Jon & Kate Plus Real Jobs (we can only hope)

Yes, this is the return of the Jon & Kate thread (in which, ahem, I humbly called the demise of this entire family months before any public reports of marital trouble. I may not be Madame Cleo, but exercising common sense goes a long way. If you watched one episode of this thing, it was so predictable.)

I was trying to hold off on posting about these two because I'm as tired of them as the rest of you are, but it has simply come to the point where something must be said, yet again.

The latest updates are that the show's name was changed to 'Kate Plus 8' as TLC had been having trouble with Jon since these two split. It's gotta be hard promoting yourself as a family channel when you have a guy running around town drunk with ladies half his age, spending his CHILDREN'S earnings on a phat bachelor pad in NYC, and wearing those god-awful Ed Hardy shirts. Clearly, PopSpiracy could not let this charade go unnoticed! I am not, in any way, on Team Kate either, as you all well know. I think we should put them on a desert island and tell them it's a new reality show and forget to bring the cameras (and crew). Oops.

Within moments of the show's name being changed and Jon's obvious deletion, he is now taking legal action to stop the show, his lawyers sent TLC a cease-and-desist order which claimed police would be called out if anyone stepped onto the property.

According to Jon's lawyer, "Jon realized his family was like a train wreck, so he decided to put the brakes on the divorce and on the show..."

Let me get this straight. Jon Gosselin is just NOW realizing his family is a train wreck?!!
Ok, gimme back my Madame Cleo title, please. Either I'm a rocket scientist or Jon Gosselin is a tool. Or, in this case, maybe both. Kate is not halting the divorce, and dare I say it, I actually agree with her for once.

Jon's lawyer's continued statement:

"I am totally confident that [Jon] will be completely successful in his quest to take back control of his family and preserve, protect and ensure their future and well-being by putting the brakes on his divorce and pulling the plug on TLC, the media giant that he perceives as a monster that has exploited and manipulated his family and has been partially responsible for the breakdown of his marriage. Jon is resolved not to allow the TLC Corporate machine to devour his family and promote the monster's best interests over those of his family. TLC and Discovery have been reputed to have generated approximately $186 million dollars for the quarter – compliments of the Gosselin Family, and Jon firmly believes that their greed to continue that cash flow will be trumped by his courage and determination to protect his family."

First of all, I take it this lawyer hasn't seen one episode of the show or he would know Jon Gosselin was never once in control of his family and the notion that he could protect his children is highly implausible. He couldn't even stand up for himself once the entire time the show taped. If Jon and Kate were concerned with their children's wellbeing whatsoever, this show would have never taped a single episode.

Secondly, to hear Jon Gosselin whine (once again) about TLC exploiting and manipulating his family, contributing to his dissolving marriage, and describing TLC as a monster devouring his family is the best I've heard yet. (In case he needs to be reminded, the Gosselins are the ones who decided to drag their 8 children through this nightmare, no one else. It's not as if there aren't plenty of examples of reality television families torn apart or sextuplets thrown into a circus atmosphere and the long-term devastating effects of this many times over for them to have made a more informed decision.)

Now, I'm not absolving TLC of any blame here. While it has brought us entertaining shows like 'Police Women of Broward County' and 'LA Ink', it definitely had this one coming with all the constantly exploitative shows involving children. From Gosselins and Duggars to 'Toddlers & Tiaras', the whole thing couldn't be more designed to ensure a horrible fate for its young performers all the while masquerading as a wholesome family network. (Note to TLC: What's up with your programming in general? All these awful children reality shows and then rad shows about police women and tattoo shops? A sense of direction is in order here!)

In this statement, I must say I especially love the part where Jon's lawyer mentions the hundreds of millions of dollars the show has raked in for TLC 'compliments of the Gosselin family' as if this were all a wonderfully packaged gift the family never profited from in any way. Meanwhile, Jon is off buying a new car, an NYC apartment, and entertaining clearly desperate young women. (By the way, Jon doesn't work. And he mentions TLC being greedy!)

I think it's highly amusing that he decided to halt this show the second his name was dropped off the title. Egotastic! That said, I have been calling for the cancellation of this show for a year now. Jon's first logical (and correct) decision, made for all the wrong reasons. It's about time those poor kids get off the air and try to have a normal life, though growing up with Jon and Kate will guarantee that can never happen. I can't imagine what these kids have had to go through. Divorce is hard on any kid, and the actions parents make after the divorce have a large impact on how children will feel and cope. Jon's actions have not at all reflected any concern for his family, if what he's been doing the past few months is 'protection', we all have cause to be concerned. Everytime I think he can't possibly make himself look worse, he finds a way to outdo even my next-to-nil expectations.

I seriously hope the Gosselins can get their children into therapy and stop spending their money like it's going out of style. Those kids have been working since they've been in pampers and deserve a stab at normalcy like any other kids. Instead of focusing so much on this nightmarish couple, their children should be the first priority they deserve to be.

