Kate Gosselin Responds to Collins Abuse Allegations in TikTok Comments — Details

| October 27, 2026 | Celebrity | No Comments

Kate Gosselin has responded to her son Collin’s accusations of abuse amid growing discussions about his past experiences. Her statements come as others linked to the family provide their perspectives.

The former reality TV personality has been questioned about Collin’s time in treatment. Her recent comments, along with a statement from his representative, add context to the ongoing public dispute.

Kate Gosselin appears with her children in a scene from ABC's "Celebrity Wife Swap." The family once shared its home life on television, but Kate and her son Collin are now publicly disputing accounts of his past.
Kate Gosselin appears with her children in a scene from ABC’s “Celebrity Wife Swap.” The family once shared its home life on television, but Kate and her son Collin are now publicly disputing accounts of his past.

Collin has openly accused his mother, Kate, of abusive behavior, focusing on his time spent in residential treatment. The former star of “Jon & Kate Plus 8” has also made allegations about his conduct, which prompted a response from someone familiar with him.

Insights from Colleen Conrad on Living with Collin

Colleen Conrad, who previously had a relationship with Collin’s father, Jon Gosselin, shared her experiences in an Instagram post that included a photo of Collin with a dog.

Jon Gosselin and Colleen Conrad attended a WE tv event in Beverly Hills on December 11, 2018. Years later, Conrad has joined the public conversation surrounding the Gosselin family, drawing on her personal experience with Collin.
Jon Gosselin and Colleen Conrad attended a WE tv event in Beverly Hills on December 11, 2018. Years later, Conrad has joined the public conversation surrounding the Gosselin family, drawing on her personal experience with Collin.

With over 35 years of experience in healthcare as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Colleen explained that Kate’s comments prompted her to speak out. She recounted Collin’s behavior after he moved in with her and Jon.

“When Collin moved in with us, I did not witness the symptoms or behaviors I expected based on the diagnoses he had received, nor did I see the behaviors that have been described in public statements,” Colleen noted.

Colleen also mentioned adjustments to Collin’s medication during that time. “In consultation with his treating physician, we slowly phased out his medications under medical supervision,” she reported.

She underlined the necessity of addressing mental health issues with empathy while honoring individual experiences.

“Mental health conditions are genuine, multifaceted, and warrant compassion and understanding. However, they should never be employed to undermine or dismiss another person’s lived experiences or legitimate inquiries regarding the past,” Colleen emphasized.

Kate Discusses Why Some Visits with Collin Were Missed

Kate elaborated on her interactions with Collin during his time in residential care in the comments section of a TikTok post.

Kate Gosselin spoke at the 2019 Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena, California, while promoting "Kate Plus Date." Years later, she has addressed questions about her contact with Collin during his time in residential treatment.
Kate Gosselin spoke at the 2019 Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena, California, while promoting “Kate Plus Date.” Years later, she has addressed questions about her contact with Collin during his time in residential treatment.

“I visited every single time the facility determined he was stable enough for a meeting,” she clarified in the comments. “Sometimes a visit was scheduled but was canceled by the facility due to his instability, necessitating a reschedule.”

In response, a TikTok user named Anna questioned Kate’s explanation. “As a nurse at a similar facility, I can assure you that nurses do not cancel family visits due to ‘behavior.’ In fact, they encourage family visits when behavioral issues are present,” Anna stated.

Kate directly addressed Anna’s comment.

Kate Gosselin appeared on "Extra" at Universal Studios Hollywood in June 2019, years before her latest public comments about son Collin's treatment. Her account of their past has since become part of their ongoing family dispute.
Kate Gosselin appeared on “Extra” at Universal Studios Hollywood in June 2019, years before her latest public comments about son Collin’s treatment. Her account of their past has since become part of their ongoing family dispute.

“Were you a nurse at the facility where he was treated? No? Then you cannot know,” Kate responded.

Collin’s Representative Denies Kate’s Accusations

Collin’s representative reacted to Kate’s public allegations in a statement shared on Instagram.

“It’s troubling that Kate continues to make false accusations and publicly attack her own child despite multiple professional psychological evaluations contradicting her claims,” the representative stated.

