Gosselin Kin Cite "Balloon Boy" Saga

Kate's Brother, Sister-in-Law Spearheading Push for Federal Laws Protecting Kids in Reality Shows from Parental Exploitation

(CBS)  The "balloon boy" incident shows the potential for the exploitation of kids by their own parents in the world of reality TV, according to Kate Gosselin's brother and his wife, and a well-known lawyer who's a leading child welfare advocate.

They're in the vanguard of a drive for federal laws to shield kids from such exploitation.

Kevin Kreider and his wife, Jodi Kreider, and attorney Gloria Allred agreed on "The Early Show" Tuesday that what allegedly happened with "balloon boy" Falcon Heene helps their cause.

Earlier this month, cameras followed a balloon as it drifted 50 miles across northern Colorado with, it was thought, six-year-old Falcon along for the ride. Then it was feared he might have fallen out, when the balloon landed without him. It turned out he was hiding in the attic of his family's house.

His parents had called 911 to alert authorities to Falcon's potential flight plight. Later, it came to light the whole thing may have been a hoax, which the parents deny. Larimer County, Colo. Sheriff Jim Alderden says he's recommending criminal charges against them and is asking that child protective services investigate the family's children's well-being.

Observers feel the Keenes may have been jockeying to get a reality show and the entire balloon story was a publicity stunt.

The hit TLC reality show "Jon & Kate Plus Eight" chronicled the lives of Jon and Kate Gosselin and their eight kids. But the couple filed for divorce in June after weeks of reports of marital discord and infidelity by both, which they both denied.

The divorce battle has turned bitter.

Kate and Jon have been in-and-out of court. On Monday, Jon returned $180,000 he'd withdrawn from the couple's joint bank account after Kate said she couldn't pay her bills.

TLC is mulling a new reality show, sans Jon but with Kate and the eight kids. It would be called "Kate Plus Eight" and feature her as a single Mom raising her kids without their father. TLC has postponed the launch, after Jon obtained a court order barring the network from filming the kids.

Jon told CNN's "Larry King Live" he doesn't "think it's healthy for them, and the reason I don't think it's healthy for them is because we're going through a divorce."

Monday night, Kate answered viewer questions during an hour-long special called "You Asked, Kate Answers," which industry insiders see as part of TLC's testing the waters for "Kate Plus Eight."

During Monday's special, Kate admitted, "I don't want to be alone. The aloneness is so alone."

But on the topic of the new show, Kate disagrees with Jon, saying the children aren't "suffering from this. It's in no way harmful for the kids. They wouldn't be on it if it was."

Kevin and Jodi Kreider recently reconciled with Jon, from whom they'd been estranged, and visited the Gosselin youngsters this weekend for the first time in over a year.

They say the Gosselin kids "haven't missed a beat," but the Kreiders say they still staunchly oppose any new reality show with those kids in it.

They and Allred explained on "The Early Show" Tuesday that there's no federal law protecting kids in realty shows -- only a patchwork quilt of laws in various states -- and they made the case for such a federal law.

Jodi Kreider told co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez the Keene story "makes it very clear that parents and people will do whatever they can do get on a reality show, kind of thinking that's a great way for quick fame."

"Without the concern for their children," Kevin interjected.

"The children's interests are so often different," Allred said, "than the interests of their parents, and that's why they need special proections, and that's what we intend to win for them."


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[JetMonkeyfish]

Parents have been living vicariously through their children since forever. Only deranged parents "force" their children to do anything, be it model, play pro-sports, or go to law school. This issue is really about our lack of self-worth as a Nation. We are all infected with the celebrity virus or we wouldn't even be having this discussion. Most of us here are in some way living vicariously through these people. The ones who love Kate and hate Jon or vice versa are just venting their own unresolved issues. Same goes for the who claim to just be concerned for the children. Deep down we believe that that if we were rich, famous, or adored that we would finally have peace of mind. We believe we are entitled to perpetual pleasure or at least friction-free lives. So we turn our frustrations over to the Media so we can see what life should really be like. I'd actually like to see them get back together. Maybe Jon will stop moping around like a sad sack and Kate will learn to soften up and stop being uber mom. Maybe we can all stop being righteous long enough to learn something about ourselves.

