Kate Gosselin, initially known for the TLC series "Jon & Kate Plus 8," has faced ongoing public attention and family challenges. Her journey, from reality TV star to single mother, has been marked by controversies, including recent accusations of abuse from her son Collin.
Kate refuted Collin's claims, stating he has received multiple psychiatric diagnoses and that his placement in a facility was necessary for the safety of herself and her other children. She attributed Collin's "unpredictable and violent behavior" to Jon's decision to remove him from treatment.
Scrutiny and Strict Parenting
During the height of the show's popularity, Kate's parenting style was often perceived as strict, drawing criticism from viewers. She acknowledged her portrayal on the show wasn't always flattering, stating in a 2011 episode of "Kate Plus 8" that she "couldn't even stand myself in season two." She attributed this to the editing process, which condensed hours of filming into short episodes, highlighting her "crabby mommy moments."
Divorce, Custody Battles, and Estrangement
Following her divorce from Jon in 2009, the show transitioned to "Kate Plus 8." Custody issues arose, with Jon claiming in 2016 that he hadn't seen all his children together in three years and was unaware of Collin's whereabouts. Kate maintained she knew Collin's location but couldn't disclose it due to court orders. Disputes continued, including a 2017 incident at an orthodontist's office involving a custody disagreement. Jon eventually gained custody of Collin, who later accused Kate of abuse and institutionalization. Hannah, another of the Gosselin children, also resides with Jon.
Family estrangement extends beyond Jon. Kate's brother and sister-in-law expressed concerns in 2009 about the children's well-being and the impact of the show. They alleged the show exploited the children and that cameras were even placed in their bedrooms. Kate dismissed their concerns, stating they were uninformed and motivated by financial gain. Further estrangement was revealed in 2014 when Kate's sister claimed they hadn't spoken in six years due to disagreements about the children and the show. Kate also acknowledged a strained relationship with her parents.
Romantic Life and "Kate Plus Date"
Kate's romantic life has also been subject to public scrutiny. She denied cheating allegations involving the family bodyguard, Steve Neild, in 2009. After her divorce, she focused on raising her children, returning to television in 2019 with "Kate Plus Date," a show documenting her dating experiences. The show lasted only one season. In a recent interview, Kate expressed uncertainty about her future dating prospects, stating, "I will never say never."
Present Day
Kate now resides in North Carolina with six of her children and reportedly obtained her nursing license in 2022, returning to her pre-fame profession. While the Gosselin family home featured in "Kate Plus Eight" has been sold, Kate's presence in the public eye continues, including her participation in the FOX series "Special Forces: The Toughest Test."