Collin Gosselin appeared at FOX's "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test" red carpet event in Los Angeles on September 17, 2026. Meanwhile, his representative has spoken out in his defense, firmly denying Kate Gosselin's allegations about his behavior.
Collin Gosselin appeared at FOX’s “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” red carpet event in Los Angeles on September 17, 2026. Meanwhile, his representative has spoken out in his defense, firmly denying Kate Gosselin’s allegations about his behavior.

The representative also addressed allegations related to weapons and animals, firmly rejecting claims that Collin had harmed either family members or pets.

“Let us be absolutely clear: Collin has never used a weapon against a family member, nor has he ever harmed or killed an animal. These allegations are completely false,” the statement conveyed.

The representative criticized Kate for airing these claims publicly, accusing her of trying to safeguard her reputation at the expense of her son.

The statement concluded with affirmation of Collin’s bravery in sharing his story. “Collin has displayed remarkable courage in recounting his experiences, and he will not be intimidated or silenced by these harmful allegations,” the representative added.

Collin Prepares for His Memoir’s Launch

The public remarks made by Kate, Colleen, and Collin’s representative coincide with the recent release of Collin’s memoir, “In the Shadow of Eight,” which launched on October 13.

Ahead of the book’s debut, Collin spoke with ABC News’ Juju Chang about his experiences during his childhood on “Jon & Kate Plus 8” and what he claims occurred off-camera.

“To put it simply, my entire life was a lie,” he remarked in the October 12 interview. “Everything you see on TV is misleading.”

Collin alleged that his mother isolated him from his father, physically abused him, and placed him in residential treatment shortly before he turned 12. He also claimed that he received medication and had minimal contact with family during his stay.

Kate previously defended that decision during a November 2016 interview with ABC News, asserting that Collin required treatment for educational and social difficulties and that the choice was based on medical advice.

At that time, Kate described the treatment decision as the best option for him. She also dismissed previous allegations of abuse against her as “unfounded.”

However, Kate Gosselin’s earlier denials are now met with alternative accounts, this time from someone who claims to have witnessed the dynamics within the family’s home.

Kate Gosselin visited "Extra" in New York City's Times Square in September 2013. Years later, she is back in the headlines as a former family housekeeper shares allegations about how Kate treated her son Collin.
Kate Gosselin visited “Extra” in New York City’s Times Square in September 2013. Years later, she is back in the headlines as a former family housekeeper shares allegations about how Kate treated her son Collin.

Ashley Shares Her Dream of the Gosselin Family Life

Ashley, now 42, reminisced about watching the show, thinking, “Wow, this is actually real. You can have fertility issues and still have children,” during an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. At the time, she was working as a nanny when she discovered an online job posting that would connect her with the Gosselin family.

The advertisement did not mention Kate by name but hinted at living on a large estate, indicating the employer was affluent. Their initial meeting took place at Starbucks, where Kate arrived in a sports car.

Kate Gosselin appears during an interview for Kate Plus 8: Construction Prep, reflecting on family life in front of the cameras.
Kate Gosselin appears during an interview for Kate Plus 8: Construction Prep, reflecting on family life in front of the cameras.

“She didn’t specify who she was in the ad, just that the nanny could live on the estate, and it was apparent she was very wealthy,” Ashley recalled. Although their schedules did not match due to Ashley’s university classes, she accepted a job as Kate’s house cleaner and occasional fill-in nanny.

Initially, it seemed like a perfect opportunity aligned with the life Ashley envisioned for herself, but her experience working for Kate would ultimately reshape her perception of the family she once admired on-screen.

The Family Home Appeared Ideal, but Ashley Felt Otherwise

Upon first stepping into the Gosselin home in Wernersville, Pennsylvania, Ashley recalled admiring the large, striking family photos adorning the walls. Located just 20 minutes from her university, the house initially reinforced the image of family life she had formed while watching the show.

“I used to think, ‘Oh, I can’t wait to have this someday,'” she said. Ashley later became a mother to twins herself, but her time working for Kate shifted her perspective on what she wanted her own family life to be.

