Collin Gosselin Details Abuse Claims Ahead of Memoir Release

Collin Gosselin, a former star of TLC's Jon & Kate Plus 8, has described alleged abuse he says he experienced while growing up in the family featured on the reality show. He discussed the claims with ABC News' Juju Chang ahead of his memoir release on Oct. 13.

According to ABC News, Gosselin's memoir In the Shadow of Eight details his allegations about events that he says happened after his parents' divorce and while he was a child. He is one of eight children of Jon Gosselin and Kate Gosselin.

Gosselin said his view of his childhood changed after living through experiences away from the public image of the television family.

"Simply put, my whole life that I lived was a lie," said Collin Gosselin.

He continued describing his perception of the reality series and his family life during the interview with ABC News.

"All the things you see on TV, lies," said Collin Gosselin.

Gosselin alleged that after his parents' divorce, his mother isolated him from his father and that he was later placed in an institution. He said a teacher noticed an injury that he attributed to an incident involving his mother.

"dragged" said Collin Gosselin.

Gosselin said he reported concerns to school officials and that he was later removed from school during fourth grade. He also alleged that he was locked in a basement room after attempting to run away.

"This is for your own good," said Collin Gosselin.

Gosselin said he believed his treatment was connected to concerns about his mother's public image and financial interests.

"I threatened my mom's income, I threatened her image, and people will do anything to protect their reputation, especially my mom," said Collin Gosselin.

In 2016, Kate Gosselin told ABC News that Collin was sent for treatment related to educational and social challenges. She rejected previous reports of abuse allegations.

"unfounded," said Kate Gosselin.

Kate Gosselin also addressed her public profile and previous investigations during the 2016 interview with ABC News.

"I'm in the public eye," said Kate Gosselin.

Kate Gosselin continued discussing the investigations mentioned during the interview.

"I have been investigated many times…. It's always unfounded, obviously," said Kate Gosselin.

Gosselin said that after spending about a year in the institution, he wrote a note to his father that was delivered through a friend. He later moved in with his father and sister Hannah after his father went through the court system to secure his release.

"I'm counting on you to get me out of here. Daddy, I love you. Save me," said Collin Gosselin.

Gosselin said an independent psychological evaluation he underwent in 2023 did not show any mental health diagnoses at that time. ABC News reported that the doctor he identified as conducting the evaluation declined to comment.

"I knew I'd go through life every day as a functioning member of society. It's just that I needed it on paper," said Collin Gosselin.

Gosselin is now attending college and studying finance. When asked about reconnecting with his six siblings, he said he wanted to rebuild those relationships despite the history between them.

"would love to" said Collin Gosselin.

Gosselin also shared a message directed toward his siblings, including Madelyn, Cara, Alexis, Aaden, Leah and Joel.

"No matter what's happened or what was said, no matter how things look from the outside, I love you, I always have and always will," said Collin Gosselin.

ABC News said it contacted Kate Gosselin and TLC for comment but did not receive responses. Jon Gosselin declined ABC News' request for an interview.