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Kate Gosselin has addressed the backlash surrounding her estranged son Collin Gosselin's new memoir, in which he recounts alleged physical, verbal and emotional abuse during his childhood.
The former reality television star responded to comments on TikTok following the October 13 release of Collin's book, In the Shadow of Eight: Surviving the Reality of My Childhood. The 22-year-old details his experiences growing up in the public eye and his troubled relationship with his mother.
Kate, 51, shared a video about her dog on October 10, which later attracted comments about her son's allegations. Responding to one supporter who accused Collin of spreading "terrible lies" and offered her encouragement, Kate wrote, "Thank you so much. I know rational logical ppl or anyone who has dealt with mental illness understands what's going on here :)."
She also agreed with another commenter who suggested Collin might eventually regret publishing the memoir. Kate replied, "Exactly! I had nothing to do with it, except for consent because it was medically necessary."
In his book, Collin alleges that his mother physically punished him, restrained him with zip ties and isolated him from his siblings. He also claims he was kept in a locked basement room and monitored by cameras.
During an interview with NPR published October 13, Collin described his experience filming the family's reality show, Jon & Kate Plus 8, saying, "I was being forced to perform. When I spoke up against that, I was punished. And my mom retaliated because I did not want to be a part of her program."
He further alleged that his mother hit him, pulled his ears and restrained his wrists and ankles. Collin also claimed that an independent psychological evaluation in 2023 did not identify any mental health diagnoses.
Kate has previously maintained that her son required specialized care. In a statement included in Collin's memoir, she said decisions concerning his treatment were made on professional medical advice.
"All parent-child relationships are complex, but when mental illness is involved, it is incredibly complicated and painful, and certainly not easy for others on the outside to understand," she wrote. She added that measures taken at home were recommended by his pediatric psychiatrist and specialists to protect the family.
Collin and Kate have been estranged for years. Following Kate and Jon Gosselin's 2009 divorce, Jon was awarded custody of Collin and his sister Hannah.
Representatives for Kate have previously denied that she intentionally harmed Collin.