“Now, I have my cozy home, and I display family photos on my walls. But I vowed my home would never look as untouched as Kate’s did.”

Kate Gosselin poses for a portrait during the promotion of Celebrity Wife Swap, which paired the Kate Plus 8 star with Kendra Wilkinson for the show's second season.
Kate Gosselin poses for a portrait during the promotion of Celebrity Wife Swap, which paired the Kate Plus 8 star with Kendra Wilkinson for the show’s second season.

The sprawling Pennsylvania estate boasted ample space, including a spacious wooden deck, traditional living areas, a large kitchen, and several bathrooms. Its interior showcased cream cabinetry, patterned decor, dark wood accents, and decorative architectural features.

Some viewers have also questioned whether the home’s traditional style might seem outdated by contemporary standards, with some describing it as “super outdated.” A YouTube video showcasing the property allows viewers to scrutinize its design and layout.

However, for Ashley, the most striking aspect of her time there was not the home’s space or decor, but rather the strict rules that seemed to demand the suppression of even the most ordinary signs of family life.

Here is a closer examination of the house where Ashley claims she worked and the areas that fans may recognize from the family’s television years.

Exploring the Gosselin Family Home: A Look at Its Traditional Aesthetic

Kate Gosselin speaks with the Celebrity Wife Swap production crew inside her Pennsylvania home as cameras and sound equipment capture the scene. The behind-the-scenes photo offers a glimpse of the house during filming, with its hardwood floors, large windows, and open living area.
Kate Gosselin speaks with the Celebrity Wife Swap production crew inside her Pennsylvania home as cameras and sound equipment capture the scene. The behind-the-scenes photo offers a glimpse of the house during filming, with its hardwood floors, large windows, and open living area.

The first exterior image reveals the back of the spacious white house, featuring multiple gables, brown shingle roofing, and stone chimneys. A vast wooden deck wraps around the rear, complete with outdoor seating, a dining table, and stairs leading down to the yard, all framed by mature trees for privacy.

An elevated view shows the back of the Gosselin family home, with its multiple gables, brown shingle roof, stone chimneys, and expansive wooden deck surrounded by mature trees. The deck features outdoor seating, a dining table, and stairs leading down to the yard.
An elevated view shows the back of the Gosselin family home, with its multiple gables, brown shingle roof, stone chimneys, and expansive wooden deck surrounded by mature trees. The deck features outdoor seating, a dining table, and stairs leading down to the yard.

The second image provides a closer view of the back entrance, where French doors lead out onto the wooden deck beneath a grand arched window. The classic white exterior and outdoor furniture create a welcoming space for family gatherings.

A closer view of the home's rear entrance highlights the white siding, large arched window, and French doors opening onto the broad wooden deck. Outdoor dining and lounge furniture complete the space, showcasing the property's traditional exterior design.
A closer view of the home’s rear entrance highlights the white siding, large arched window, and French doors opening onto the broad wooden deck. Outdoor dining and lounge furniture complete the space, showcasing the property’s traditional exterior design.

The third image showcases a traditional bedroom with beige walls, cream carpeting, and dark wooden furnishings, including a sizable bed and matching dresser. Ornate patterned window valances and upholstered seating add to the room’s formal ambiance.

The bedroom features beige walls, cream carpeting, and dark wooden furniture, including a bed, a matching dresser, and upholstered seating. Ornate patterned window valances and heavy furnishings give the room a formal, traditional appearance.
The bedroom features beige walls, cream carpeting, and dark wooden furniture, including a bed, a matching dresser, and upholstered seating. Ornate patterned window valances and heavy furnishings give the room a formal, traditional appearance.

The fourth image displays a living room highlighted by large arched windows framed in warm wood. The patterned sofas, decorative rug, round coffee table, and wooden display cabinet lend the space a distinctly traditional character.

Large windows with warm wooden frames and an arched centerpiece dominate this living room, bringing natural light into the space. A floral-patterned sofa, a matching armchair, a decorative rug, and a wooden display cabinet complete the traditionally styled interior.
Large windows with warm wooden frames and an arched centerpiece dominate this living room, bringing natural light into the space. A floral-patterned sofa, a matching armchair, a decorative rug, and a wooden display cabinet complete the traditionally styled interior.

The fifth image reveals the kitchen featuring cream-colored cabinetry, raised-panel doors, and dark wood trim surrounding a stainless-steel refrigerator. The granite countertops provide ample workspace, although the decorative elements may appear dated to those who favor modern, minimalist kitchens.

Cream-colored cabinets with raised-panel doors and dark wood trim surround a stainless-steel refrigerator in the spacious kitchen. Granite countertops and a bowl on the island add to the view of the home's traditional kitchen design.
Cream-colored cabinets with raised-panel doors and dark wood trim surround a stainless-steel refrigerator in the spacious kitchen. Granite countertops and a bowl on the island add to the view of the home’s traditional kitchen design.

Another view of the kitchen showcases cream cabinets, a tiled backsplash, a stainless-steel range, and a dishwasher tucked beneath the counters. A large arched window provides a view of the surrounding greenery while dark wood accents frame the area.

In the sixth photo, another view of the kitchen reveals a tiled backsplash, stainless-steel range and dishwasher beneath the countertops. A large window with an arched upper section overlooks the greenery outside.
In the sixth photo, another view of the kitchen reveals a tiled backsplash, stainless-steel range and dishwasher beneath the countertops. A large window with an arched upper section overlooks the greenery outside.

The seventh image captures the kitchen and dining area, where cream cabinets, wooden floors, exposed ceiling beams, and a prominent brick fireplace create a warm, old-fashioned atmosphere. A long wooden dining table is situated beneath two hanging lights.

The open kitchen and dining area features cream cabinets, wooden floors, exposed ceiling beams, and a prominent brick fireplace. A long wooden dining table sits beneath two pendant lights, with matching chairs arranged around it.
The open kitchen and dining area features cream cabinets, wooden floors, exposed ceiling beams, and a prominent brick fireplace. A long wooden dining table sits beneath two pendant lights, with matching chairs arranged around it.

The eighth image reveals a spacious living and dining area with hardwood floors, traditional wooden furnishings, patterned rugs, and large windows. A built-in fireplace anchors one wall, and the neutral color palette offers a classic feel.

This spacious living and dining area features beige walls, hardwood flooring, traditional wooden furniture, and patterned rugs. Large windows brighten the sitting area, while a fireplace provides a focal point along the far wall.
This spacious living and dining area features beige walls, hardwood flooring, traditional wooden furniture, and patterned rugs. Large windows brighten the sitting area, while a fireplace provides a focal point along the far wall.

The ninth image shows a primary bathroom featuring a large built-in soaking tub beneath a window, a separate glass-enclosed shower, and a wooden vanity. Beige walls, decorative curtains, and tiled surfaces give the bathroom a timeless look.

The primary bathroom features a built-in soaking tub beneath a window, a separate glass-enclosed shower, and a wooden vanity with a light countertop. Beige walls, decorative curtains, and tiled surfaces give the room a classic, traditional look.
The primary bathroom features a built-in soaking tub beneath a window, a separate glass-enclosed shower, and a wooden vanity with a light countertop. Beige walls, decorative curtains, and tiled surfaces give the room a classic, traditional look.

The tenth image displays a second bathroom with a double-sink vanity, white cabinetry, a dark countertop, and two decorative mirrors. Pale blue walls contrast with a mosaic-tile accent wall, creating an interior some might find old-fashioned.

A double-sink vanity with white cabinetry and a dark countertop stretches beneath two decorative mirrors in this bathroom. Pale blue walls contrast with a mosaic-tile accent wall, while a separate toilet area is visible through the doorway.
A double-sink vanity with white cabinetry and a dark countertop stretches beneath two decorative mirrors in this bathroom. Pale blue walls contrast with a mosaic-tile accent wall, while a separate toilet area is visible through the doorway.

The eleventh image offers a glimpse into the basement family room, where a large beige sectional sofa is arranged around a round wooden coffee table. Pale blue walls, neutral carpeting, recessed lighting, and a drop ceiling complete the space, with exercise equipment visible in the background.

