The life of YouTube family vloggers Myka and James Stauffer dramatically changed in 2020 when they announced the rehoming of their adopted son, Huxley. The couple had chronicled their family life and adoption journey through their popular YouTube channel. Huxley, adopted at age 2½ from China, was featured prominently in their content.
However, the Stauffers decided to rehome him, citing his developmental disabilities, including a later-diagnosed autism spectrum disorder, as the primary reason. In their final videos posted in 2020, Myka and James expressed their struggles and reasons for the decision. “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,” James said. Myka tearfully added, “Do I feel like a failure as a mom?
Stauffers’ adoption story revisited
Like, 500 percent… the last couple months have been like the hardest thing I could have ever imagined.”
Their lawyers justified the decision, stating, “Given the facts at hand, we feel this was the best decision for Huxley. We know they are a loving family and are very caring parents that would do anything for their children.”
Following the rehoming, Huxley was placed with a new family, chosen for their medical expertise to meet his needs more effectively.
Myka shared in a 2020 Instagram post that Huxley was “thriving” and “happy” with his new family, describing them as a “very good fit” for him. The controversy over the Stauffers’ decision continues to generate discussions about ethical parenting, especially regarding the transparency and responsibilities of social media influencers. While Myka and James have largely retreated from the public eye, their story remains a potent reminder of the complexities involved in adoption, particularly when amplified by the pressures of social media fame.
This controversial decision was revisited in HBO’s three-part docuseries “An Update on Our Family,” debuting in January 2020. The docuseries includes old videos shared by the Stauffers, capturing moments before and during their adoption process. It also features the couple’s final announcements and their attempts to justify their decision.
