Collin Gosselin Details Alleged Abuse Claims Before Memoir

Collin Gosselin, a former star of TLC's "Jon & Kate Plus 8," has described alleged abuse he says he experienced while growing up and discussed the claims ahead of his memoir "In the Shadow of Eight," released Oct. 13. He spoke with ABC News' Juju Chang about his childhood, family and time in an institution.

According to ABC News, Gosselin is one of eight children of Jon Gosselin and Kate Gosselin, whose family became known through the reality series. The show later became "Kate Plus 8" after the couple divorced in 2009.

Gosselin said he felt the public image of the family program did not match his experience away from cameras.

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

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

Gosselin alleged that after his parents' divorce, he was isolated from his father and that his mother made him sleep in a locked basement room. He also described an incident involving a teacher and his earlobe.

"dragged," Gosselin said, describing how he alleged his mother moved him by his earlobe.

Gosselin said a teacher noticed his swollen earlobe and that he later spoke with a guidance counselor. He alleged he was removed from school in fourth grade and later placed in an institution before living with his father and sister Hannah.

"This is for your own good," Gosselin said he was told.

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

According to ABC News, Kate Gosselin previously said in 2016 that Collin was sent for treatment related to educational and social challenges. She described the decision as being made in his best interest.

"the best thing I can do for him right now," Kate Gosselin said.

Kate Gosselin also responded in 2016 to reports about alleged mistreatment, calling the reports unsupported.

"unfounded," Kate Gosselin said.

Kate Gosselin said she had faced repeated investigations while in the public eye.

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

She continued addressing the previous reports in the same interview.

"unfounded, obviously," Kate Gosselin said.

Gosselin said he later wrote a note to his father while in the institution, and a friend helped deliver it. He said his father went through the court system before he was released.

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

Gosselin said an independent psychological evaluation in 2023 did not identify any mental health diagnoses at that time. ABC News said the doctor who conducted 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," Gosselin said.

Gosselin is now a college student studying finance, according to ABC News. He said he wants to reconnect with his siblings, including Madelyn, Cara, Alexis, Aaden, Leah and Joel, while recognizing their relationships have changed.

"would love to," Gosselin said about reconnecting with his siblings.

Gosselin also shared a message directed at his siblings about their relationship.

"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," Gosselin said.

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