The basement family room features a large beige sectional sofa arranged around a round wooden coffee table. Pale blue walls, neutral carpeting, a drop ceiling, and recessed lighting complete the spacious area, with exercise equipment visible in the background.
The basement family room features a large beige sectional sofa arranged around a round wooden coffee table. Pale blue walls, neutral carpeting, a drop ceiling, and recessed lighting complete the spacious area, with exercise equipment visible in the background.

Ashley claims that strict rules kept the home appearing almost untouched.

While the house might seem cozy and spacious, Ashley alleged that the everyday rules enforced within were exceedingly strict. She reported to PEOPLE that Kate implemented a “house manual” for the staff, detailing expectations such as not photographing the children and restricting the family dog to the basement.

“The house had to look uninhabited at all times,” Ashley stated. The cleaning requirements reportedly surpassed typical household tasks, encompassing weekly and biweekly chores that Ashley described as excessively detailed. “She would require weekly chores, biweekly chores, which would include using a toothpick to clean the edges of the fridge.”

According to Ashley, the focus on maintaining a pristine home also affected the children, who were reportedly not allowed to leave toys or personal items around. “She wouldn’t permit the kids to do anything,” she claimed. “Toys were never out. They couldn’t live freely.”

Kate Gosselin relaxes beside a swimming pool during a promotional shoot for Celebrity Wife Swap. The outdoor setting offers a glimpse of another side of the reality TV star's life away from the busy household featured on Kate Plus 8.
Kate Gosselin relaxes beside a swimming pool during a promotional shoot for Celebrity Wife Swap. The outdoor setting offers a glimpse of another side of the reality TV star’s life away from the busy household featured on Kate Plus 8.

She noted that the children were permitted only “one or two outfits for school a week, since that would create too much laundry.” For a household with eight children, such limitations would have complicated an already demanding routine, particularly concerning school attire, activities, and other family logistics.

Ashley also described Kate’s interactions with her children as “robotic,” alleging that affection was not evenly distributed among them. “It was not loving,” she said. “She made it clear who was favored and who wasn’t, which was annoying. Someone would come to groom the dog, but she treated her kids worse than the animals.”

These recollections reflect Ashley’s experiences working for the family, contrasting sharply with the polished image seen on the show.

The Gosselin children pose together in matching white polo shirts and khaki pants beside the wooden staircase inside their Pennsylvania home. Ashley alleged that Kate limited the children's school outfits to reduce laundry and described the household's interactions as lacking warmth.
The Gosselin children pose together in matching white polo shirts and khaki pants beside the wooden staircase inside their Pennsylvania home. Ashley alleged that Kate limited the children’s school outfits to reduce laundry and described the household’s interactions as lacking warmth.

Further Images Reveal a Different Aspect of Life Inside the House

While Ashley portrayed a home where everything was supposed to stay in order, the footage from “Kate Plus 8” captured the everyday hustle of raising eight children.

One glimpse into that side of family life appears in an episode where the children are shown decorating cupcakes. The kitchen counter is filled with supplies, food packaging, and various items scattered around the sink, all set against the backdrop of cream cabinets and wooden-framed windows.

This image captures a bustling kitchen scene as Kate and the children engage in the cupcake-decorating activity highlighted on “Kate Plus 8,” contrasting Ashley’s portrayal of a home where everyday mess was evidently discouraged.

The Gosselin kitchen counter is crowded with cupcake-decorating supplies, food packaging, containers, and other items around the sink during an episode of Kate Plus 8. The busy scene offers a glimpse of the everyday mess that can come with family activities, contrasting with Ashley's claims about the household's strict rules for keeping the home tidy.
The Gosselin kitchen counter is crowded with cupcake-decorating supplies, food packaging, containers, and other items around the sink during an episode of Kate Plus 8. The busy scene offers a glimpse of the everyday mess that can come with family activities, contrasting with Ashley’s claims about the household’s strict rules for keeping the home tidy.

Another set of images depicts the home as the family adapted the children’s bedrooms. One photo reveals a beige wall marked with uneven white patches, possibly from repairs or the removal of wall decorations. This unfinished appearance offers a glimpse of the practical work involved in organizing the home.

