TLC is facing backlash from viewers and social media users alike after Collin Gosselin shared a throwback clip of himself from “Jon & Kate Plus 8.”
Collin has been in the spotlight for the past month as he’s opened up about his time on the reality show “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.”
Additionally, Collin has been promoting his memoir, “In the Shadow of Eight,” in which he details the alleged abuse he suffered at the hands of his mother, Kate Gosselin.
Collin Gosselin Shares Heartbreaking Clip Of Himself Filming ‘Jon & Kate Plus 8’
Collin has been reflecting on his time growing up in front of the camera. In a recent Instagram post, the 22-year-old shared a behind-the-scenes clip of him appearing to prepare for a confessional interview. While it’s unclear exactly how old Collin was in the video, he looks dejected and tired.
“If I could go back and talk to the kid I used to be, I’d tell him that we survived more than we ever should have had to, and one day, we’d find the strength to turn that pain into purpose,” Collin captioned the clip.
He continued, “Sharing my story has meant facing parts of my past I spent years keeping to myself. It’s not easy to be vulnerable, but there’s something powerful about finally giving a voice to the things you once felt you had to keep silent.”
TLC Faces Heat After Collin Gosselin Opens Up About His Life In Front Of The Cameras
Social media users quickly reacted to Collin’s post about his time in front of the cameras and called out the TLC network for allegedly letting the cycle of reported abuse continue.
“TLC should also be held accountable for what happened to you. You got this,” someone wrote. “I hate that TLC watched this and let it go on. I hate that ‘mental illness’ was the excuse, but still not enough of a reason to stop filming,” said another.
Collin also received a flood of support from users who praised him for being vulnerable enough to share his painful story.
“You have captivated the world with your story and the impact of you being brave enough to share will reverberate throughout the entertainment industry and family vlogging world,” a user commented.
Collin Gosselin Wrote About ‘The Hardest Moments Of My Life’ In His Memoir
According to a previous report from The Blast, Collin recounts some of the “hardest days of my life” in his book, “In the Shadow of Eight.” In addition to talking about his mother’s alleged abuse and mistreatment, Collin also touches on his estranged relationship with his siblings.
“For a long time, I wasn’t sure I’d ever tell this story,” he said about the book. “Growing up, millions of people watched my life on television. People felt like they knew me. They knew my family. They watched me grow up. But there was so much they never saw. For years, I kept those experiences to myself. Some because I was afraid. Some because I didn’t think anyone would believe me. And some because I just wasn’t ready.”
Collin went on to explain that writing his memoir not only challenged him to revisit difficult moments, but also forced him to find his voice. “This isn’t the story people think they know. It’s the story I’ve lived,” he added.
Collin Claimed Too Much Happened Behind The Scenes That People Don’t Know About
Collin touched on his parents’ separation in the book’s early chapters, according to The Blast. In chapter 2, Collin alleges that TLC feared his parents’ divorce would ruin the show, so they allegedly called Dr. Phil to have him offer Kate and Jon $2 million to fake their relationship for the show.
“He wasn’t stepping into our lives as a neutral party,” Collin wrote. “He was stepping in as someone with power, connections, and a real interest in preserving the TLC empire that had formed around my mom.”
Collin admitted he was shocked TLC would allegedly encourage Dr. Phil to facilitate a contract marriage between his parents. “Not for love or healing, but for the show, for the franchise,” he said. “It was in everyone’s best interests—TLC, the production companies, the daytime talk circuit, the magazines—if my parents kept up a fake front.”
Jon Gosselin Claps Back At Kate
Collin’s book has been out for just a few days, and his story has already become one of social media’s most-talked-about topics.
Kate has indirectly responded to the claims in Collin’s book, dismissing them and her son, and implying he’s suffering from mental illness.
Kate’s ex, Jon, clapped back in a statement to Us Weekly and gushed about how proud he was of Collin for telling his truth. He also took aim at Kate and vowed to take legal action if she continues spreading inaccuracies about their son.
“Also, let me be very clear: If you continue to falsely label my son Collin as ‘mentally ill,’ you will be held accountable,” he said. “As you know, Collin has been evaluated by multiple independent psychiatrists, and that narrative is proven categorically untrue.”
