February 16, 2009, 08:45 AM
Jon + Kate = Disaster
Flipping through The New York Times yesterday, I came across a piece on Jon & Kate Plus 8, the reality show which follows a family with eight children. Train Wreck Factor, I thought in reaction to the story, titled "Big Brood Spawns Big Ratings." Unfair? Maybe, but train wreck describes my experience with Jon and Kate.

I interviewed Jon and Kate Gosselin for a Valentine's Day story called 8 Love Tips from Jon & Kate. While on the phone with the couple, Kate yelled at Jon for interrupting her, said he wasn't very good at communicating and generally treated him like he was a misbehaving child. After his initial attempts at answering my questions garnered such a response, Jon kept quiet.

The publicist, who was also on the phone, recognized the interview was spiraling out of control and suggested Kate tell me about renewing their vows in Hawaii. Kate lost it. She yelled into the phone, "I'm so sick of talking about Hawaii. It was really nice, but it's over and we just keep re-hashing it." Dead. Silence.

I asked a few more questions, trying to coax something, anything out of them. They juggle so much, there must be something they do to keep their marriage afloat. Kate said, "Marriage is a lot of work and anyone who says it's not is lying." OK, but what do you do to work on it? How do you work on it? Finally, Kate snapped, "This is stupid. I don't know why you're doing this story. We're not romantic or lovey. We're not that couple." She's right, I thought. Dead. Story.

From Mackenzie (11/02/2009)

Kate Gosselin is a bitch and her husband should have dumped her a long time ago. Who really watches this to see those bratty kids or their dogs (comment from earlier post)? I watch it to see them fight. TLC is a channel for losers.

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From Craig S (05/25/2009)

I think this is a perfect example of how money & fame can really change you. However in their defense, having 8 kids and having your life just change so drastically in an instant will affect anyone. I did notice how they never show affection.

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From Karla Mederos (05/23/2009)

I use to really enjoy this show in the beginning but lately I have seen and my husband has pointed out that Kate has become increasingly MEAN to her husband Jon. I think its sad to watch there relationship unravel right before our eyes.

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From nana (05/18/2009)

This has been a train speeding down the wrong way track for over a year. So much gone wrong; you're right. PS - My favorite comments are from people who can't spell and have the grammar of four year olds. Tells us how seriously (not) to take them.

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From Elisabeth G. (05/07/2009)

I luv the show and people shouldnt be talking about them but i do think kate treats him like a child. Their puppies are cute 2 but it probably wasnt the smartest move for the stress. They should get away for a while like when kate got the tummy tuck.

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From T. Streeter (04/17/2009)

I don't think that she is any worse than any other Alpha female in a relationship. As an Alpha female myself it has been a good opportunity to watch and learn how not to treat my husband. I think they are feeling the pressure of being celebrities!

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From dianne levy (03/29/2009)

Kelly, now we all know what Jon was doing around this time. He was hanging out at bars with young girls. Kate was right. They are not that couple!!!

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From Paula (03/19/2009)

I use to like the show, but now I can't watch it, her treatment of her husband is horrific. And I'm sure her twin daughters hear about this at school from their peers. Way sad. i hope they get marriage counseling.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Ember (03/19/2009)

OMG all you people that are talkon crap need to shut their mouths. Are you Jon or Kate? NO So you have no idea what is really going on in their lives. Go talk about someone else like octomo shes the one with the real problems. No Jon and Kate.

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From SueB (03/13/2009)

Watched J&K show since the beginning-started well, J&K caring for each other and the children. Show gone downhill-too many putdowns/insults from Kate-not a way to talk to ones mate. Like Jon but wouldn't be surprised if divorce on the horizon. Sad.

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From Jenna (03/13/2009)

How can anyone defend her actions? That was rude and embarrasing. She is a greedy, self-indulgent a-hole. And she exploits her kids for HER own gain. I hope she realizes this before all her kids resent her. If it's not too late.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Thomas (03/12/2009)

My wife watches this show and this goes to prove what I have been saying, Kate is in need of psychiatric help and if they don't get marriage counseling, they are headed for a split. God help those kids. Kate, if you read this, get help, now.

