Collin Gosselin says he’s still hopeful about his future despite his challenging childhood. In a new interview, the “Special Forces” winner and recent New York Times bestselling author opened up about his desire to live a life he could be proud of.
Collin Gosselin Is Looking Forward To This One Thing
Speaking with E! News, Collin, 22, opened up about winning the most recent season of Fox’s “Special Forces.” While he admitted he’s grateful for what he’s accomplished so far, the former “Jon & Kate Plus 8” reality star said only one thing could top the high he’s feeling.
“The one thing that could top this beautiful mission I’m on is probably being a father,” he said. “But I feel so young. I’ve already found something so great and so meaningful, and to that I am very fortunate.”
Why Did Collin Gosselin Film ‘Special Forces’?
For those unfamiliar, Collin was one of many celebrities cast in season 5 of “Special Forces.” The show takes familiar faces and puts them through a series of mental and physical challenges inspired by the real-life Special Forces selection process.
According to a previous report from The Blast, Collin said he was eager to show a different side of himself on TV.
“I’m an adult now, and there’s enough of my life that my mom took from me and [my] childhood that she robbed from me, and this isn’t about her — it’s about me,” he said. “It’s about growth. It’s about the amazing people I’ve met, and the amazing journey and adventure that we went on.”
Before being cast on “Special Forces,” Collin had spoken about his relationship with his estranged mother, reality star Kate Gosselin. While discussing his latest venture, Collin said he agreed to the show to take control of his own narrative.
“It was just so healing to be able to look at a picture of myself and be like, ‘That’s what I’m doing it for,’ and then think about all the millions of children who go through what I went through — getting thrown into the industry against their will,” he said.
Collin Gosselin Used ‘Special Forces’ For Something Bigger
Amid his run on “Special Forces,” Collin released his first memoir, “In The Shadow of Eight,” which details his difficult childhood and the alleged abuse he suffered at the hands of his mother.
“Growing up, millions of people watched my life on television. People felt like they knew me. They knew my family. They watched me grow up. But there was so much they never saw,” he said. “Writing this book forced me to revisit some of the hardest moments of my life, but it also gave me something I’ve been searching for for a long time: my voice.”
Collin Reveals Heartbreaking Reality In Book
Collin admitted, however, that sharing his story with the world has only put an even bigger strain on his relationship with his mother and his seven other siblings.
In his book, though, Collin admitted he misses his siblings and hopes to reconnect with them one day. In a previous interview, he also spoke directly to them and urged them to make their own decisions.
“I’m in this stage of my life now where I’m doing research,” he said, adding that he wants his siblings to do the same. “The information is out there, but you can’t always believe what you’ve been fed.”
Could Collin Ever Forgive His Mom?
As for his mother, Collin said he’d be more than happy to move on with her. However, there’s “a lot of accountability that has to be taken on her part” for them to make progress.
“I’ve done my due diligence, I’ve put everything out there, and she’s yet to come forward and take accountability for what she’s done,” he said.
Kate likely hasn’t taken her son up on his offer, given that she seemingly dismissed Collin’s claims while responding to a TikTok user who said “terrible lies” were making headlines.
“Thank you so much. I know rational, logical ppl or anyone who has dealt with mental illness understands what’s going on here,” Kate replied.
