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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
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Talent Agency|Sues Jon Gosselin

(CN) - A subsidiary of cable channel TLC sued Jon Gosselin, former star of "Jon & Kate Plus Eight" over his alleged habits of drunkenly carousing with women other than his wife, appearing on other TV shows and refusing to show up for filming sessions.

Discovery Talent Services, which is in charge of finding people to appear on TLC's shows, says in Montgomery County (Md.) Court that its contract with Gosselin allowed it to cut him out of the show if his behavior caused "public disrepute, contempt, scandal or ridicule."

After months of media reports on Gosselin's alleged conquests, Kate Gosselin filed for divorce in June. In response, Discovery says it asked the Gosselins not to give interviews about each other or the show for 45 days. The pair agreed, but Jon Gosselin quickly signed a "lucrative" agreement to give regular interviews to "Entertainment Tonight" and "The Insider," an arrangement forbidden by the parties' contract, Discovery says.

The Gosselins also initially agreed to continue filming the show, since it was "in the best interest of their children," the lawsuit states. The parents planned to take turns residing at the family home, where filming would take place.

But Discovery says TLC decided to narrow the show's focus to mostly cover Kate and the kids after Jon Gosselin refused to show up to a Sept. 18 filming. The network planned to change the show's name to "Kate + Eight" and continue paying Jon Gosselin despite his decreased presence, the lawsuit says.

In response, Discovery says Jon Gosselin's attorney asked it to release Gosselin from the exclusivity clause of the parties' contract. Gosselin allegedly threatened to tell the media he thought the show was bad for his kids if the network refused. Discovery says it said no, and Gosselin went through with his threat.

The reality show has followed Jon and Kate Gosselin since 2007 as they raise sextuplets and a pair of twins.

Discovery sued Jon Gosselin and his company JKIG Inc. for damages and an order requiring him to comply with the contract.

It is represented by Paul Gaffney and Shelley Webb with Williams Connolly of Washington, D.C.

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