Collin Gosselin Alleges Childhood Abuse Before Memoir Release

Collin Gosselin, a former child star of the reality series Jon & Kate Plus 8, has accused his mother, Kate Gosselin, of mistreating him during childhood. In an interview with ABC News correspondent Juju Chang ahead of his memoir's October 13, 2026, release, he described alleged abuse, isolation from relatives, and institutionalization following his parents' 2009 divorce.

His forthcoming book, In the Shadow of Eight, recounts his experiences growing up in a family whose private life became the subject of a television series. Collin alleges that his relationship with his mother deteriorated after the separation and that he was eventually sent to an institution shortly before his 12th birthday.

Reflecting on the family's television appearances, Collin said the program did not reflect his experiences at home.

"Simply put, my whole life that I lived was a lie. All the things you see on TV, lies." Collin Gosselin said.

The series originally documented Jon and Kate Gosselin raising their eight children: twins Madelyn and Cara and sextuplets Leah, Hannah, Alexis, Joel, Aaden and Collin. After the couple announced their divorce in June 2009, Kate received primary custody of all eight children, and the show was renamed Kate Plus 8.

Collin said an incident involving his ear prompted him to disclose his concerns at school. According to his account, a teacher noticed his swollen earlobe after he alleged that his mother had dragged him across a room by the ear.

He recalled discussing the incident with school staff.

"My teacher saw ... and then I talked to my guidance counselor, and I told them about it. And my mom was not very happy that I spoke about that." Collin Gosselin told Chang.

Collin said his mother subsequently removed him from school during fourth grade. He also recalled being afraid to speak when child protective services became involved. According to his account, an attempt to run away ended with his hands and feet restrained with zip ties before he was locked in a basement room.

He said his mother arranged for him to leave the family home days before his 12th birthday and enter an institution, where he received medication and had limited contact with relatives. Collin described his understanding of the decision at the time as connected to his mother's public image and financial interests.

"I was told, 'This is for your own good,'" Collin Gosselin said. "I threatened my mom's income, I threatened her image, and people will do anything to protect their reputation, especially my mom."

Kate Gosselin gave a different account in a 2016 interview with ABC News, saying her son had been sent for treatment because of educational and social challenges. She defended the decision as appropriate for his circumstances at the time.

Responding to allegations of abuse involving staff members, Kate disputed claims that investigations had substantiated wrongdoing.

"I'm in the public eye. I have been investigated many times…. It's always unfounded, obviously." Kate Gosselin said.

Collin said he spent approximately a year at the institution before writing a note to his father asking for help and expressing his love for him. A friend delivered the message, according to his account.

After Jon pursued legal proceedings to secure his son's release, Collin said he moved in with his father and his sister Hannah, who had also chosen to leave Kate's care.

Collin also described an independent psychological evaluation he underwent in 2023. According to his account in the memoir, the assessment did not identify any mental health diagnoses at that time. ABC News reported that the doctor he identified declined to comment.

Discussing the assessment, Collin emphasized the importance of having documentation of his condition.

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

Collin is now attending college and studying finance. He told Chang that he remains open to reconnecting with his six estranged siblings, while acknowledging that their relationships may have changed.

In a message directed to his siblings, he expressed his continuing affection for them despite the family's history.

"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." Collin Gosselin said.

ABC News said it contacted Kate Gosselin and TLC for comment but received no response. Jon Gosselin declined the network's request for an interview.