Jon Gosselin plans to sue ex-wife Kate for primary custody of their eight children because her appearances on "Dancing With the Stars" have turned her into an absentee mom, a lawyer for the former reality show dad told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Jon Gosselin's new lawyer, Anthony List, said he plans to file papers in Berks County Court in Pennsylvania this week to reopen their divorce settlement.
Kate Gosselin on "Dancing With the Stars
List said that Kate Gosselin's participation in the smash ABC dance competition show has taken her away from the children, and that she has delegated most child-rearing responsibilities to three nannies.
"Without a doubt, she's an absentee parent," he said.
Kate Gosselin's attorney, Mark Momjian, called the allegation reckless and "patently false."
"It's deplorable to make a comment like that," he said. "I know Kate Gosselin is all about her children, and she's always been about her children. Let him file what he says he's going to file and we'll respond accordingly."
The two formerly starred on the hit TLC reality show "Jon & Kate Plus 8," which chronicled the lives of the Gosselins and their large brood -- twins and sextuplets -- at their home in eastern Pennsylvania. The show ended its run in November, and their divorce became final in December.
The no-fault divorce settlement gave Kate Gosselin primary custody of the children and the family home in Wernersville, Pa., about 50 miles northwest of Philadelphia.
List said Kate Gosselin has been pursuing her career at the expense of the children.
"If she's truly committed and dedicated to these children, as I believe she is, then she should open her eyes and see what's happening to these children," List said. "Their life is topsy-turvy. Jon can give them stability."
He said Jon Gosselin also wants a modification of his $21,000-per-month child support obligation, an amount List called "horrific" given Kate's earning capacity.
"Dancing With the Stars" was America's most-watched show last week, outdrawing both editions of Fox's "American Idol" for the first time. Kate Gosselin also has a new book out this month, "I Just Want You to Know."
Jon Gosselin's pending court petition was first reported by the celebrity gossip site TMZ.com.
Related Posts:
