Collin Gosselin, one of the eight kids fromJon and Kate Plus 8, released a memoir Tuesday calledIn the Shadow of Eight, and the claims inside are already everywhere. Collin, now 22, alleges that Kate Gosselin required her children to“act happy”on camera, with punishment waiting for anyone who didn’t. He describes nose-against-wall timeout, being stripped down for dirty clothes, and limits on shampoo and deodorant, and says Kate was particularly hard on him.
The book also fills in the timeline fans have followed for years: Collin was sent to a behavioral health facility at 11 in 2016, and by 2019 he was living with his dad, Jon Gosselin. Today he’s estranged from his mother and most of his siblings. Kate has denied the allegations and called Collin mentally ill, while a source says she’s nervous about the book’s release. The TLC series, which ran asJon and Kate Plus 8and laterKate Plus 8, aired from 2007 to 2017.
Collin’s recent appearance onSpecial Forcesput him back in the spotlight just before the memoir dropped, and he even had a message for his mom:“Well, if she does,‘Hey, Mom!’Hope you enjoy.”Whatever side you land on, this is one of the biggest reality TV stories of the year. Do you think shows like this should still be allowed to feature young kids? Tell us in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.