicly on the situation, but had to set the record straight with people piling on her with blame.

Jace, 16, is currently being treated at a mental health facility after he was accused of brandishing a firearm toward his grandmother Barbara Evans in a chaotic February 22 incident that led her to call 911.

Daily Mail has reached out to Jenelle for further comment on the story. 

The incident stoked an already-tense family situation, with Barbara telling TMZ that her daughter Jenelle has barred her from seeing or speaking with Jace while he's in treatment.

The Teen Mom 2 personality welcomed Jace with ex-boyfriend Andrew Lewis in August of 2009. Jenelle is also mom to Kaiser Orion Griffith, 11, with ex-boyfriend Nathan Griffith; and daughter Ensley Jolie Eason, nine, with ex-husband David Eason.

Jenelle said that she hoped to keep details of the situation involving Jace within the family, but that's been impossible due to factors out of her control.

'I feel like at this moment, it is imperative for my family to have their privacy,' Jenelle said. 'And it's been very hard for my family to have their privacy, because I have other family on the other side of the country, selling stories to the media.'

Jenelle slammed critics who have questioned the efforts she's made to help her eldest son, especially ones who point out that she lives in Las Vegas, while Jace lives in North Carolina.

'There's a bunch of rumors saying, "You're not doing nothing, you don't care, you're across the country,"' Jenelle said. 'First of all, no one knows where I'm at all times - let's get that out there.

'Second of all, one thing I will do is put my whole life on pause for my kids, especially if something's going on - so if you're wondering where my podcast is, it's on pause and it's on pause for a good, legit reason.'

Jenelle also pushed back at critics who questioned her being in a good mood on social media while her son is in a treatment facility.

'A lot of people are like, "Why are you acting so happy?"' Jenelle said. 'In actuality I'm not gonna sit here and just cry on TikTok all the time - but I have my days.'

Jenelle said that she's been emotional at times while in private.

'I've been crying - I've been crying for days, for weeks on-and-off, honestly, about a bunch of different situations,' Jenelle said.

Jenelle said that 'every decision' she makes 'as a mother' is for a 'good reason,' adding that she hoped that the narrative would eventually change as the family emerges from the turbulent time.

'Maybe one day we can share this story and it'll be a redemption story and a positive one,' the 16 and Pregnant alum said, 'but at the moment, it's not the time for that.

'So with all due respect, including my family, please, just back off a little bit, please. Let us breathe.'

Jenelle said she hasn't 'been posting as much' on her social media pages amid the family strife.

'It's really hard for me to post at the moment, because I'm just focusing so much on my children that it's like, it's not the time and place to be online,' Jenelle said. 'But just know eventually that I am not the villain in this and you guys eventually will see that.'

A representative for Jenelle earlier this month told the Daily Mail that the MTV personality remains committed to providing her son with the best care amid his stint in a facility.

'The son is receiving the help he needs, and Jenelle has been dedicated to finding the best treatment and the right place to support his progress,' said the representative. 'Her commitment and persistence in seeking the most effective care show how deeply she cares about her son’s well-being and future. 

'At this time, we respectfully ask for privacy for the family and Jenelle Evans. This is a personal matter, and space and understanding are appreciated as they focus on their well-being and time together.'

Jenelle rose to reality TV fame in 2010 while on the MTV show 16 and Pregnant during her pregnancy with Jace, then was added to the Teen Mom cast the following year.