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From leigh (03/11/2009)

With all due respect, I think this was a really mean thing to write about the Gosselin family. Those kids are obviously normal and happy and Jon and Kate fight just like all married couples fight. It's unrealistic to expect any family or marriage to be absolutely perfect. And I would yell too if someone called me and tried to pry into my family's personal life. Even though the Gosselins are on TV, there's still that line that shouldn't be crossed, and it's impolite to do so. Jon and Kate are not the protagonists of a sappy romance movie, nor should they be expected to act like it. They are a married couple with more than enough on their plates and it's a given that there will be problems, but they love their kids and they love eachother. It's not for us to judge their characters or to try and delegate how they live their lives.

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From Mallory (03/10/2009)

perhaps it was just a bad time, a busy day or just a bad day lets face it Kate wasn't wired to have 8 kids and 2 puppies. And i think what she ment is that their not a lovey dovey super affectionate couple.

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From Tina (03/09/2009)

I do think that Kate is hard on Jon and that they have some issues there, but no marriage is perfect. But I do think they love eachother. So don't hate. And as for the kids slapping eachother and crying about nothing NEWS FLASH! ALL kids do that! duh

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From Christina (03/09/2009)

Hey, I think I saw that purple flying monkey too! Did it have green spots?

But for real, I think you people are haters. First of all, Jon IS EMPLOYED!!! And that family is just as crazy as any other, they just happen to be showcased on tv.

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From Lauren (03/09/2009)

I love Jon & Kate, the show, however, Kate is a biotch and I wouldn't blame Jon if he went elsewhere. However, I do not believe that he has. For some reason, he really loves her, even though she treats him like a child.

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From Lisa (03/07/2009)

I wonder what is going to happen now that John was caught with all the frat girls? Kate will probably try and take the kids from him. It is such a shame when people get a few bucks in their pockets that it all goes to hell in a hand basket.

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From Quinn (03/06/2009)

Great blog. Interesting tale. How awkward to have to had to be a part of that disaster of an interview. Hope you never have to go through something like that again. All the best.

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From MomToo (03/06/2009)

Pretty unprofessional to write about this. Don't you think that eventually people will know they can't be themselves around you and not allow you to interview them?

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From julie (03/06/2009)

Everyone seems to think that they are so much better the Kate, take a long look at yourself and maybe you might see that she is not putting on a front. I guess most of you want someone that is fake and kisses ass 24/7 she is real, are you?????

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From elissssabeth (03/05/2009)

I completely believe this and can just hear those words coming out of Kate "Gimme" Gosselin's mouth. It would be great if there were a link to share this on Facebook.

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From constance (03/05/2009)

I just found this site. I am compelled to comment. It is shameful the way Kate treats Jon. It is uncomfortable to watch her with him and even worse when she starts in about his communication skills. He might have some if she would be quiet.

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From Al (03/04/2009)

This show is vulgar!! I can't stand Kate...she is mentally unstable. There needs to be a petition sent to TLC to cancel this show!

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From Marlowe (03/03/2009)

I wanted to see what other viewers might have to say about this tv show. Come to find out a lot share the same views as i do. Love the kids, but kate maybe u need to start looking in ur self and be more tactful when dealing w/u husband.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Laura Elizabeth Pohl (03/03/2009)

Sounds like they're the same in real life as on TV! Maybe it's time for them to let go of their reality show and focus on real life.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From portia specht (02/27/2009)

i find it ironic that they live in wernersville,pa.there is a well known mental hospital there.so kate won't have far to go....as for our and are,i am from pa and that is how alot of us pronounce it...

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From Connie S Bauer (02/27/2009)

I agree with Kelly DiNardo! The show, the family, Jon and Kate, really are a train wreck!! It's really irrelevant how much we hate Kate. That's a given. I just think it's tragic the way they are exploiting their children. God help them.

