TLC Cameras Stop Rolling on 'Jon & Kate Plus 8'
Jon Gosselin Bars TLC Cameras From Home
Thomas Umstead -- Multichannel News, 10/1/2009 4:11:58 PM
TLC's rollercoaster ride with hit series Jon & Kate Plus 8 took another turn Thursday when the network announced a halt to the series after Jon Gosselin banned cameras from his home.
E! Online said the soon-to-be divorced father of six septuplets and two twins filed two cease-and-desist letters and posted a sign at his home warning camera crews to stay away from his Pennsylvania home.
"Effective immediately, no production crews are to enter Jon's family home for any reason," stated a letter to TLC from Gosselin's attorney Mark J. Heller. "In the event that anyone enters the marital property, Jon Gosselin will notify the local authorities to effectuate police action against any trespassers."
Gosselin's move comes a day after Discovery Communications-owned TLC announced it would reduce Jon's appearances as part of a revamping of the series beginning in November. That series, Kate Plus 8, would focus mostly on Kate's efforts as a single mom although it would also feature Jon in a much more limited role than he's had on the current Jon & Kate Plus 8.
TLC said it has suspended direct filming of the children "pending further conversations between both parents."
Further, the network said "We are aware of Jon Gosselin's recent statements, and remain deeply disappointed at his continued erratic behavior. He and the family were shooting as recently as last Friday, without incident, and his latest comments are grossly inaccurate, without merit and are clearly opportunistic. Despite Jon Gosselin's repeated self destructive and unprofessional actions, he remains under an exclusive contract with TLC."
Kate Gosselin said in a statement: "I'm saddened and confused by Jon's public media statements. Jon has never expressed any concerns to me about our children being involved in the show and, in fact, is on the record as saying he believes the show benefits our children and was taping on Friday with the kids.
"I check in regularly with each of the kids to be sure they want to participate in and continue with the show and will continue to do so. I do the show for my family because I believe it provides us opportunities we wouldn't otherwise have. Jon used to share that belief until as recently as the day the network announced the name change of the show and indicated that Jon would have a lesser role in the show. It appears that Jon's priority is Jon and his interests. My priority remains our children and their well being."
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