A beige wall inside the Gosselin home features several irregular white patches, possibly from repairs or removed fixtures, in footage from Kate Plus 8: Construction Prep. The image offers a glimpse of the work involved as the family prepared for changes to the children's bedrooms.
A beige wall inside the Gosselin home features several irregular white patches, possibly from repairs or removed fixtures, in footage from Kate Plus 8: Construction Prep. The image offers a glimpse of the work involved as the family prepared for changes to the children’s bedrooms.

Another image showcases a cluttered tabletop filled with a decorative lamp with pink floral trim, tangled electrical cords, small household items, and a wooden frame or stand. Surrounding boxes and belongings indicate that the family was making preparations for changes to the bedrooms.

A cluttered tabletop in the Gosselin home holds a decorative lamp with pink floral trim, tangled electrical cords, small household items, and a wooden frame or stand during Kate Plus 8: Construction Prep. Boxes and other belongings fill the surrounding area as the family prepares for changes to the children's bedrooms.
A cluttered tabletop in the Gosselin home holds a decorative lamp with pink floral trim, tangled electrical cords, small household items, and a wooden frame or stand during Kate Plus 8: Construction Prep. Boxes and other belongings fill the surrounding area as the family prepares for changes to the children’s bedrooms.

The living room also appeared in segments featuring the family’s puppies before they departed on vacation. One photo depicts a cozy living room with a floral-patterned sofa, decorative cushions, and a round wooden coffee table with curved metal legs. Small potted plants and colorful decorations adorn the table, while large windows brighten the space.

The Gosselin family's living room features a floral-patterned sofa with decorative cushions positioned in front of large windows. A round wooden coffee table with curved metal legs holds small potted plants and colorful decorations, offering a glimpse of the home's interior during Kate Plus 8.
The Gosselin family’s living room features a floral-patterned sofa with decorative cushions positioned in front of large windows. A round wooden coffee table with curved metal legs holds small potted plants and colorful decorations, offering a glimpse of the home’s interior during Kate Plus 8.

Another photo captures the front entrance, showcasing a dark green door with decorative glass panels, narrow sidelights, and traditional wall lanterns. Stone steps lead to the entrance, framed by yellow flowers, pink blooms, and a tall evergreen tree.

The landscaped front yard gives the home a welcoming appearance, while the interior photographs provide insights into the traditional decor that characterized many of its rooms.

Together, these images depict the environment in which the family spent years on television. However, Ashley asserts that the atmosphere behind the scenes ultimately led her to decide against continuing her employment there.

The front entrance of the Gosselin home features a dark green door with decorative glass panels, narrow sidelights, and traditional wall lanterns. Stone steps lead to the entrance, surrounded by yellow flowers, pink blooms, and a large evergreen tree.
The front entrance of the Gosselin home features a dark green door with decorative glass panels, narrow sidelights, and traditional wall lanterns. Stone steps lead to the entrance, surrounded by yellow flowers, pink blooms, and a large evergreen tree.

The Red Spoon in a Drawer Is a Detail Ashley Claims She Can Never Forget

A particular moment made Ashley re-evaluate her perception of the Gosselin household. While opening a drawer filled with school supplies, she discovered a large red plastic spoon. Given the meticulous organization she observed in the house, she was taken aback to find such an item among the supplies.

When she asked the children why it was there, one of them immediately replied. “I’m pretty sure it was Alexis who said, ‘Oh, that’s the spoon mommy uses when she gets mad.'”

This response lingered with Ashley, and she indicated that the spoon became a symbol of her growing concerns about the home. She had already witnessed unsettling interactions between Kate and Collin, but the children’s explanation regarding the spoon solidified her decision to leave.

“I thought, ‘Oh, okay. I can’t work here anymore. This situation is even worse than I imagined,'” she reflected. “That red spoon has haunted me for a long time.”

Ashley ultimately worked with the family for only six months. The spoon incident is part of her account of her experiences; while it does not serve as independent proof of abuse, she claims it was crucial in her decision to report her concerns.

