Kate Gosselin is reportedly preparing for a new chapter in her family’s long-running public feud as her estranged son, Collin Gosselinis preparing to release a memoir detailing his childhood experiences. The former ‘Kate Plus 8’ star is said to be taken aback by the announcement of Collin’s upcoming book, ‘In The Shadow of Eight: Surviving the Reality of My Childhood’, which is due out on October 13.
According to a source close to the family, Kate had no idea the project was in the works until it was publicly announced. “Kate had no idea this book was in the works,” the insider said Daily mail. “Collin has not spoken to his mother since she left him in an institution as a young child.”
The source further claimed that the reality TV matriarch is very concerned about what might be revealed once the book hits shelves. “She didn’t expect this to ever come out. Now she’s in a spiral because she knows it’s about to hit the fan,” the insider claimed.
Collin Gosselin promises to expose ‘abuse’ and ‘exploitation’ in new book
While details about the memoir remain limited, Collin has made it clear that he plans to share his side of the story after years of public scrutiny.
The 22 year old announced the project on Instagram last week, describing it as an opportunity to speak openly about his upbringing and experiences in one of reality TV’s most recognizable families. “This is not the story people think they know. It’s the story I lived,” he wrote.
Collin emphasized that the memoir was not created for “entertainment” purposes. “It is a story to teach everyone the responsibility to advocate and speak out against abuse, injustice and the exploitation of children,” he continued. “I poured my heart into this book not only for my younger self, but for ANYONE who suffered unfair and downright heinous acts as a child. I am your voice. I stand with you.”
Kate Gosselin has previously denied Collin’s allegations
Collin has publicly criticized his mother in recent years, including during a 2023 Vice TV documentary and a 2024 interview in which he accused Kate of abuse and claimed she alienated him from his siblings. He has also spoken about his placement in a mental health facility when he was 11 years old, after diagnoses including autism, ADHD and bipolar disorder.
Kate has strongly denied the abuse allegations. “My son Collin, who I love with all my heart, has received multiple psychiatric diagnoses over the years,” she said in a statement to People. “For the safety of myself, his siblings and for his own well-being, he was placed in a facility after years of outpatient treatment that proved inadequate for his needs.”
According to previous reports, Collin was later reevaluated as an adult and determined by a clinical psychologist to have no current psychiatric or behavioral problems.
Kate Gosselin accused Collin of a ‘distorted perception of reality’
Kate also pushed back against her son’s claims, arguing that he has a “distorted perception of reality.” “As many people with family members struggling with mental health issues can attest, it is rare and sadly surprising when complete fabrications occur, and this is just another heartbreaking facet of this struggle,” she said.
“Unfortunately, I believe Collin is still a very troubled young man who still needs a lot of help,” she added. “His siblings and I have not been directly involved in his life due to his history of unpredictable behavior and violent tendencies toward us.”
Collin says the book finally gives him his voice
Announcing the memoir, Collin reflected on growing up in front of millions of viewers, claiming that many of his experiences took place away from the cameras.
“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,” he said. “For years, I kept those experiences to myself. Some because I was afraid. Some because I thought no one would believe me. And some because I just wasn’t ready.”
The reality TV alum said revisiting those memories was difficult, but ultimately empowering. “Writing this book forced me to relive some of the most difficult moments of my life, but it also gave me something I had been looking for for a long time: my voice,” he said.
The book’s cover also seems to make a statement, with a 2010 paparazzi photo showing Kate with her hand over a young Collin’s mouth.
Family Rift continues years after ‘Kate Plus 8’
Kate and ex-husband Jon Gosselin, who divorced in 2009, share twins Cara and Madelyn, as well as sextuplets Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah and Joel. The family has remained divided in the years since their reality TV fame peaked, with Collin maintaining a close relationship with his father.
The insider also claimed that some of Collin’s siblings might be surprised by the contents of the memoir, as they were young when many of the events are said to have taken place and only know what they have been told over the years.
With the book still months away, the memoir is reigniting interest in one of reality TV’s most complicated and controversial family dynamics.
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