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From Chantelle (02/26/2009)

Please...I'll believe this happened when there is proof! I could come online and say that I had a conversation with a purple flying monkey too....would you all believe that too?

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From lady (02/24/2009)

If you watched the puppy show last evening, it looks like Kate has lost weight, has had her teeth rewhittened, and obviously has been going to a tanning bed... Oh and her lopsided hair!

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From Haven Tyler (02/23/2009)

I love how the supposed, "Christians", are the ones posting the hateful comments, and disparaging a couple that they don't even know in person. I don't personally give a rats butt one way or another....I just think the hypocrisy of this is hilarious.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Tiffany Rodriguez (02/23/2009)

My husband & I hate this show but we watch patiently waiting for the train wreck. The last two episodes he said their body language speaks volumes about thier relationship, they hate eachother! Thats just by watching them on that damn couch!

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From Beth (02/20/2009)

It's obvious that once the kids are either older or gone, this marriage will be over, too.

Jon needs to wake up and find someone that will treat him like a man rather than a child.

Kate needs to get over herself.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From ida (02/19/2009)

The American public needs to stop giving this family so much attention--how else would they make the money that is so very improtant to them? And it infuriates me that they claim to be Christians--sinful!!

Labels   Jon & Kate

From CeeCee (02/19/2009)

hey, what is the deal with Kate getting rid of BabyMama? LoL. I hadn't heard that. If this is true how can she continually be on her side? Insanity!!

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From Meg (02/19/2009)

Is this really any surprise? Only the Gosselin butt-kissers think this couple is actually in LOVE. Give me a break. They don't even know what the word LOVE means. Only greed, money and EXPLOITATION!

Labels   Jon & Kate

From LisaAnne (02/19/2009)

Thank you Kelly so much for this article! Anyone with any common sense could see there is NO love between these 2! So SAD for the kids! :(

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From PA English Teacher (02/19/2009)

No offense Krista, but I have actually read Kelly's books/articles. She's as much of an author as Kate is. Probably more so, since writing is her career. :) You can't kill the messenger!

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From Deb (02/18/2009)

Did you ever see such a miserable family? The kids are smacking each other and crying about nothing, Jon is hostile and impatient to the kids, and Kate is just plain nuts. What would Jesus have to say about this mess?

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From Krista (02/18/2009)

Having this linked on a hate site for this family basically discredits any validity you had. Nobody believes this even happened. And then on top of that to have everyone from GWOP over her to comment about it is worse.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Maris (02/18/2009)

Wow... I suppose this would explain things, like Jon going from sitting silent during one sofa session to mocking Kate and rolling his eyes in the next (among many other things). If it's true, only time will tell... probably another year or so..

Labels   Jon & Kate

From coastalmom (02/18/2009)

Okay so if this is all true... and they are having marital problems, would you want to talk about what a successful marriage you are having and give tips about it if he is really not even living at home anymore? I feel so sorry for the kids.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From coastalmom (02/18/2009)

She obviously is no supermom because we have seen her in action. I hate the way she talks to her husband but I would never wish divorce on anyone. Though I am some would say divorce would put her in her place. Is that more important than the kids?

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Ann (02/18/2009)

Would love to hear the actual phone conversation! Often wonder why "the press" is not doing an in depth investigation on these two. Why aren't parents, siblings, relatives and people from the childhood neighborhood interviewed? Former Coworkers?

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Jeannie (02/18/2009)

Thanks Kelly for letting us know the truth. It seems like they have been unhappy for awhile now. You would think with the nanny, cook and the kids in school. They would have sometime to spend together to work on their marriage! Greed is a Sin!

