Relatives Say: Jon and Kate Gosselin Exploit Kids, Expose Them to Unhealthy Environment
There's a real life family feud brewing. But this one isn't over cash and prizes; it's over the mental health of eight innocent children.
On this morning's CBS Early Show, the brother and sister-in-law of Kate Gosselin said Jon & Kate Plus 8 has devolved from its original intent of simply documenting the kids' lives.
"We thought it was very innocent at the time," said Kate's sister-in-law, Jodi. "It quickly turned into more and more demands from Jon and Kate from the network. It turned into 40 episodes in a six-month span."
Jon, Kate, their kids and their extended family of cameramen celebrated the sextuplets' fifth birthday as one, giant, awkward group on this week's season premiere.
Moreover, Jodi and her husband Kevin say there are sometimes cameras in the children's bedrooms and the tykes are "being exploited... it's time for America to see the situation for what it really is."
Based on the ridiculous ratings for Monday night's season premiere, America is definitely tuning in at least.
"Unfortunately, there are no laws protecting children in reality TV shows," Jodi said. "These children are very aware of the cameras in their homes. The home is their workplace. This is not a healthy environment for kids to be raised in."
Have Jodi and Kevin raised these concerns with Jon and Kate? Yes. In response, the couple said: "'This is what we chose. This is how we're going to provide for them.'"
And provide they have, at least in the material sense:
Jon and Kate earn up to $75,000 per episode, in addition to a slew of free items on a constant basis.
But are these freebies worth the pain the show is causing the kids? Jodi says the children have complained to her about the crew.
"They don't want the cameras around. They have told me personally," said Jodi. "They would say, 'Aunt Jodi, I don't like the cameras on every vacation with us.' Kids have bad moments, and they cry. Having a camera zoom in on a crying child... this should not be a form of entertainment."
Are you listening, Jon and Kate? Or are you too busy counting your money?
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November 2nd, 2009 9:27 PM
i do not like the show. one should not have their children on tv. Having tv crews in your houses on an ongoing basis is not normal. Kids should have a regular upbringing.
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May 30th, 2009 12:41 PM
It was just a matter of time. Jon finally woke up from Kate's abuse. Kate started to get a little taste of freedom.
While she ONCE was a mom who lived for her kids, those days are gone. That's what GREED does to people. The 6 little ones still have time to end up normal
(if they pull the plug now). Maddie and Cara are a different story.
Kate has always brushed off Maddies's emotional issues. She better address that and seek help or the next Gossilin we will be seeing in the news will be Maddie.
Everything they get, comes from people giving it to them, as long as they will advertise it. Wake up people, that's a TV Contract. She won’t hesitate to start a fight
with him when they are in public any less than juat when the
cameras are there. She’s also seen emotionally berate her Jon in a store, even yelling 'Get over here now'. That doesn’t sound like a strong woman, sounds like a b***h.
I could go on and on about the verbal abuse she dishes out.
They have an open mar
May 28th, 2009 6:48 PM
Me, I agree with you!! I also have one thing to say...to Kate.. who says repeatedly with a woe-is-me..take-pity-on-me look on her face, "I'm all alone in this" or "I'm doing all this on my own" or something to that effect. What I'm trying to say it that you're trying to make us believe that you do everything all by yourself. Bullcrap!! We, who have been watching this show, know you have nannies, housekeepers, see her belittling Jon every week, and hear her yell, and put him down no matter what he does. He takes care of the kids, and plays with them, feeds them, gives them their baths, and basically spends alot more time with them than she does...she's never home. Sure, he punishes them when necessary, puts them in time out, but he's a more affectionate, loving parent than Kate is. She is a cold, controlling person, and puts on an act when the camera is on her. Watch carefully, she ignores the child talking to her, trying to get her attention, until she realizes the camera is practicall
May 28th, 2009 4:14 PM
I think Kate & Jon should get some GOOD Christian Marriage counseling -- quickly! Kate I'm afraid as your children get older and look back at episodes they are not going to like seeing how you treated their Dad and they are going to blame the marriage falling apart on YOU (Kate). Then you will also lose the respect of your children.
May 28th, 2009 11:24 AM
Kevin and Jodi are HYPOCRITES. They are getting PAID to speak to the tabloids and various other media outlets, as well as trying to sell their side of the story for $30,000. Yep, $30,000... They are willing to sell out their own family and exploit the situation for cash. They couldn't care less about the Gosselin children. And apparently, they didn't mind the show when THEY were on it. Back then, they never mentioned "exploitation". Funny how they've changed their minds so quickly now that they're no longer on the show. It's all a money scam and hopefully people can see through their act. They should be ashamed of themselves.
May 28th, 2009 12:06 AM
Her brother is just mad cause they didn't get a piece of the pie and Kate didn't want his wife to leach either that is why they turned on them. With family like that who needs enemies and more drama, it is so sad! It doesn't matter what they know or speculate they have no business talking to the media about Kate, its dispicable.
May 27th, 2009 9:10 PM
Life can get sad.
Kate and Jon have a lot of things I don't.
A camera in their face is just one of them.
But...life is choices.
I don't condemn them for their choices - the show. I've totally loved watching these kids grow up (I walk plenty, thanks).
Life can get hard and theirs is no exception. I wish them both the best...
I know I couldn't (wouldn't want to) manage a house with 8 kids, a husband and a camera crew.
May 27th, 2009 7:11 PM
Sad to say, Kate's behavior is not new, just more pronounced since she has something to really nail Jon on. In her latest interview you should note her sad facial expressions but the heartfelt words that come from her mouth say woe is me, I am alone and forlorn, "he is not the man I married and things have not turned out the way "I" had planned for us to live out our lives" (or close to it) Sure, I have to travel and he has to be home alone with the children (even though she has continually berated and condemned his every effort that isn't exactly the way SHE wants things done...i.e. can't fold a towel right ahe eagerly leaves town to put herself in front of her public (do you think the children care if daddy folded the towel wrong?) If he makes a decision or comment SHE corrects him. Have you ever heard her say at the end of the day he did anything well? Not so much, huh? And let's see, she doesn't have anything (or little)to do with his family or hers for that matter...didn't they l
May 27th, 2009 5:43 PM
kate is a wonderful mother. when i saw the first episode this year i cried for them, hurt for them. I understand what jon is going thru and have seen kate on a rampage but if anyone on here hasnt had one of those days , with 8 children mind you, then u are a perfect specimen, most of us arent. w/o this show these kids wouldnt have had the chance to go on half the trips ,educational trips, i might add. so before you judge walk a day in her shoes. its unfortunate jon lost his job, but he's only doing what kates been doing for 5 years. i love kate she is amazing. i pray for them, everyday.
May 27th, 2009 3:19 PM
Hope. I totally agree.