Collin Gosselin, who grew up on Jon&Kate Plus 8, says he is so estranged from most of his seven siblings that he can’t remember what they look like or sound like. The 22-year-old also says he thinks about reaching out, but that it’s complicated, and that speaking out against his mother could make the distance permanent.
Collin says he was placed in a psychiatric facility at age 12 and spent two years there. He claims his mother sent him away to silence abuse allegations, which she denies. After his release, he lived with his father, Jon, who received sole custody, and his sister Hannah joined them. Collin is now promoting a memoir titled In the Shadow of Eight: Surviving the Reality of My Childhood.
The story touches on bigger questions about childhood fame, family estrangement, and mental health. Collin has said he’ll never stop speaking his truth. Does that make reconnecting with his siblings easier or harder?
What would you do if you were in his shoes: reach out, or keep your distance?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.