Labels   Jon & Kate

From iheartpink_xox (02/18/2009)

Just wondering if you have an audio recording of that interview and if you mind posting it. I would LOVE to hear it!! Not sure if thats legal though hahah

Labels   Jon & Kate

From jason (02/18/2009)

PUBLISH IT KELLY YOU WILL STAND OUT FOR JOUNALISTIC INTEGRITY AND TRUTHFUL REPORTING,alleged struggling family with a publicist says everything about their character and manipulation a full time job just keeping their lies straight and damage control

Labels   Jon & Kate

From kelly (02/18/2009)

my husband the surgeon has agreed to pro bono work to reattach jon gosselin's testicles..think of all the free work they didn't need i.e., hairplugs, tummy tucks the children show all the signs of exploitation and these parents make octomom look good

Labels   Jon & Kate

From WendysMom (02/18/2009)

Like others, I really enjoyed this show in the beginning. Unfortunately, anyone with personality (Jodi, Beth, etc.) has disappeared, just where the ratings are sure to follow.'

Jon & Kate = Greed in my book.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Little Birdy in Birks County (02/18/2009)

Here is Jon drunk as a skunk without his screaming wife,

http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww303/strea449/Jonatshortys.jpg

Labels   Jon & Kate

From cynthiastevens (02/18/2009)

Kelly! Would LOVE to know what on earth publication was actually calling for "Valentine" tips from the couple who are laying the ground work for a special hour-long episode of Divorce Court on National TV? For REAL? Don't they watch the show?

Labels   Jon & Kate

From laney (02/18/2009)

Wow! I'm fascinated that an experienced journalist was exposed was witness to this behavior and actually writes about it! We have noticed the same thing and will no longer watch the show. I'd love to know if you ever ended up writing an article!

Labels   Jon & Kate

From lionphox (02/18/2009)

This blog was dug @ digg.com!

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From Barbara Noe (02/17/2009)

After a year I finally see other people waking up to what this family is really all about..... Money and using 8 beautiful children to make it. They are the ones working not Jon and Kate! When the show dies so will their marriage, for it is so doomed

Labels   Jon & Kate

From MissAmerica (02/17/2009)

She "says" she's a Christian but her behavior shouts otherwise. If questionning what is truth, always go w/behavior. That's a major way we in Law Enforcement detect our liars. I say : Print the article, quote for quote.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From PA English Teacher (02/17/2009)

I stopped watching this show when the kids in my class at school even noticed how nasty and dysfunctional this couple is. If kids can see that this is not a happy, fun show.....how can there still be any adults still watching?

Labels   Jon & Kate

From johanna (02/17/2009)

Kelly, Was this interview recorded?? I'm sure lots of people would LOVE to hear it! It would also put the doubters to rest.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From 8XploitedFaces (02/17/2009)

Hey Babymama. Do you ever actually take care of your kid? You are so concerned with defending a woman who was "bored with you" when and had her security get rid of you yet you worship her as if she were an actual saint. Live YOUR life, not hers.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From 8XploitedFaces (02/17/2009)

Thank you for telling the truth. Too many "journalists" paint this woman as a supermom/wife and many of us see otherwise. Thanks again, on behalf of the 8 innocent lives being exploited by this wench and her little dog, Jane.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Pam (02/17/2009)

Gee Kate. You fake being a good mom. You fake being a good cook. You fake being a Christian. You also have fake white teeth and a fake tan. Couldn't you at least have faked that you love your husband?

Labels   Jon & Kate

From mommyof boys (02/17/2009)

So when did this interview supposedly take place? And what proof is there that it really did? Sorry, but thanks to all the haters & gwoppers & lunar loonies out there, this sounds like fodder for there bolgs and hate fests to me.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Toody (02/17/2009)

The woman needs help! I feel sorriest for her children who are the innocent little victims of this whole situation.

WRITE TO ADVANCED MEDICAL TV. Bill Hayes is the Executive Producer of the show. We need to tell HIM to take the show off air.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From sandi (02/17/2009)

I see Kate's number 1 split personality pysco fan has posted twice already. Don't worry Kate, Baby M. still will follow you to your book signings.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Lesliq (02/17/2009)

I have had it with these two; I no longer watch the show and refuse to buy from any company that sponsors them. They are a scam!

