Collin Gosselin Alleges He Was Kept in “Basement Cell” in Memoir

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Collin Gosselin is telling his side of the story. 

Almost a decade after the reality shows Jon & Kate Plus 8 and Kate Plus 8 ended, one of Jon and Kate Gosselin’s sons is releasing a memoir called In the Shadow of Eight: Surviving the Reality of My Childhood. He’s one of the sextuplets born in 2004 to the now-divorced couple, who also have twins born in 2000.

I’ve always lived my life in the public eye, but what was really going on behind the scenes was never revealed – actually, a lot of it was intentionally kept private,” she told Us Weekly in a statement released June 17. “For years, others have controlled how my story was told through news stories, TV shows, and rumors.

The 22-year-old author said his new book, coming out in October, will be his most personal and revealing work yet.

He explained that the book explores themes of truth, overcoming hardship, and finding strength after a long period of feeling unheard. He hopes sharing his experiences will help others feel less isolated and empower them to share their own stories, making all the challenges of writing it worthwhile.

Indeed, the book’s synopsis states that Collin will expand on his past allegations of abuse. 

I’ve been following this story closely, and it’s truly heartbreaking. Collin is bravely opening up about a horrific experience – years spent hidden away in a basement cell, and the incredibly damaging impact of being forced to take powerful antipsychotic medication as a young boy, starting at just eleven years old. It’s a difficult story, but an important one, and I admire his courage in sharing it.

TopMob News has contacted representatives for Jon and Kate to get a response to Collin’s recent statements and his new memoir, but they haven’t responded yet.

This is the first time Collin has shared a detailed account of his childhood. He’s previously discussed the difficulties he had with his mother and his siblings – Mady, Cara, Alexis, Leah, Joel, and Aaden.

In 2022, Collin revealed he hadn’t talked to most of his family for more than five years, with the exception of his sister, Hannah Gosselin, and his father.

Following Collin’s accusation of physical abuse against Jon in 2020, a spokesperson for the reality TV personality refuted the allegations.

A representative for Jon stated to Entertainment Tonight that Jon has never harmed Collin, and there are no current charges or investigations involving Children & Youth Services. They also emphasized that Collin has experienced significant trauma, but Jon is a devoted father dedicated to providing his son with the necessary support and care.

I’ve been following this situation closely, and it breaks my heart to see Kate constantly having to defend herself against Collin’s very public claims about his childhood. He’s described some truly awful experiences – like being kept in what he says was a basement room with bars on the door, and being physically restrained at mental health facilities – and she consistently pushes back against these accusations.

In a July 2023 Instagram post, Kate shared that it was difficult for her to discuss, but her son Collin has been diagnosed with several mental health conditions. She emphasized her deep love for him.

Kate responded to Collin’s claims about her behavior by saying they were based on his inaccurate view of what happened.

Those who’ve seen loved ones struggle with mental illness often aren’t surprised by false claims, and this situation is yet another painful example of the challenges involved.

In 2024, her lawyer, Richard Puelo, told Fox News that she wouldn’t be commenting, stating that her past actions and accomplishments were evidence enough.

For a deeper look into the Gosselin family over the years, keep reading…

On May 10th, 2025, sextuplets Hannah, Collin, Alexis, Aaden, Leah, and Joel all celebrated their 21st birthdays. Kate recently shared photos from the party held for Aaden, Leah, Joel, and Alexis.

Alexis and Leah toast to 21 in another scene from the celebration.

Hannah celebrated her birthday with her dad and his fiancée Stephanie Lebo.

Kate shared a Mother’s Day 2024 post honoring four of her sextuplets – Alexis, Aaden, Joel, and Leah – just two days after they celebrated their 20th birthdays.

She celebrated her children turning twenty with a heartfelt post on Instagram: “No more teenagers under my roof! Happy 20th birthday to my wonderful kids – you’ll always be my babies. I love you both!” She jokingly added, “Anyone else feeling ancient? Because I definitely am! #20yearsold #ItsaPICKLE.”

Hannah shared new pics of herself on her and the other sextuplet’s 20th birthday.

On to the next chapter! The sextuplet graduated from high school in 2023.

Jon posted a photo of his children, Collin and Hannah – two of his sextuplets – celebrating their high school graduation in 2023. They had been living with him for several years prior to this.

Kate appeared with twin Mady and Cara in New York City in this 2019 pic.

In 2022, Jon posted on Instagram wishing his child a happy 18th birthday. He wrote, ‘Today we’re celebrating your birthday, and I want everyone to know how much I love you!’ and signed it ‘Love, Dad’.

Kate recently celebrated her children turning fifteen! The day started early with a gift at 6:30 am, and continued all day long. She expressed feeling incredibly grateful and amazed by how quickly they’ve grown up, and is proud of the kind, positive people they are becoming as they approach adulthood.

Kate shared on Instagram in 2018, ‘It feels like summer break flew by and school started again immediately! So proud of my kids as they begin their eighth and twelfth grade years.’ #SeniorYear #EighthGrade #ProudMom

 

I was so happy to see my dad, Jon Gosselin, post on Instagram wishing Hannah, Collin, Alexis, Aaden, Joel, and Leah a Happy 15th Birthday! It’s amazing how quickly time has flown by. He shared a picture with Hannah and Collin and wrote such a sweet message saying how much he loves us all and hopes we have the best birthday ever, both today and this weekend. It meant so much to see his love and support!

Kate shared a funny exchange she had with her daughters about their upcoming birthdays. They were excitedly counting down the days until they turned fourteen, which struck Kate as unbelievable! She recalled one daughter saying, ‘Only twelve days!’ and another questioning if maybe she was actually turning eleven or twelve instead. Kate jokingly reassured them that she remembered giving birth to them and that they would always be her little girls, expressing how much she loves them.

Kate Gosselin expressed her amazement on Instagram, saying she couldn’t believe her sextuplets were turning thirteen.

Rewind to 2014 whenKate and her children found themselves visiting Alaska. 

Oh my gosh, you won’t BELIEVE this! Kate took Cara and Mady – my absolute favorite twins ever! – to New York City back in 2014. They even stayed at the Manhattan Hotel, which is SO fancy! I was completely obsessed with following their every move, and that trip was just…everything!

Kate Gosselin shared a sweet Christmas memory on Instagram, posting a throwback photo from Christmas Eve 2010 when her six children were all six years old. She described them as incredibly excited and highlighted their adorable smiles, adding hashtags like #TheyAreMyHeart and #My8ReasonsToKeepOnKeepingOn to express her love for them.

 

In October 2007, Jon and Kate Gosselin brought their eight children on a trip to New York City, starting with an appearance on the Today show.

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2026-06-18 00:48