Collin Gosselin discusses alleged childhood abuse by mom Kate Gosselin

LOS ANGELES - Former "Jon & Kate Plus 8" star Collin Gosselin is speaking out about alleged abuse he says he endured growing up in the spotlight, detailing his experiences in a new memoir, "In the Shadow of Eight: Surviving the Reality of My Childhood."

In an interview Friday, Gosselin said he wants his mother, Kate Gosselin, to acknowledge his account of their strained relationship and take responsibility for what he describes in the book.

Collin Gosselin discusses alleged childhood abuse

What they're saying:

"I would ask her to tell the truth," Gosselin, 22, said. "I just want her to come forward, and she won’t do that. She still wants to push that front of like, ‘America’s best mom.’"

Gosselin, who rose to fame as one of eight children featured on the TLC reality series, said he does not believe his mother will take accountability for their estrangement.

"While I wish my mom would say, ‘You know what, you're right, I'm sorry, I take accountability,’ she would never do that," he said, adding, "And unfortunately, I have to wake up and realize that."

He also defended his younger self for resisting life in front of television cameras.

"I’m not wrong for not wanting to be thrown in front of  a camera at such a young age. There was nothing wrong on my part, and no child should ever feel that they're wrong for pushing back against that," he said.

The memoir explores Gosselin's childhood trauma and his efforts to reclaim his voice after growing up in the public eye. The book has generated national attention since its Oct. 13 release.

The other side:

Kate has previously disputed Collin’s claims. In a TikTok video, posted on Thursday, Kate responded to comments from followers.

"I know who I am and my kids know who I truly am and to me, that’s all that matters," Kate, 51, wrote.

Finding strength on ‘Special Forces’

Dig deeper:

Gosselin is also competing on FOX's "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test," where celebrity recruits face physically and mentally demanding challenges modeled after real-life Special Forces selection processes.

Gosselin, who is still in contact with his father, Jon Gosselin, credited him with supporting his decision to join the show.

"He was so very supportive of it," Gosselin said. "He knows that this kind of stuff is right in my alley, you know, taking on challenges, doing crazy stuff like that."

The latest installment takes place in Malaysia, with 15 recruits tackling challenges in the jungle, including underground missions and tasks involving simulated chemical threats.

Gosselin said the experience tested his mental resilience as much as his physical strength.

"Your body feels like it can't keep going, but your mind tells you to keep going and you just have to keep pushing," he said.

But he said the strongest impact came from the bonds he formed with fellow contestants, who shared personal stories and supported one another through the experience.

"I want people to know, be emotional. You can show emotions, you can show vulnerability," Gosselin said. "You can share stuff with people that might be scary to share. But it's very rewarding."

RELATED: George Santos joins cast of FOX's ‘Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test’

He said the group felt like a family and that he remains in contact with his fellow recruits. Season 5's celebrity lineup spans sports, entertainment, reality television and politics and has included former U.S. congressman George Santos, actress Candace Cameron Bure and reality star Bre Tiesi. 

In the next episode, the recruits will navigate underground tunnels while searching for simulated chemical weapons and face additional tests of their mental resilience.

Watch the all-new episode of "Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test" on Thursday, Oct. 29 (9:02-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

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