Another person has entered the public chat to give their two cents about Collin Gosselin, a former child reality TV star from TLC’s Jon and Kate Plus 8. Colleen Conrad, the former girlfriend of Jon Gosselin, has stepped up to offer her support of Collin, slamming the public back and forth conversations about his alleged behavioral issues.
Colleen took to social media to share her thoughts on Collin.
On August 4, Colleen opened up about Collin and explained why she "felt compelled to defend" him following the "derogatory statements" that have been said about him over the past few weeks.
Colleen dated Jon, Collin's dad, for seven years. Although she and Jon have separated, she's still very close to Collin today.
Colleen called out the statements 'made by family members' against Collin.
"I recently learned of derogatory statements made about Collin Gosselin and felt compelled to defend him," she wrote on Instagram with a collage of photos of her life with Jon and his kids. "These statements were made by family members who have been estranged from his life since he was 12."
She's likely referencing Collin's mom, Kate Gosselin, and his sister, Mady, who have made public statements about the alleged treatment they endured at the hands of Collin.
'Collin is not only someone I love dearly but has also been a significant figure in my family's life,' she continued.
Colleen said that because Collin is "unable to defend himself" since he's away at boot camp for the Marine Corps, she felt it necessary to add her voice to the public back and forth.
"After Jon and I separated [in 2021], and Jon moved out, Collin lived with me until he turned 18 so I saw him every day," she wrote.
"He thrived and was always kind and respectful. He never talked back to me," she shared. "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."
She wrote that she's not the only person who can 'attest to what an amazing person he is.'
Colleen listed some of Collin's accomplishments and shared that she's proud of how far he's come.
"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," she explained in her post.
"I'm so incredibly proud of his accomplishments."
Although she didn't go into specific details, Colleen shared some of Collin's medical experiences.
"Collin's dream to join the Marines seemed impossible given his background, but he never gave up. He went off all medication two years ago and continued to thrive in school and working jobs," she added.
"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 then slammed people who are speaking of Collin negatively without knowing him.
"He is a testament to strength and courage, and I am honored to have him in my life," Colleen admitted. "Collin will always be part of my family, and I'll support him, no matter what comes our way. That's what family does."
She ended her Instagram post by writing, "The truth about Collin's character deserves praise, not unfounded accusations from those estranged from his life."
Colleen's statement comes weeks after Mady accused Collin of violent behavior and Kate saying he "remains a very troubled young man" at 19 years old, despite both admitting they haven't seen Collin since he was 12.
