'Jon & Kate Plus 8' Dad Speaks
Gosselin talks to People about his relationship with his wife, Kate.
June 4, 2009 — -- After weeks of watching his family dominate tabloid covers and personally battling criticism about his child rearing and husband skills, "Jon & Kate Plus 8" patriarch Jon Gosselin said in no way does he feel he is exploiting his children.
"I don't even want to use that word, because I think it's ridiculous," he told People magazine. "We have healthy, happy, well-adjusted, educated kids. They're bouncing around and having a good time."
Jon Chooses People Just Like Kate
Jon, 32, appears in the glossy magazine saying "enough is enough," when it comes to all the overwhelming attention the family is receiving.
"Jon's definitely suffering a little bit right now with all of this attention on him and his family. He's sort of done with the whole situation," said People magazine senior staff writer Michelle Tan. "He's said enough is enough with the paparazzi."
His interview comes just weeks after his wife, 34-year-old Kate Gosselin, used the popular magazine as an outlet to describe her feelings about what was happening to her marriage. In May, she discussed the perilous state of the Gosselin union, confessing that "Jon is confused and struggling with a lot of different things."
"I think anybody who has watched the show has noticed that Kate's definitely the vocal one of the two, and Jon's very laid back. And I think now with this increased scrutiny, Kate is still opening up a bit more than Jon," Tan said. "Jon is just getting more and more guarded. He's just feeling under the attack, and really wants to keep things private."
Jon reportedly underwent hours of rigorous media training on how to deflect personal questions during his interview in New York.
Meanwhile, Kate and the sextuplets enjoyed a family vacation on the beaches of North Carolina. With a pail in hand and an orange bikini, Kate Gosselin wowed onlookers by being tanned and toned.
Is Fame Hurting Jon and Kate Gosslin's Kids?
Concerns about the Gosselins have gone beyond mere blogosphere chatter. Last week, Pennsylvania's Labor Department said it was launching a probe to see if the hit show is complying with child labor laws.
TLC, which airs "Jon & Kate Plus 8," said it "fully complies" with state laws and regulations.
Both Jon and Kate have drawn tabloid ire as their 8-year-old twins and 5-year-old sextuplets continue to appear on "Jon & Kate Plus 8."
The criticism is fueled partially by reports of extramarital affairs by both Jon and Kate and questions about whether the Gosselins should continue filming even as their marriage appears to crumble before a nationwide audience.
Both Jon and Kate have denied the affair allegations, but have acknowledged they are having difficulty in their relationship.
The rift in the couple's decade-long union has become apparent in the show. But "Jon & Kate Plus 8" has seen some of its highest ratings since the Gosselins' troubles became tabloid fodder.
"I think all parents, and anyone who is married, are always going to have times when you're upset with someone," Jon said. "This is a reality show, so you're going to see real emotion."
Nearly 10 million viewers tuned in to the season 5 premiere almost two weeks ago to watch the obviously tense and noticeably distant parents try to get things back to normal after discussing their marital problems.
The ratings roll has bested the show's past average audience of fewer than 3 million viewers.
Both Jon and Kate have differed on whether they plan to continue filming their hit show.
Jon and Kate: Different Takes on Reality Stardom
Despite their marital woes, Kate told People the show will continue.
"I must go on and provide for my kids," she said.
But Jon had a different take on reality stardom.
"Jon does [not] view the show as a job, necessarily, but he does recognize that the show has provided incredible opportunities for him and his family, so he'll continue to do the show as long as it benefits his children," Tan said. "But every year, when there's a renewal contract that comes along, he does say that they have family discussions about it. They bring their children into the room. The children account for 80 percent of the family. And if anybody doesn't like the cameras around, then they'll stop production."
Claiming to be hounded by fans asking for autographs, Jon said he isn't above quitting.
"It's not my job," He said. "My job is to take care of my kids."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.