Kate Gosselin is reportedly in a state of panic as her estranged son, Collin Gosselin, prepares to release a tell-all memoir detailing his experiences growing up in the public eye. The book, titled "In The Shadow of Eight: Surviving the Reality of My Childhood," is slated for release on October 13.
According to a source close to the family, Kate Gosselin, 51, was blindsided by the announcement of the memoir. "Kate had no idea this book was in the works," the insider stated. "Collin hasn’t spoken to his mother since she abandoned him in an institution as a young child."
Collin, 22, has stated his intention to expose "abuse, injustice, and the exploitation of children" through his writing. He claims to have "the evidence to back everything up" in his book, while Kate has reportedly told those around her that any accusations are based on "zero facts."
The insider added that Kate "can’t stop this book from coming out but I have no doubt she wishes she could." It is also suggested that Collin's siblings, who were very young when he was institutionalized, may also be surprised by the memoir's content, as their understanding of his experiences has largely been shaped by what their mother has shared.
Collin has previously spoken out against his mother. In a 2023 documentary for Vice TV and a 2024 interview with The Sun, he accused Kate of abuse and alienating him from his siblings. He revealed that his mother had him placed in a mental health facility at age 11 after he was diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and bipolar disorder.
Kate Gosselin refuted these allegations in a statement to People, explaining, "My son Collin, whom I love with all my heart, has received multiple psychiatric diagnoses over the years. For the safety of myself, his brothers and sisters and for his own well-being, he was placed in a facility following years of outpatient treatment which proved insufficient for his needs."
She also stated that Collin has a "distorted perception of reality" and that "complete fabrications occur" when family members grapple with mental health issues. Kate described him as a "troubled young man" and indicated that his siblings and she have not been directly involved in his life due to his "history of unpredictable behavior and violent tendencies towards us."
However, Collin was later re-diagnosed as an adult by a clinical psychologist and found to have no current psychiatric or behavioral issues.
Collin announced his book on Instagram, writing, "This isn't the story people think they know. It's the story I've lived." He emphasized that the book is not for entertainment but aims "to instill responsibility in everyone to advocate and speak up against abuse, injustice, and the exploitation of children." He added, "I am your voice. I stand with you."
Reflecting on his experience with reality television, he stated, "For years, I kept those experiences to myself. Some because I was afraid. Some because I didn’t think anyone would believe me. And some because I just wasn’t ready." He described writing the book as a way to revisit difficult moments and find his voice.
The book's cover features a 2010 photo of Kate's hand covering a young Collin's mouth.
Kate and her ex-husband Jon Gosselin share twins Cara and Mady, 25, and sextuplets Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah, and Joel, 22. The couple divorced in 2009, and Jon Gosselin later obtained full custody of Hannah and Collin, while Kate retained custody of the other four children.
Jon Gosselin has since remarried, and Collin has referred to his father's ex-girlfriend, Colleen Conrad, as his "real mom." The family's TLC reality show, "Jon & Kate Plus 8," aired from 2007 to 2017.
