On Thursday, June 18, 2009, Julie May sent an email to the attorneys for both sides to pass along the news that the network was concerned that the timing of the divorce filing was messing up their already-finished episodes of Jon & Kate Plus Ei8ht. Julie said the network was worried that the announcement on the show wouldn’t match the press reports about the filing and the show would be outdated when the news broke. She said the network suggested that if the plan was to file on Monday, they wanted Jon and Kate to do a brief “pick up” interview or maybe some voiceover lines they could add to cover the new information. They even suggested delaying the filing of the divorce papers so they could incorporate it into future episodes.
That same day, Cheryl Young replied to Julie May and Charlie, telling them that Kate wanted the filing to occur on Monday. She told them she would double-check that with her based on concerns from the network.
You can imagine Charlie’s surprise, then, when he received a network-approved statement that had been prepared for Jon. As you can see, it is a bit different from Charlie’s original draft. This is what Discovery wanted, and this is what Discovery got.
"This afternoon, Kate filed for divorce. Our kids are still my number one priority. I love them and want to make sure they stay happy, healthy and safe. My job is being the best, most supportive and loving father that I can be to my kids, and not being married to Kate doesn't change that. This will be a difficult transition for all of us, but Kate and I will work out a schedule that enables our kids to have plenty of quality time with both of us at home in Pennsylvania. In terms of my marriage, it's no secret that the past six months or so have been very difficult for Kate and me. We are no different than other couples and parents who are facing a crossroads in their marriage. I am of course deeply saddened that we are divorcing."
Charlie was then caught off guard by Kate and Discovery, who had gone to their favorite media outlet, People magazine, and released their own story. It was a Discovery-generated spinfest. Remember, Jon and Kate both originally agreed that, as a formality, Jon would be the one to actually file for divorce. But Discovery stepped in and created a complete fabrication to further their own agenda.
On Monday, June 22, 2009, at 10:22 PM, Charlie sent the link to the People article to his associates and Jon (http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20286839,00.html).
Charlie said “I didn’t think she was going to make a statement.”
Charlie also emailed Cheryl Young that same night at 10:23 PM about Kate’s statement and included the People link (http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20286839,00.html.) He said, “I thought the statement was coming from you. That wasn’t very vague.”
It became apparent that Discovery was controlling the situation and standing by Kate. Charlie told Cheryl that it was interesting that the network had changed Kate’s statement based on the fact that Jon was going to make a statement. He also said that Kate’s statement was stronger than he was told it was going to be.
Cheryl replied to Charlie on June 22, 2009, at 10:25 PM, saying, “I thought so, too”. She explained that the network changed Kate’s statement because of Jon’s statement. She told Charlie she would discuss it with him the next day.
That same evening, at 10:27 PM, Charlie’s associate, Kimberly Kress, sent out an email to Charlie, Jon and some others involved with the case to keep them abreast of the changing situation. Kimberly said she thought it was good that they had put out the official statement from Jon first. She also said that even though this was Jon’s official statement, she didn’t think anyone (meaning TLC) should be issuing it to other press outlets on his behalf. Kimberly predicted that the TLC public relation’s phone would be “ringing off the hook tomorrow with press requests.”
As if things weren’t convoluted enough, another attorney for Jon, Richard Hofstetter of the firm Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC, joined the party. He said he was unhappy that TLC was not keeping them informed about major decisions such as the show’s hiatus. He said he spoke to Edward Sabin and told him very clearly that it was unacceptable and disrespectful that they learned about the show’s hiatus from a general press release instead of being told in advance by TLC. Sabin blamed it on a last-minute “broadcast pattern situation”.
Discovery was clearly the big player in this game, and they were dictating everything, including having the right to “approve” or not, Jon’s statements to the press.
Here is an excerpt from the People magazine article:
Kate Gosselin on Divorce: 'Jon Left Me No Choice'
Update Tuesday June 23, 2009 09:20 AM EDT
"Over the course of this weekend, Jon's activities have left me no choice but to file legal procedures in order to protect myself and our children," Kate said in a statement Monday night. "While there are reasons why it was appropriate and necessary for me to initiate this proceeding, I do not wish to discuss those reasons at this time, in the hope that all issues will be resolved amicably between Jon and myself. As always, my first priority remains our children."
So, to recap, in reality, the divorce was going to be a mutual decision made by Jon and Kate, with both of them deciding together, as a formality, that Jon would be the one to file the papers. When Discovery got wind of that plan they immediately put a stop to it because, of course, it wouldn’t portray Kate in a light that would allow TLC’s biggest star to move forward and into their next money-making venture – Kate Plus Ei8ht.
So Discovery did an end-around and released their spin through People magazine, who always seemed to be the one to break the big Kate Gosselin news and to “set the record straight,” according to Kate and Discovery. Discovery also forced Jon to sit by as Kate announced the big lie to the Jon & Kate Plus Ei8ht viewing audience. Discovery gave Kate her prepared statement and she memorized it, worked on it with her “media trainer” and, in less than four takes on the interview couch, delivered the big lie.