The Return of the Jon & Kate Plus 8 Thread

Yes, you knew a follow-up post was in order. I hope this has proven to all of you that PopSpiracy knows it's shizzle! Prior to any of this Kate-and-the-bodyguard nonsense and tabloid frenzy that has ensued, I warned you about these sneaky devils.


So here is the latest on the Gelflings Gosselins.

Apparently, Kate has sought refuge in the arms of her bodyguard while Jon is allowed to run around town and date women. The two have an open marriage, according to Kate's brother and his wife (Aunt Jodi). Now, in general, I don't believe everything I read. Neither do you, and that's why you're here at PopSpiracy getting your fix. That said...


What on earth does Kate Gosselin need a bodyguard for??? Where is Jon's bodyguard?!

Jon needs more than that. Perhaps one day he'll grow a pair. Until then, I don't know how Kate can continue to claim that they aren't celebrities when they: a) have a hit TV show b) have no anonymity c) have bodyguards d) eat at five star celebrity restaurants when in LA e) Kate can afford hundreds of dollars a haircut and makeover constantly f) Jon bought a new sportscar.

Foolish Kate thinks she can control the world, as brilliantly evidenced when she started hurling insults at tabloids, not knowing that they CONTROL THE UNIVERSE and are now going to go after her with all they've got. Great job stirring up the hornet's nest, Kate. That might be the rule in your house, but your house is now public domain, thanks to the choices you two have made for your family.

Confucius (or whomever) says: NEVER bite the hand that feeds you.

That said... have any of you noticed the timing of all of this? How odd that all of this controversy has to come right before the premiere of the next season of the show. Looks like the ratings of the show are in desperate need and the Gosselins are in hyperdrive trying to make sure the show doesn't get canceled. My guess is that the marriage already ended quite some time ago and they are just staying together to keep the money rolling in. When the show does get the plug pulled (and trust me, it will) there will be 8 multiples running around Pennsylvania with 2 unemployed parents. Brilliant strategy, J & K.

I am stunned by the sheep that continue to be blinded to the truth and defend these two. "You try having 8 kids!" or "They are just trying to provide for college..."

You are right. I don't have 8 kids. But I know people who are part of HUGE families, in which BOTH parents actually have to work and don't have the privilege of having their house and all of their possessions paid for by their own children. There are ways around this, and child exploitation is not it. Just ask OctoMom who is currently being sued by the state of Cali for trying to build a reality TV show around her multiples. The Gosselin kids sadly don't have the legal protection they deserve living out in PA. As for college... don't even kid yourself into thinking that there is going to be a cent left for those kids once they hit college age. Who knows what college in our country will look like 13 years from now anyway. If the landscape looks the same, BOOHOO - the Gosselin kids will have to work and get grants and scholarships or join public service or military life like everyone else in the same position. At the rate those two are spending, that money is going to be gone within five years.

Kate has also been arguing that her children "love" the camera crew and get excited when they come over. I have news for her, camera crews aren't family. She has managed to alienate her own family from her children's lives. Now, she has given them this "surrogate" family that is simply there for the purpose of money. The second that show ends (soon), those crews will be gone in a flash, and if there is any truth to the kids loving them, once again they will be deprived of even more social ties. Ye gads, imagine how traumatized these kids are going to grow up to be having everything of REAL value being ripped away from them and replaced by nonsense that won't bring them happiness or last another five years...

PopSpiracy says:

Jon & Kate = SUCK!

Jon & Kate + 8 = Bad.

Like much of America, I was originally transfixed with Jon, Kate, and their 8 rambunctious offspring. The 411 for those folks tuning in who don't know the score on this show: Jon & Kate are a married couple who had two sets of multiples (twins followed by sextuplets). Supposedly, Kate had trouble getting pregnant and turned to fertility treatments. Upon learning how many children were growing in her womb, Kate and John (Christians not keen on abortion) had the babies.

Upon first glance, it seemed like a wholesome show. I found myself oddly drawn to it, partially because it made me appreciate my life so much more knowing I didn't have that level of constant bombardment at home. It was interesting to see these little people trying to discover the world with so many distractions. After watching the show more, I became incredibly disturbed.

While some insist that these two parents are wonderful, Jon & Kate have raised quite an eyebrow with their parenting techniques and personalities. Kate has become one of the most disliked women on television, largely thanks to her overwhelming neurosis and treatment towards Jon and her children, which is unbearable. Overly domineering and controlling, she didn't let her children chew gum or play with markers as she insisted their clothes would all get dirty and she'd have to wash it, as if that's not what would ultimately happen anyway...

