The newest reality show on the TLC network is ‘Breaking Amish,’ a series that follows the journey of five Amish and Mennonite young adults who leave their teachings behind for big city life in Manhattan.
Not so fast say critics who claim the individuals on the show are not who they claim to be. Facebook and MySpace photos suggest an entirely different scenario that in no way resembles their assertion that they face potential ostracism from family and friends.
On the show Abe and Rebecca claim they have never met before but they reportedly have a child together. Abe was also arrested in 2008 for being drunk in public, with a mugshot on record.
Kate has a DUI conviction and submitted photos to modeling sites despite her claims on the show that being photographed is against her Amish beliefs.
Jeremiah, who claims he is desperate to break away from his Amish life, has been reportedly out of the community for 14 years and is divorced with three children. His MySpace photos dating back to 2007 in no way resemble an Amish lifestyle.
Sabrina, a Mennonite, got married in 2009. Facebook photos show her wearing revealing clothing and kissing.
The network acknowledges, “There is a lot of information floating around about the group featured on ‘Breaking Amish.’ Much of it is not true, but some of it is — and is addressed in upcoming episodes.”
The first two shows have garnered a healthy rating with three million viewers, the network’s most-watched series premiere in three years. TLC invites detractors to keep watching on Sunday’s at 10/9c because many questions will be answered in the remaining eight segments.
Check out the photographic evidence here.
Photo: TLC-Breaking Amish promo pic