If any further proof is needed to support the claim that Jon was originally supposed to be the one filing for divorce from Kate, the Divorce petition confirms it. Here is the original Divorce petition, with some private information redacted.
ELLIOTT GREENLEAF & SIEDZIKOWSKI, P.e.
By: CHARLES J. MEYER, ESQUIRE
Identification No. 58484
925 Harvest Drive, Suite 300
Blue Bell, P A 19422
Telephone: (215) 977-1041
Telecopy: (215) 977-1099
JONATHAN GOSSELIN
298 Heffner Road
Wernersville, PA 19565
Plaintiff,
vs.
KATE GOSSELIN
298 Heffner Road
Wernersville, PA 19565
Defendant.
Attorneys for Plaintiff
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
NO.
IN DIVORCE
COMPLAINT IN DIVORCE
Jonathan Gosselin, by his attorneys, Charles J. Meyer, Esquire, and Elliott
Greenleaf & Siedzikowski, P.C., respectfully represents:
1. Plaintiff is Jonathan Gosselin, who currently resides at 298 Heffner Road
in Wernersville, County of Berks, Pennsylvania.
2. Defendant is Kate, who currently resides at 298 Heffner Road in
Wernersville, County of Berks, Pennsylvania.
3. Plaintiff and Defendant are sui juris and both have been bona fide
residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for a period of more than six (6) months
immediately preceding the filing of this Complaint.
4. The parties were married on _____ , In _____ _
5. Neither Plaintiff nor Defendant is in the military or naval service of the United States or its allies within the provisions of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of the Congress of 1940 and its amendments.
6. There has been no prior action for divorce or annulment instituted by
either of the parties in this or any other jur
isdiction.
7. The parties have agreed to submit to the jurisdiction and venue of this matter in the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
8. Plaintiff has been advised of the availability of counseling and of the right to request that the Court require the parties to participate in counseling.
COUNT I
REQUEST FOR A NO-FAULT DIVORCE
UNDER SECTION 3301(c) OF THE DIVORCE CODE
9. The prior paragraphs of this Complaint are incorporated herein by
reference as though set forth in full.
10. The marriage of the parties is irretrievably broken.
WHEREFORE, if both parties file affidavits consenting to a divorce after ninety (90) days have elapsed from the date of the filing of this Complaint, Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court enter a decree of divorce pursuant to Section 3301 (c) of the Divorce Code, 23 Pa.C.S.A.
COUNT II
REQUEST FOR A NO-FAULT DIVORCE
UNDER SECTION 3301(d) OF THE DIVORCE CODE
11. The prior paragraphs of this Complaint are incorporated herein by
reference as though set forth in full.
12. The marriage of the parties is irretrievably broken.
13. At the time of the hearing, Plaintiff will submit an affidavit alleging that
the parties have lived separate and apart for at least two (2) years.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court enter a decree of
divorce pursuant to Section 3301(d) of the Divorce Code, 23 Pa.C.S.A.
COUNT III
REQUEST FOR EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF
MARITAL PROPERTY UNDER
SECTION 3502 OF THE DIVORCE CODE
14. The prior paragraphs of this Complaint are incorporated herein by
reference as though set forth in full.
15. Plaintiff and Defendant have acquired marital property as defined by the Divorce Code, which is subject to equitable distribution pursuant to Section 3502 of the Divorce Code.
16. Plaintiff and Defendant have been unable to agree as to the equitable
division of said property, as of the date of the filing of this Complaint.
17. Plaintiff requests that the Court equitably divide, distribute or assign the
marital property between the parties.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court enter an order of
equitable distribution of marital property pursuant to Section 3502 of the Divorce Code, 23 Pa.C.S.A.
-3-
COUNT IV
REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF ANY SETTLEMENT
AGREEMENT AND INCORPORATION THEREOF IN
DIVORCE DECREE UNDER SECTIONS 3104(a)(I) and (3),
AND 3323(b) OF THE DIVORCE CODE AND FOR OTHER RELIEF
18. The prior paragraphs of this Complaint are incorporated herein by
reference as though set forth in full.
19. While no settlement has been reached as of the date of the filing of this
Complaint, Plaintiff is and has always been willing to negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement of all matters with Defendant.
20. Although no written settlement agreement has been entered into between
the parties as of the date of the filing of this Complaint, in the event that a written settlement agreement is entered prior to the final disposition of this action, Plaintiff desires that such written settlement agreement be approved by the Court and incorporated in any divorce decree which may be entered dissolving the marriage between the parties.
WHEREFORE, if a written settlement agreement is reached between the parties
prior to the final disposition of this action, Plaintiff respectfully requests that, pursuant to Section 3104(a)(1) and (3), and 3323(b) of the Divorce Code, 23 Pa.C.S.A., the Court approve and incorporate such agreement in the final divorce decree and grant such additional relief or remedy as equity and/or justice require.