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Laura K (02/17/2009)

It sounds like Queen Kate can't even have a civil conversation with an interviewer. Good thing the interview was over the phone. Kate is starting to bite the hand that feeds her. Tisk, tisk.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Sherp (02/17/2009)

I never though these two were love bugs but then who is? Kate's rudness and behavior coupled with the Twins and their negative behavior is what will kill this show. Why do Jon and Kate haters need the sheeple to agree with them so much?

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Katie (02/17/2009)

I know from personal experience that this woman is a heinous bitch. Because I am from the area of PA that she hails from, I have seen firsthand what a nasty individual she is. I hope that the Octomom bad publicity helps take J&K off the air!

Labels   Jon & Kate

From BabyMama (02/17/2009)

Can't you publish this regardless? It would give an honest take on the Gosselins & what they are all about=fakeness, greed and exploitation. And why was the publicist on the phone also? To try to remind Kate how she has to keep up this "nice" image?

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Nc resident (02/17/2009)

Thanks for posting article that appears to be an honest take of these two. These shows are nothing less than infomercials with these 8 children as the draw, and props. Hopefull the truth about these two is on it's way.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Baby Mama's Mama (02/17/2009)

I find it really hard to believe that this is even true. Take stories like this with a grain of salt, they come around every other day.......

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From Karen (02/17/2009)

Hey reality shows have KILLED lots of marriages. Why should they be any different.

Reality shows & instant wealth.

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From Bev Okin-Larkin (02/17/2009)

I also predict in the years to come that there will be a "Gosselin's Law" similar to "Coogan's Law" to finally PROTECT children who are in "reality" tv shows - they have no assets, counselors, tutors unlike child actors. Think about it.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Bev Okin-Larkin (02/17/2009)

In fact, Kelly since you respect history (I did enjoy your Lili St. Cyr book!) - look at the PARALLELS between the Gosselins and the Dionne Quintuplets. You have the makings of a real book there!

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Carrin (02/17/2009)

"That couple" is the Duggars. They actually DO love one another, a LOT!

Kate is such a witch. I feel sorry for Jon. I would love to see him scream at her!

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Bev Okin-Larkin (02/17/2009)

Folks, do some looking - there are many blogs about this train wreck. Kate Gosselin is no better than the Suleman woman in exploiting their children. How else would 2 UNEMPLOYED adults now have a 1.2 MILLION home? Those kids have worked for it!

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Monica Rose (02/17/2009)

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Queen of Mean. She is quite obviously a hateful person who will stop at nothing to make a buck including exploiting her children and castrating her husband.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Deloris (02/17/2009)

Hey, Jon...take a looksy in your panties and see if you can find a pair in there! If not, maybe you can GROW SOME!

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Michelle M. (02/17/2009)

haha she's such a bitch. if only her sheeples would wise up the show would be dead in the dirt, like their marriage is obviously. ha.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Shelly (02/17/2009)

It sounds to me at the end she was being true and honest. They don't really try to be that couple so why try to "spin" that way? I've had editors who title stories before any interviews and it doesn't pan out how they hoped.

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From Christine (02/17/2009)

I wonder who that couple is that she said they are not? Anyone know?

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From diana (02/17/2009)

Ha, she is such a bitch. They hate eachother.

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From WellThatAnswersThat (02/16/2009)

Wow, how awful. I'd heard tales about how this woman was horrid to her husband and the blurbs about the show saying he is henpecked but I'd say it sounds like divorce would be a better option then this horror show. And they eight kids, sad.

Labels   Jon & Kate

From Monica Bhide (02/16/2009)

OMG. This is hilarious and sad at the same time. More hilarious, though.

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From Michael Birchenall (02/16/2009)

Love it ... the scoop on dead stories ... I have a few (well, more than a few)

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