[willow013]

Ok, so Kate wants a career in movies, so what? She has eight children that her freak of a soon-to-be ex husband doesn't give a fig about!!....All John Gosslin (a nip with a hair lip) cares about is ripping off the bank account so he can support his groupie group...What else can Kate do? It is unreal to expect her to support eight kids on a steno salary, a realator's salary, a nurses salary, etc....You get the picture, don't you? She wants to be able to support her children without the help of her idiotic, shallow, sex-minded excuse for a husband....The less that that no-good, out of shape loser contributes, the less she is obligated to allow him to be a part of their lives......GO KATE!!!! You have the guts to go on (without that loser) with your kids, so MORE POWER TO YOU!!!!!!

[realsinglemom]

Are you serious! Kate doesn't have to raise her children by herself. Everything I've seen in the past and current shows Jon is VERY active in the children's lives and does many things to help out. I'm not sure how you came the conclusion that he doesn't. If you really fall for the poor pitful me Kate show..more power to you. I'm a REAL single mom and beleive me she hasn't a CLUE what that means. Yes she may soon be single and yes she is a mom. That is the only thing that defines her as a single mother. I used to like her..over the years my opinion changed drastically and have since realized she is a good at BS'ing people and acting is right up her alley!!!

[cidaia]

You don't know - none of us do - what Jon really cares about. I don't know what motivated him (nor do I particularly care), but his decision to stop supporting the public exploitation of those kids is the first thing I have heard either one of them do that actually is in line with what is best for those kids.

There is NO reason to suppose that being put on TV is what's best for those kids. The best anyone can say is "it doesn't hurt them" - but that is very questionable, and the person making that argument is clearly hungering for attention.

[rootinforoz]

Good job CBS for following the story about protecting CHILDREN in reality shows. No matter who may be contributing to the cause it is "the best for the children". That is what really matters here isn't it?

[chase996]

What I want to know is..did kevin & jodi get paid for this appearance??
I think as far as Jon & Kate are concerned they should keep their nose out of J & K's business. they are despicable!! and Jon is just using them to get back at Kate. I thought this kind of thing was below CBS's standards.

[cidaia]

I think it is WONDERFUL that the Gosselin kids have kin willing to take an interest in their well-being! I hope that Kevin and Jodi are the ones responsible for Jon's change of heart!

Kids are not something you own, not something you can sell or rent or exploit. They have their own problems, their own rights, their own interests. Kate and Jon have lost touch with that. I hope that after Jon gets through with whatever descent into the underworld he's going through, he can find whatever it is that will enable him to be a better father. SOMEONE needs to stand up for those kids. Clearly Kate doesn't intend to change a thing.

[hatekate]

Posts all over the place are calling Hate on the carpet. She wouldn't stop while she was ahead. She's gone too far and people are seeing her for the sham she is and lives. Congratulations to all sheeple who have finally seen the light.

[hatekate]

Kate needed Jodi off the show because Jodi was outshining her as a mother. Jodi showed patience, love and kindness towards the kids. It came naturally to her and Kate couldn't stand it. Oh, and there's the little issue about TLC offering to pay the Kreiders (after being on the show for quite some time). Guess who put the halt to that? You got it - dear old Kate. She stated that nobody gets paid but her family. Why? Not even family? I heard the amount wasn't even much. What would be the harm in allowing the Kreiders to, perhaps, have a little extra money. They never asked for it or expected it. It was simply offered by TLC and Kate shut it down.

[azmom]

Who cares. I can't imagine Kate will have any career after all this dies down. NO ONE wants to see her on tv, movies, magazine covers. Her phone smile that is on the verge of splitting the corners of her lips is due for loooooooong break. Face it America, the parents used their kids for their own good and to quench their thrist for money. I said it before, Kate said her kids' college funds are taken care of. You're welcome Kate. NOW GO AWAY and let me get back to work so that I can send my kids to college. Your kids have had enough freebies. Sorry, but true. It cost me $10 to send my child to the pumpkin patch this week. When was the last time your paid for an extracurricular activity for your kids--or even one of them, Kate?