Charles J. Meyer, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
-4-
VERIFICATION
I, Jonathan Gosselin, verify that the statements made in the foregoing pleading are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that the statements made therein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. §4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Jonathan Gosselin
Dated: _____ _
On June 26, 2009, Laurie Goldberg of Discovery sent an email to Julie May, with a copy to Eileen O’Neil, passing along the official “agreed upon” statement that Jon and Kate would be releasing regarding their divorce. That’s right. The network wrote Jon and Kate’s official statement for them. You would think that something so personal, especially your divorce, would be handled by, you know, the people it’s about. Laurie Goldberg asked Julie May to alert her when the statement had been posted onto Jon and Kate’s website, and they would then post it on TLC’s website. Laurie said they “would love to move as quickly as possible on this”.
Here is the statement about the divorce:
"During this very difficult time we will be working to focus solely on the
needs of our family. This includes no longer commenting publicly or
reacting to media stories and speculation. Our goal is to do the very best
for our children and that will be done as privately as possible. We
appreciate the understanding, support and well wishes from so many. Thank
you".
Once the media circus surrounding their divorce was in full swing, Kate went from interview to interview, telling the same big lie and drumming up more support for herself, while continuing to make Jon look like the bad guy. This must have been particularly painful to Jon since it was Kate who ended the marriage in the first place, at least a full year before it became public fodder. Using every available opportunity and resource in their campaign to discredit Jon, Discovery continued to use People magazine as a mouthpiece to spout their lies about the divorce.
People magazine deputy managing editor Peter Castro told “Good Morning America” that the situation is “the portrait of an American family crumbling.” “They don’t hate each other,” he said, but “Jon did not want any part of counseling; he wanted out of this marriage.”
Now, any reasonable person would have to ask this question: How in the Hell would Peter Castro from People magazine know the first thing about what Jon Gosselin did or did not want? He was simply regurgitating the untruths that had been fed to him by a “source.” Count Mr. Castro as just another pawn under Discovery’s control.
Discovery’s handling and control of Jon and Kate’s divorce was the deciding factor as to why Kate Gosselin is a millionaire and living in a mansion today, and Jon Gosselin is broke and struggling to make ends meet.
“MOMMY’S JOURNAL”
“… I need you to know, don’t believe what you read
unless you hear it from that person.”
– Kate Gosselin
Kate’s journal is her collection of notes that she used to write her books, Multiple Blessings and I Just Want You To Know – Letters To My Kids On Love, Faith, and Family. I know this because I read every word in her journal over a two-day period. In doing research for this book, I also read her published works.
As I mentioned previously, I found Kate’s journal while looking at information burned onto computer discs she had thrown in the trash. I fully understand and expect that some will question the authenticity of these journal entries. I can assure you they are genuine and will tell you that these same computer discs hold close to 5,000 Gosselin family photos and many, many personal documents and mementos, including tax and business records and personal and business contracts, all created, dated and burned to disc years before I ever heard the name Kate Gosselin.
For those who question whether her journal exists at all, Kate mentions it herself in this interview with Cupcake MAG, whose tagline seems very appropri
ate for a Kate Gosselin interview: “All things sugar coated & the sweet desire of fashion.”
“I Just Want You To Know was the combining of my journal I kept nearly daily while still married and before (Jon &) Kate plus 8 was a household name. It describes my struggles of that time with 8 young kids…”
Kate also describes her journal on page 176 of I Just Want You To Know:
Reading I Just Want You To Know was like reading her journal, in the same order, except that the published book was edited and polished by an editor who was skilled enough to make Kate sound like a decent human being. Now a word of caution: some of Kate’s thoughts and writings are very disturbing, especially when she talks about harming her children. What shocked me the most as a parent was the fact that Kate would be foolish enough to actually document the beatings and humiliation she inflicted upon her children and husband – as if it were normal behavior – even in a place she thought was private. Surely she would have to consider that someday, someone besides herself might find her journal and read it. Unfortunately for the Gosselin children, this is their normal, as Kate reminds us over and over again.
Some might find Kate’s actions to be normal parenting. It’s up to you to decide. Keep in mind that the sextuplets were two years old at that point in time. My personal view on corporal punishment is that it should never be used to teach or discipline a child. Parenting is hard work, no doubt about it, but there are a hundred ways to teach discipline without becoming physical. I do believe, however, that Kate has the right to discipline her children in any way she sees fit, as long as that discipline does not cause them physical or emotional harm. But I don’t believe she has the right to lie and blame Jon and the divorce for the kids’ anger issues. The kids are angry and violent because that is how they were raised – with Kate’s anger and violence imprinted upon them.
KATE GOSSELIN: HOW SHE FOOLED THE WORLD - THE RISE AND FALL OF A REALITY TV QUEEN Page 22
