Collin Gosselin accuses Kate Gosselin of burying him in memoir

Collin Gosselin has accused his estranged mother, Kate Gosselin, of attempting to "bury" him to protect her public reputation, according to allegations detailed in his new memoir, "In the Shadow of Eight: Surviving the Reality of My Childhood." The 22-year-old former "Jon & Kate Plus 8" star made the claims in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, where he stated that he has not spoken to his mother since he was 13 years old.

In the book, Collin alleges that he endured physical abuse, isolation, and forced psychiatric medication during his childhood. He described his time in a treatment facility as comparable to being sent to a juvenile detention center, stating that the experience left lasting scars. Collin said the psychiatric medication he was allegedly forced to take left him feeling like a "zombie." He portrayed his childhood away from the cameras that made his family famous as deeply isolating, noting that sharing these details had weighed on him for years before he decided to speak publicly.

Collin said he would require an apology and accountability from Kate before considering any form of reconciliation. He told Fox News Digital that he wants his mother to admit to her actions and take responsibility for what occurred. He suggested that Kate should acknowledge that she made efforts to bury him to protect her reputation, calling such an admission "honest and powerful." Collin emphasized that while forgiveness is possible, it does not automatically lead to reconciliation. "Reconciliation requires action and accountability," he said, arguing that without taking responsibility for the events of his childhood, an apology holds little meaning.

The rift between the two dates back to when Collin was 13. He recalled a visit from his mother during that time, claiming she berated him for 20 minutes after not seeing him for over a year. Despite the deep estrangement, Collin said he had not ruled out taking a call from Kate if she reached out. He expressed hope that she might admit to the actions he alleges occurred during his childhood.

Collin is now re-entering the television spotlight as a contestant on the fifth season of FOX's "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test." He described this move as significant because it allows him to participate on his own terms as an adult, rather than being pressured to perform as a child. He stressed the importance of children having a say in whether their lives are broadcast to the public, stating that if a child does not want to be on TV, that decision should be respected.