IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

JonBenet Ramsey's father considers 'Toddlers & Tiaras' 'bizarre'

If pageant princess JonBenet Ramsey were still alive, she'd be a 21-year-old today. Now, her father, John, looks back at her pageant days with regret. He also looks to how pageant life is portrayed in popular culture today, via TLC's reality TV hit "Toddlers & Tiaras," and finds it disturbing."It's very bizarre," Ramsey told ABC News of the glitz-themed pageant show. "And it certainly ... Patsy (J
These stills from an undated Ramsey family video offer a glimpse of JonBenet Ramsey's pageant-filled past.
These stills from an undated Ramsey family video offer a glimpse of JonBenet Ramsey's pageant-filled past.Ramsey family video via AP file / Today

If pageant princess JonBenet Ramsey were still alive, she'd be a 21-year-old today. Now, her father, John, looks back at her pageant days with regret. He also looks to how pageant life is portrayed in popular culture today, via TLC's reality TV hit "Toddlers & Tiaras," and finds it disturbing.

"It's very bizarre," Ramsey told ABC News of the glitz-themed pageant show. "And it certainly ... Patsy (JonBenet's mother) and JonBenet didn't approach it that way. We ... they just did it for fun." 

TLC had no comment on Ramsey's opinion of the network's show.

But now, almost 15 years after his daughter's death, Ramsey sees things differently. He wonders if what was once fun might have actually had a role in his daughter's still-unsolved murder.

“Patsy had her sitting atop a friend’s convertible in the Christmas parade waving at the people lining the streets,” Ramsey explained. “Patsy’s mother later told me that a strange man approached the car during the parade and it made her uncomfortable. I think about these things now and it makes me cringe.  We were so naïve. I now believe with all my heart that it’s not a good idea to put your child on public display.”

Ramsey added that high-profile pageants "might have drawn attention to us," before warning other parents to "recognize that, regardless of where you live, there could be evil around you.  And don't be naive about it. And keep your kids protected."

Do you think pageants or related TV programming pose a danger to children? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

 

Related content: