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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13 Comments
May 27th, 2009 3:10 PM
Kate the controlling bi*ch does not deserve the joy of motherhood. She is a disgusting human being.
May 27th, 2009 3:19 PM
Hope. I totally agree.
May 27th, 2009 5:03 PM
In times like this, parents often become hung up in their own problems and end up neglecting the future ramifications of their kids. It's a shame that their alleged infidelity has put all 8 children in this position. http://bit.ly/IcIGL
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 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 live up to her expectations? Can't they do anything right either? And before long mommy dearest will be doing the same thing to her children behind closed doors but the children are smarter than she is already and they will fight back in numbers. Someone please rescue these children and pray for all the people who gave them their high living style with house, land, vehicles, food, clothes, trips, outings, and privaleged lifestyle, nannies who she yelled out of the house by the numbers have come and gone, (now that's good for the children too).
People who watch this show religiously should go for a walk instead. Her behavior is going to contaminate everything good you know. Get out while you can.
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 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 28th, 2009 10:10 AM
An old friend of Jon's (not Kate's) speaks up (very interesting)http://tinyurl.com/oyqsfm
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 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.