There was an odd absence of other family members present in their lives. The only one that seemed to be involved in the rearing of the children from their respective families was Aunt Jodie, who subsequently disappeared off the show. Supposedly, members of her family have spoken out against Jon & Kate and claimed that they were getting upset that Jodie was part of the series and started blaming her for trying to cash in. If that isn't the tea pot calling the kettle black... it seemed that Aunt Jodie gave the children a freedom that Kate couldn't provide and she chucked her as I'm sure kids preferred Auntie time. When Jon & Kate were asked why their parents were more involved, they gave a vague answer - something to the effect of having bad relationships with them. What kind of family has 8 children and no help from their family? But sure, they'll expose them to strangers and camera crews. It seems that Jon & Kate have done a great job alienating the people in their lives from wanting to have anything to do with them. Let's assume that Jon & Kate don't like their parents. Those children have every right to have grandparents and any parent who would deny their children such an experience has every right to be seriously questioned. It's not about them, it's about what's best for their kids.

Kate's unhealthy habit to berate her husband constantly (particularly in front of the children) is annoying and resorts to not just emotional abuse but also physical abuse by smacking Jon when he doesn't do what she wants. Kate's controlling nature and Jon's passive aggressiveness make for a very unhealthy combination.

Part of what upsets people so much about these two is their constant complaints and insistence that they are poor, just to get sponsors to send them free stuff they can publicize on the show and send them on vacations. They make over $70,000 AN EPISODE and are millionaires. Jon & Kate don't do much to hide it anymore, having recently been spotted at a very pricey LA celebrity eatery. Kate complains anytime she does chores and cleans up after her family, meanwhile when the cameras are off they have a personal organic chef who cooks for the family and maid service. (I eat organic and I can tell you it costs about three times as much as the alternative, I can't imagine their food bills. While I'm happy to see anyone convert to organic, no poor family can afford it, nonetheless a large one.) They didn't even have to pay for their house.

The worse part is the exploitation of those innocent kids. Some people argue that they watch the show "for the kids". That's like watching a train wreck and saying it's for the good of the people in the crash. Watching isn't helping and giving this show ratings contributes to an awful cycle these children should be freed of. California and New York, given the entertainment hubs they are, have very strict rules involving children working in the entertainment business, i.e. Coogan Laws, etc. Given that Jon & Kate live in Pennsylvania, their children aren't subject to the types of protection they would have if they lived elsewhere and are taped far more than should be allowed. Yes, that is work, and it does stress them. The show is taped several days a week and the children are constantly filmed. There aren't rooms in the house that are off-limits, the bathroom is fair game. Sadly, these children are even taped using the potty or bathing, NOT the actions of parents that care about the welfare of their children. The exploitation they already receive is bad enough, but exposing them to perverts across the country is unacceptable. The toll on these poor kids must be tremendous, who are all going to need therapy. Imagine their embarrassment growing up knowing that their most private moments were shown to millions of people. Hopefully the Gosselins will invest the money they made off of their children on their psychological well-being one day, but it's doubtful. The stress will inevitably topple these children. Already affected is Maddy Gosselin, i.e. the kid from hell. This poor girl is so constantly negative and miserable it's painful to watch. I don't blame her, I'd be screaming to get outside of there, too, and she's clearly a product of a highly chaotic environment. Being that she's one of the oldest (the twins), the negativity will have a trickle effect on the younger ones who emulate their older siblings. If you think Jon & Kate have it bad now, just wait. And it will be a prison of their own making. I am reminded me of a scene in which Maddy placed a sign on her door with explicit instructions that no cameras enter and a giant frowning drawn face. It was a cry for help if I've ever seen one. All children need privacy to grow into healthy adults, these children don't even have a room in the house they can disappear to if it all becomes too much. That's because they'd spend all day in it.

Unsurprisingly, photos of Jon completely drunk at a party surrounded by women (sans Kate) surfaced. He was uninvited.

According to town locals, Jon makes his way to many of these shindigs and has no shame hitting on the town meat. I don't advocate infidelity, but being married to Kate must be a living nightmare. Not having the balls to stand up for yourself in the world must be pretty bad, too. Nonetheless raising a huge family and being on a show he supposedly doesn't even like. Of course, the Gosselin's came out swinging fists and denying any problems. Even Jon & Kate's renewal of wedding vows sounded like a ploy for a nice free Hawaiian vacation. They didn't look thrilled then either. These two don't seem happy with their lives or children at all. This is typical reality TV fakery at it's best. Someone call Dr. Drew, quick. So that he can exploit them too. Don't worry, I'm doing a story on him ASAP. You knew it was coming...

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, folks, but Jon & Kate are NOT good parents. They are not healthy, they are not happy, and they are destroying their children's lives. So are you if you continue to watch, I change the channel now. Why contribute to that? It is NOT cute. The fact that it got picked up for yet another season despite the public catching on to their inappropriate behavior is sad. Once again, America lowers it's standards. If you really care about the kids, STOP WATCHING.