Why Did Leah Messer Say 'Monkey' At ‘Teen Mom 2’ Reunion? About Her Safe Word With Corey Simms

Leah Messer Teen Mom 2 — Leah Messer will go head-to-head with her ex-husband in the "Teen Mom 2" reunion special. MTV/Viacom

In a preview for part two of the “Teen Mom 2” Season 6 reunion special, Leah Messer and Corey Simms get into a heated discussion about the current state of their troubled relationship. After exchanging tense words about Corey’s new wife, Miranda, Leah says her safe word: “monkey.” But what’s it all about?

The “Teen Mom” reunion shows are always loaded with drama, but none of the franchise’s stars have ever used a safe word onstage. So, why is Leah the exception? According to the Ashley’s Reality Roundup, the option to use the word “monkey” was given to Leah ahead of filming reportedly due to her fragile condition.

As most “Teen Mom 2” viewers are aware, Leah, 23, attended treatment during Season 6. Despite Corey’s claims his ex-wife had a “drug problem,” Leah said the therapy was for her issues pertaining to anxiety. According to the Ashley, Leah’s mom, Dawn Spears, did not want her to film the reunion show after only recently leaving treatment, saying her daughter “almost died” because of her stress and anxiety issues. Leah was reportedly required to do so because of her MTV contact. Thus, the safe word came about.

“In order to make Dawn and Leah feel more comfortable, the producers allowed them to create a safe word for Leah to shout when she felt things were getting too intense,” reported the site. “The on-set orders were for everyone to stop talking and for Dr. Drew to take control of the situation and put an end to whatever conversation was happening.”

In the reunion show clip, Leah can be heard saying “monkey” after Corey says he’s not “scared” of her and accuses her of being jealous of his wife. When Corey continues to talk about the subject, a female audience member, reportedly Dawn, can be heard yelling the safe word, to which host Dr. Drew Pinsky says it’s time to change the subject.

“I’m going to start calling monkey,” Corey frustratedly responds.

Watch the sneak-peek video from the reunion special below:

Part two of the “Teen Mom 2” Season 6 finale special airs Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 9 p.m. EDT on MTV.