[isgamboa]

PLEASE stop having these people on your show. Who cares what they think! They are out to make money off the very kids they claim to care about or they would shut up and take care of matters leagally if they really cared about that issue. They just want air time and you are giving it to them. What kind of brother would slam his sister publicly??? Kevin and his wife are awful, stop interviewing them!!!!!!

[rootinforoz]

I care what they have to say. Why do you think you may be the only way that feels that way. Thank you CBS for thinking of the children versus the greedy money hungry adults that seem to get more consideration. Kate Gosselin could care less if her children are on anymore as long as she can continue her "NICHE" in acting which she seems to believe she has. MOVIES? are you kidding. I would rather watch reruns of Lassie then that idiot. Thanks Gloria and the Kreiders for pursuing this very worthwhile cause.

[deifspirit]

Kevin and Jodi are 2 people who actually CARE about these kids and they have been involved in their lives since they were born!! Long before they got a show. they have watched those kids for free long before they started appearing on the show. YOU NEED TO GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT BEFORE BLASTING THEM WITH LIES!!!!!!!

[cidaia]

I hope that Kevin and Jodi's "pursuit of air time" helps with the establishment of real guidelines, national guidelines, protecting kids from exploitation.

[scubbasteve01]

It's OK Balloon Boy. May the BALLOON be with you, always.

[scubbasteve01]

Jon and OctoMom plus 22! Get ready people the next show to be made so all of you can watch since you have nothing better else to do anyway. Who knows what next reality star will get Kate pregnant again?
So how many licks does it take to get to the center of a Charms Tootsie Roll Pop?
THE WORLD WILL NEVER KNOW! Jon, OctoMom and Kate won't either!

[mgmfos]

I think anyone who watches shows like this are part of the problem. That family exploited itself, at what cost to those kids, no one knows. In 10-15 years, some of these kids will be on the newrags covers with drug and behavior problems, and everyone will wonder why. Jon and Kate are both pathetic excuses for parents

[nirak2-2009]

You took the words out of my mouth mgmfos
These Reality shows are only popular because we stupid people watch them.
These parents don't have any talents except producing a litter and we sit there and watch them.

[cidaia]

You're right, except for one thing: when the kids are on the cover of the tabloids, nobody will wonder why. We know why.

[saturn05]

This is not even close in comparison to the "balloon boy" incident. Whether or not you like Kate, she deserves what she wants with the show and her kids. It sounds like the boy Jon, oops husband is a whimp and got tired of all of the fanfare. He committed adultery and then comes back with his tail between his legs. And her brother and sister-in-law are nothing but sour grapes. They were "let go" and now they want revenge. People hate Kate I think for her being a strong-willed and aggressive woman. Get over it and back off. She isn't abusing her children and it really doesn't matter what the public thinks. Don't watch her show and stop yapping about how much of a b**** she is.

[rootinforoz]

It certainly does matter what the public thinks. We are the fans. How do you think programming is decided? Kate is disliked because she exploited her children for a buck. The kids are too old for this anyway. It was cute in documentary fashion but the story is over. If you want 8 kids go find another way to support them. Better yet why not make a show with real actors and actresses playing their parts because all of the free "MEMORIES" are dull and boring to the viewing public. Their marriage was a sham, the show is a sham and the kids are no fun to watch anymore. Who wants to watch a bunch of kids end up in therapy. GO ALL THE WAY with this Kreiders and Gloria. They have this cause totally RIGHT!!!!! Find a new show to watch.

[deifspirit]

No kate doesn't deserve to treat her kids anyway she wants. what she is doing to those kids is called explotation and her entire salary and monies comes from those kids backs!! are you dense? people watch the show to see the kids- not to see kate. if it wasn't for the kids appeal to the public there wouldn't be a show and kate wouldn't have the 1000's of dollars that she has spent on herself, whx includes that breast enlargement she got and that expensive trainer she has and all those designer clothee she keeps on buying!!!!

[cidaia]

You're wrong: those kids are not something Kate "owns". They are not hers to do with as she wants. They are human beings.

