Collin Gosselin and Collen Conrad.Photo:Collin Gosselin/Instagram; Amanda Edwards/Getty
Collin Gosselin/Instagram; Amanda Edwards/Getty
Jon Gosselin’s exColleen Conradis coming to the defense of his son,Collin Gosselin, amid the public back and forth about his alleged behavioral issues.
Conrad claimed that Collin lived with her for nearly two years “until he turned 18” followingher 2021 splitfrom Jon.
“He thrived and was always kind and respectful [and] he never talked back to me,” she wrote. “He was never violent and is far from being considered dangerous. He is there for me when I need him, even bringing me white roses every time he visits.”
“I could tag a multitude of people who have spent time with Collin, and they would all attest to what an amazing person he is,” she continued. “He has overcome more challenges than any one person should ever have to endure.”
“Despite being institutionalized for 3 years alone with only 3 visits from his mother and not receiving proper education, he achieved a 4.0 GPA and won the highest GPA award at his ROTC banquet. I’m so incredibly proud of his accomplishments.”
Kate Gosselin, Collin Gosselin, Jon Gosselin.Noel Vasquez/Getty; Jon Gosselin/Instagram; Bryan Steffy/Getty
Conrad went on to note how Collin “never gave up” on his dream of joining the Marines despite it seeming “impossible given his background.”
“He went off all medication two years ago and continued to thrive in school and working jobs,” she shared. “He sought private psychiatric evaluations as an adult that disproved all the previous diagnoses. It was his determination that led him to the Marines, where he’s now fulfilling his dream. He wouldn’t be there if he hadn’t proved those diagnoses wrong.”
She concluded the message with an update on how Collin is doing while he’s in training for the Marines.
“I have received letters from Collin during his time in boot camp, and he admits that it is challenging, but he is happy and proud to be there,” she wrote. “He is a testament to strength and courage, and I am honored to have him in my life.”
She continued: “Collin will always be part of my family, and I’ll support him, no matter what comes our way. That’s what family does. The truth about Collin’s character deserves praise, not unfounded accusations from those estranged from his life.”
KATE GOSSELIN, JOEL KEVIN GOSSELIN, COLLIN THOMAS GOSSELIN, MADELYN “MADY” KATE GOSSELIN, AADEN JONATHAN GOSSELIN, CARA NICOLE GOSSELIN, LEAH HOPE GOSSELIN, ALEXIS FAITH GOSSELIN, HANNAH JOY GOSSELIN.Donna Svennevik/Getty
PEOPLE has reached out to Kate for comment. Meanwhile, Jon’s rep tells PEOPLE, “Jon is very pleased to see that Colleen has finally come out to support his son Collin to the public. Jon and Colleen have remained friends and he will always be appreciative of Colleen’s participation in coparenting Collin.”
A source also tells PEOPLE that Jon and Conrad “coparented before Collin turned 18. He went back-and-forth like with any divorced parents.”
“It’s hard, it was a big decision. We have been together for seven years which is a long time, so it’s very upsetting,” hesaid at the time. “We had some struggles and we tried to push through them as best we could, but it didn’t really work out the way we thought it would.”
Jon Gosselin and Colleen Conrad.Amanda Edwards/Getty
Conrad’s support for Collin comes just two weeks after his sisterMadyand momKateboth spoke out about his alleged behavioral issues. In anexclusive statement to PEOPLE, Kate said, “My son Collin, whom I love with all my heart, has received multiple psychiatric diagnoses over the years. For the safety of myself, his brothers and sisters and for his own well-being, he was placed in a facility following years of outpatient treatment which proved insufficient for his needs.” (Read her statement in fullhere.)
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Kate told PEOPLE in 2016 that Collin had “special needs.” In response, he toldEntertainment Tonightlast year: “It’s unfortunate that that’s how my mom, you know, phrased me as a person. You know, I don’t see those things and I don’t think anybody else sees those things, but if that’s how she sees me then, you know, that’s her point of view.”
source: people.com
