A Single Visit and a Painful Accusation
Collin Gosselin writes in his new memoir that his mother, Kate Gosselin, visited him only once during his stay in a mental institution. He recalls that Kate, 51, seemed disappointed and horrified by the weight he had gained. Collin, one of Kate's eight children with ex-husband Jon Gosselin, says he had no control over his meals there and simply ate what was provided. He describes a stiff hug and telling his mother he missed her, but says she ignored him.[S1]
During the visit, a doctor told Kate that Collin had lashed out a few times recently, though Collin writes that his crying fits were because he wanted to go home. After the doctor said the teenager was responding well to the program, Kate thanked him by his first name, Jack, which surprised Collin. He wondered how often his mother and the doctor had been in contact. When the doctor left, Collin showed his mother origami gifts he had made for his seven siblings, but Kate refused to take them. Collin writes that he felt his stomach drop, realizing that if she would not take the gifts, she would not take him back either.[S1]
Collin says he then made a desperate plea to come home, but Kate insisted it would not be appropriate and claimed his siblings were doing much better with him away. After mentioning cakes she had ordered for the other sextuplets' birthday and discussing summer break plans, Kate allegedly told him, You are here because of you. You broke our family. Collin, who says he had heard that comment before, started to sob and covered his face. The doctor reentered the room, and Kate announced she was leaving. Collin writes that he does not remember saying goodbye and that a nurse escorted him back. That was the first and last time his mother visited him in the institution.[S1]
Background and Aftermath
In 2023, Kate stated that she had Collin admitted to the facility because years of outpatient care had not been enough to meet his needs, and that the decision was made to protect herself, his siblings, and Collin himself. She described Collin as a deeply troubled young man who still requires substantial support. Collin later exited the institution with assistance from his father, Jon, who obtained both legal and physical custody. Page Six reported last month that Kate, who remains estranged from Collin, is anxious about his memoir. A source said Kate opposes any family member discussing their past and views children who speak publicly as disloyal.[S1]
Collin has also shared a pointed message to his six estranged siblings, according to The Independent. Us Weekly reported that the book includes abuse allegations and mentions 14 CYS complaints.[S2][S3]