Jon and Kate both have their problems - magnified by the TV lens, I think - but Jon is the one who is correct when he calls for getting the kids off the air while the divorce is in progress. What his motives are is irrelevant: it's what is best for the kids that matters.

They're not trained circus animals.

[get_down]

Not much a fan of the following "Reality Shows" - "Wife Swap", "Jon and Kate plus 8", "The Octomom"...etc. I'm busy helping raising my First Grand-Daughter quietly. Look around the society - can't help but noticing so many superficial events going on - e.g. "Facebook", "MySpace", "Twitter", "Iphone", "Ipod"...etc. The coming generation youngsters only know to use the "Gadgets" - most of them lost interests to learn the basic skills - Science, Math, Language, Art...etc. Everything is acquired through "Give me" instead of "Hard work". Along the way, the ?Character? and ?Personality? traits are simply lost! Sad and tragic to say the least.

[tugar04]

THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A WOMAN'S SCORN...... OR JEALOUSY ......

I believe Kate's sister-in-law, Jodie is angry at her and wants to basically put a knife in her back if she can do it. And to repeatedly state her opinion about "the show is harming the kids" is a great way to do it ! However, I cannot agree more that, THE SHOW SHOULD END NOW !

[babs_50]

Obviously you haven't watched many episodes of J&K. Jodie was very gracious and generous to Jon and Kate. She has 4 kids of her own but has babysat for them since BEFORE their life became a reality show... and funny how she often watched all 12 on her own, even when Kate's were all sick. These kids are now 5 and 9 and Kate can't take care of them without a babysitter at all times. There needs to be 2 people here at all times she states in her Q&A last night on the show. If you do some research Jodie comes off as not the type of stab someone in the back... Kate on the other hand... well just go watch all 5 seasons.... you'll get the picture.

[jonisaputz]

Jodie is angry because Kate is a success and Jodie is NOT. Jodie and Kevin and Jon are all jealous, vindictive, spiteful and hateful people. IF they thought they could make a buck out of it, they would use their own children for far more privacy-invasive "jobs" than even the Heene's. They just want their 15 minutes of fame, but they aren't even worth 7 seconds. For all you know, Kate may have done a lot for Kevin and Jodie and got only betrayal in return.

[cidaia]

Someone is jealous, vindictive, spiteful, and hateful, but I don't think it's Jodi.

[tugar04]

THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A WOMAN'S SCORN...... OR JEALOUSY ......

I believe Kate's sister-in-law, Jodie is angry at her and wants to basically put a knife in her back if she can do it. And to repeatedly state her opinion about "the show is harming the kids" is a great way to do it.

[lily64]

Watch the show. Jodie is not the issue. Kate (together with Jon) exploited the relationship with Jodie and her family to the point of the estrangement between them. There were several original episodes that support babs_50's assertion above that show clearly that Jodie and her family were being used by Jon and Kate. Interesting how Jodie was perfectly capable of handling all of the kids - even including hers - with little issue and Kate has all she can do when out with only one or two of them. Imagine her without the cameras and staff. Hopefully she has made enough money from this exploitation of her children to pay their future therapy bills - they're very likely going to need plenty.

[lily64]

How strange. Seemingly everyone defends the woman even though she clearly is exploiting her children for the money. Step back and look at it people. There is simply no other way to look at it. The woman took her two 4 yo daughters (the twins were 4 or 5 at the time if I recall) to get "tested" to see if they had potential as models/actresses. Even with the astronomical amount of income she has, she is consistently "given freebies" such as the plastic surgery that other Moms of multiples would give their eyeteeth for, but did not exploit their children so won't get it free. How many of those "field trips" that they've taken the kids on do you think they actually paid for? People you and I have to pay to take our kids to the petting zoo. We don't get breaks because we were irresponsible enough to have 8 kids and then sit on worldwide television daring to complain that it's "hard" and "stressful". Get over it - you had them, deal with it. Give it a break.

