Collin Gosselin, formerly of the TLC reality series Jon & Kate Plus 8, has come forward with detailed allegations of childhood abuse by his mother, Kate Gosselin. He features these claims in his forthcoming memoir, In the Shadow of Eight. In an October 12, 2026, interview on Good Morning America with Juju Chang, the 22-year-old finance college student described experiences he says occurred behind the scenes of the family’s television life.
Collin, one of the family’s s*xtuplets born to parents Jon and Kate Gosselin alongside twins Cara and Mady, stated that his childhood differed sharply from the curated narrative portrayed on screen. His account includes claims of physical mistreatment, being pulled out of school in the fourth grade, unsuccessful attempts to seek help from school counselors, and eventual institutionalization before his 12th birthday.
Life Behind the Reality TV Facade
Reflecting on the contrast between the family’s public image and his personal upbringing, Collin told ABC News that his entire life growing up was built on deception. “Simply put, my whole life that I lived was a lie. All the things you see on TV — lies,” Collin said, adding that he was restricted from talking about home conditions while filming.
The family rose to fame on Jon & Kate Plus 8, which aired from 2007 to 2009. Following Jon and Kate Gosselin’s 2009 divorce, the show was rebranded as Kate Plus 8 and continued until 2017 under Kate’s primary custody of all eight children: twins Madelyn and Cara, and s*xtuplets Leah, Hannah, Alexis, Joel, Aaden, and Collin.
Allegations of Isolation and Severe Punishment
According to Collin, the home environment deteriorated following his parents’ divorce. He stated that his mother isolated him from his father and forced him to sleep in a locked basement room. He recounted an incident where a teacher noticed a swollen earlobe, which Collin claimed occurred after his mother dragged him across a room by his ear.
When he attempted to run away and spoke with school guidance counselors, Collin alleged that his mother pulled him out of school entirely. He stated that when child protective services investigated, he felt too afraid to speak out. On one occasion, Collin alleged his mother zip-tied his hands and feet together and locked him in the basement.
Days before his 12th birthday in 2016, Collin was removed from the home and placed into a live-in institutional facility. At the time, Kate Gosselin defended her decision in interviews, stating it was necessary to manage his educational and social challenges and calling earlier abuse allegations entirely unfounded.
Rescue and Independent Psychological Evaluation
While institutionalized, Collin smuggled a crayon-scratched note to a friend to deliver to his father, Jon Gosselin. The note read in part, “Daddy, I love you. Save me.” Two years later, following legal battles by his father, Collin moved in with Jon Gosselin and his sister Hannah, who had also chosen to leave Kate’s care.
In his memoir, Collin notes that he underwent an independent psychological evaluation in 2023. The evaluation found no evidence of previous diagnoses such as autism, bipolar disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder that were attributed to him during his youth. Today, Collin focuses on his education, studies finance in college, and has expressed a desire to eventually reconcile with his estranged siblings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Collin Gosselin and Kate Gosselin
Who is Collin Gosselin?
Collin Gosselin is one of the s*xtuplets featured on the TLC reality television series Jon & Kate Plus 8 (later Kate Plus 8), which documented the lives of Jon and Kate Gosselin and their eight children.
What allegations has Collin Gosselin made against Kate Gosselin?
In his memoir In the Shadow of Eight and associated media interviews, Collin has accused his mother of physical abuse, isolation, locking him in a basement room, and sending him away to a behavioral facility in 2016 to protect her public image.
How has Kate Gosselin responded to the allegations?
Kate Gosselin has consistently denied all allegations of abuse. When Collin was first sent away in 2016, she stated the move was to provide treatment for educational and behavioral challenges. She has previously addressed accusations regarding the memoir on social media by calling them ridiculous and unfounded.
When was Collin Gosselin released from the facility?
After spending approximately a year in the institutional facility and enduring further separation, Collin was released into the custody of his father, Jon Gosselin, who successfully navigated the court system to bring Collin and his sister Hannah to live with him.
Does Collin still have contact with his siblings?
Collin has stated that he is currently estranged from his six other siblings-Madelyn, Cara, Alexis, Aaden, Leah, and Joel-though he has publicly expressed love for them and a hope that they might reconnect in the future.