Kate Gosselin speaks with her children in the family’s kitchen during a promotional shoot for Celebrity Wife Swap. Ashley, a former Gosselin family housekeeper, recalled finding a red plastic spoon in a drawer of school supplies and said a child told her it was the spoon their mother used when she got mad.
Kate Gosselin speaks with her children in the family’s kitchen during a promotional shoot for Celebrity Wife Swap. Ashley, a former Gosselin family housekeeper, recalled finding a red plastic spoon in a drawer of school supplies and said a child told her it was the spoon their mother used when she got mad.

Ashley Observes a Different Treatment of Collin Compared to His Siblings

Ashley particularly focused her allegations on Collin, one of Kate and Jon Gosselin’s sextuplets. She claimed to have seen a noticeable difference in how Kate treated him in comparison to the other children.

“She openly treated Collin differently,” Ashley expressed to PEOPLE. “She was 110 percent abusive toward him. It’s challenging to articulate the specific dislike she had for Collin. It was palpable. I observed her grab Collin on numerous occasions.”

She further alleged that such behavior was not an anomaly. “She did this all the time,” Ashley asserted regarding Kate’s treatment of Collin. “She would pull him right out of his chair in the kitchen.”

Kate Gosselin stands with her eight children outside the family’s Pennsylvania home, with another woman standing nearby as the children gather around their mother. The photo accompanies former housekeeper Ashley’s allegations that Kate treated Collin differently from his siblings and that she witnessed Kate grabbing him on multiple occasions.
Kate Gosselin stands with her eight children outside the family’s Pennsylvania home, with another woman standing nearby as the children gather around their mother. The photo accompanies former housekeeper Ashley’s allegations that Kate treated Collin differently from his siblings and that she witnessed Kate grabbing him on multiple occasions.

Ashley shared her decision to speak publicly stemmed from wanting Collin to know that someone who had worked inside the home supported his narrative of the family dynamics she witnessed. Her accusations remain just that—accusations—and Kate has not publicly responded to Ashley’s specific claims featured in the PEOPLE report.

The Gosselin children pose together outside their Pennsylvania home, with the house’s stone exterior and landscaped grounds visible behind them. The family photo accompanies discussion of Collin’s memoir, In the Shadow of Eight: Surviving the Reality of My Childhood, and the allegations about his upbringing, which Kate has disputed.
The Gosselin children pose together outside their Pennsylvania home, with the house’s stone exterior and landscaped grounds visible behind them. The family photo accompanies discussion of Collin’s memoir, In the Shadow of Eight: Surviving the Reality of My Childhood, and the allegations about his upbringing, which Kate has disputed.

Ashley Admits to Contacting Child Services Before Leaving the Job

Ashley eventually found it too difficult to ignore her concerns. She reported to PEOPLE that she contacted Children and Youth Services for Berks County prior to leaving her position, claiming the experiences affected her emotionally even after she returned home.

“I started to feel unwell because I began bringing my work home with me. I didn’t have kids of my own and couldn’t fathom how someone could act so cruelly toward their own children,” she explained.

Ashley believes that others who worked with the family may have shared similar concerns. “I know for a fact that I was not the only one who did that. I want to take this opportunity to not only support Collin, but also to assert that his mother was psychologically abusive, and physical abuse occurred as well.”

Children and Youth Services for Berks County declined to comment to PEOPLE, citing strict confidentiality laws.

Nonetheless, Ashley hopes that by speaking out, others who may have witnessed concerning behavior will feel encouraged to share their experiences, regardless of how much time has passed.

Ashley Wishes for Others to Share Their Stories, Even Years Later

Now a social worker, mental health advocate, and mother of twins, Ashley desires her decision to speak publicly to serve a greater purpose beyond revisiting a painful chapter in the Gosselin family’s past.

She aspires for other former employees or observers of events in the home to feel empowered to share their experiences. “I genuinely hope this encourages people to come forward, even if it has been 15 years since the incident,” she stated.

Ashley also voiced her support for Collin as he continues to share his narrative. “I am incredibly proud of Collin and hope he feels validated in his experiences.”

If you suspect any child abuse, please reach out to the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit their website. All calls are free and confidential, with support available 24/7 in over 170 languages.