Regardless of the relatives' motives, there is a serious point here people. These children deserve much better than EITHER of their parents are giving them. The woman is no saint parading her children in public for money and the fact that she wants to continue to do it is even scarier. What do these children have to look forward to in life? Being spoiled "celebrities" with no real purpose like most of today's celebrity children?? Someone asked how she is supposed to support these children? Does she bear no responsibility here? It is entirely the Dad's responsibility and not hers to provide? So much for an equal society. There is no evidence that she is doing all of the caring for the children by herself, particularly since it's shown regularly that he is with the children a great deal himself and she is shown off the property while he is there, which has been on the news consistently (waste of air time). Bottom line - a judge should order BOTH of these parents off the air to straighten out their family issues and they should BOTH stop exploiting their children for money.

[MPHgrad]

THANK YOU lily64. Well said!

[hatekate]

Good post and straight on. Kate angling for the modeling gig for the twins was all the "eye opener" I needed to see clearly she's all about the spotlight. . . and that was early on folks. Alot of you Kate supporters have not seen all the episodes. Why, I ask, do you think it's OK for children's lives to be on public display for all to see. I don't care why or how the children get out of the spotlight - only that they do! And I have a feeling now that Gloria Allred is involved, this is all going to come tumbling down as it should. It's disgusting that Kate can't see what most responsible parents can see and it's taking extreme measures to squeeze her out. She just couldn't and wouldn't go away and take her kids out of this mess. She will now be forced legally. What a fool she continues to make of herself. The Gosselin debacle will go down in history as new laws will come into play for children in reality TV. Kate will be famous alright, but for all the wrong reasons.

[rootinforoz]

EXCELLENT LILY64. What is really scary is how a handful of women seem to think Kate is some paragon of success. She is no better then a prostitute. Actually worse. She is the pimp. Pimping her children for money. Plain and simple.

[MamacitaofLove]

Kate betrayed her own children by denying them a normal chldhood and normal family relationships. Does Kate speak to ANYONE in her family anymore? The kids need protections. They have been used and it's time for that to stop.

[MamacitaofLove]

Kate betrayed her own children by denying them a normal chldhood and normal family relationships. Does Kate speak to ANYONE in her family anymore? The kids need protections. They have been used and it's time for that to stop.

[tugar04]

You are SO RIGHT samilad....

Jon is angry at being TOSSED FROM THE SHOW, and pulling the plug on the kids being allowed to appear is his way of fighting back. But quite frankly, the show should end ! Both he and Kate need to get jobs to take care of their kids just like the rest of the adult world. (No more Free vacations, clothes, new homes and untold home renovations on a (new home at that)! Then this so-called, wholesome family continuing to party time, womanize, booz it up, police calls, cry for the camera craziness! We've all had Enough of the Gosselins Already !

[samilad]

I think it's ironic that all of a sudden Jon thinks the children will be harmed. When he was making the money too, the kids were alright, no harm was coming to them. Now that he's out of the picture he wants to pull his children. Does he honestly think we will fall for that? As far as the in-laws htey are probably mad because they didn't get any money out of the deal.

[cidaia]

Who cares why? The fact is, he's right. Those kids need to be off the air. Which parent wins the scuzziest award is really none of our business. As bystanders, instead of arguing over which of the two people beating the horse to death is hitting hardest, we should first make a point of rescuing the abused horse. Except in this case if it were horses they would have more rights under the law than the Gosselin kids do.

[jonisaputz]

Is Gloria Allred and Jodie and Kevin Kreider going to look at the Kreiders' parenting situation also? I mean any adult who would give three year olds chewing gum is a child abuser in my opinion. Not because of the mess, but because they could choke on it. Jodie Kreider is not a good mom in my opinion if she does this kind of thing with her own child like she did with the Gosselin children.

[MamacitaofLove]

Gum=abuse?!

You'll have to do better than that.

[babs_50]

Gum, child abuse, this is laughable.

[lily64]

gum is child abuse? Are you really serious?

[jonisaputz]

Mamacito - about as serious as Jodie and Kevin and their "claims." lol

[hatekate]

LOL! Gimme a break!

[Sassypaws]

I suppose you missed the episode where Kate gave her children gum to chew while on the airplane? Was that also child abuse?