Kate Gosselin – the matriarch of the Gosselin family, who rose to fame on the hit reality TV show Jon & Kate Plus 8 – is speaking out after her son, Collin Gosselin, her daughter, Hannah Gosselin, and her ex-husband, Jon Gosselin, accused her of poor parenting and neglect in new docuseries for VICE TV.
The 48-year-old mother of eight released a statement, which was published by PEOPLE on Friday (July 21), that detailed some of her concerns over Collin’s behavior and mental health. She made it clear that she still loves her son dearly, but she also feels that he’s a ‘very troubled young man’ who needs help.
“My son Collin, whom I love with all my heart, has received multiple psychiatric diagnoses over the years,” she said – adding that she ‘never wanted to have to do this,’ but felt as if she had been ‘backed into a corner and left with no choice.’ It comes just a few days after her daughter, Mady Gosselin, spoke out.
In the statement, Kate Gosselin confirmed that Collin was placed in a facility after years of unsuccessful outpatient treatment over his troubled behavior and outbursts – one of which involved the use of a weapon. His tantrums were growing worse and she feared for her safety and the safety of her family.
According to Kate, her son’s outbursts continue to this day – something she partly blames his father for, especially since he removed Collin from the facility. She goes on to explain that her son has battled mental illness for a long time and it has resulted in a very complex, complicated, and painful relationship.
“Collin’s distorted perception of reality is one of the many issues that he has always struggled with,” she wrote. “As many people who have family members grappling with mental health issues can attest, it is rarely and sadly surprising when complete fabrications occur, and this is just another heartbreaking facet of this fight.”
She concluded the statement by calling her son a ‘very troubled young man’ who ‘continues to need a lot of help’ – help that he doesn’t seem to be getting at this time. She confirms that she hasn’t been involved in his life as a result of his continued outbursts and praised her daughter, Mady, for bravely speaking out.
Why Did Kate Gosselin Feel the Need to Speak Out?
Many fans and followers have been waiting for Kate Gosselin to share her side of the story ever since Collin, Hannah, and Jon appeared in an episode of Dark Side of the 2000s – where the trio (who have been estranged from the rest of the family for years) criticized Kate for her parenting style and neglect.
@viceontv We spoke to Collin Gosselin about his experience growing up on reality TV & his estranged mother. #collingosselin #jonandkateplus8 #jonandkate #realitytv #vice #vicetv
♬ original sound – VICE TV
“He would be separated from us. He would not get to come and play outside with us. He would eat dinner at different times than us,” Hannah said of her brother in a trailer for the docuseries. Collin appeared to play the victim and claimed his mother just ‘needed someone to take out her anger and frustration on.’
A few days later, Mady Gosselin – an older sister of Collin and Hannah – spoke out in defense of her mother and accused Collin of physical, emotional, and verbal abuse through the years. Her comments came after she received a lot of hate mail from those who heard the accusations and saw the docuseries.
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While Jon declined to comment on Kate’s recent statement, he did praise his son and was shocked to learn of Mady’s comments – especially since she hasn’t spoken to Collin in years. “Collin has grown into a wonderful man. I love him and am proud and excited to see him grow into a young US Marine,” Jon said.