But he's not making his own decisions. Maci is a control freak and she "leads" Bentley to every decision.
A few episodes ago, Maci tells Taylor that Bentley NEVER asks to see his dad.
Later in the episode Bentley says, "Will I get to see my dad?"
She says, "remember how you said you don't want to see him unless he goes to therapy????"
Bentley was like, "oh yeah."
The kid just wants to see his dad. Bentley wanted to go to the friday party, no matter that it was at Ryan's house. Maci led him to the decision that he should call and tell Mimi Jen that he didn't want to go.
It is very clear that Bentley doesn't want to be on the show, he is uncomfortable on camera and is trying to please his mom. Bentley doesn't care that Ryan is a loser, he just wants to see him. He wants a relationship with his dad and he really really wants a relationship with his brother and sister (Ryan's kids).
It is hard for me to understand, I would think he would be like - whatever my dad sucks. I can't understand why he wants to see him. Personally, I grew up with an amazing family, but my husband has a mother that is awful and he still wants to see her. Boggles my mind but I guess some people still want that connection even when the parents are losers who CLEARLY don't gaf.
I maintain that what she is doing is abusive. She is an adult, and she chose the show and the pros and cons that come with it. Like someone pointed out upthread - Bentley didn't choose to do the show and even if he did, he is 11 years old, he cannot make these decisions!