Jon Gosselin on ‘Good Morning America’: ‘I’m a Real Person’

Did Jon Gosselin strike out?

ABC News building. Image from Flikr.com.

Jon Gosselin’s attempt on “Good Morning America” to show the world that he is “a real person with feelings” appears to have possibly backfired. “ABC News” reporter Chris Cuomo said during Jon Gosselin’s interview that Kate has been painted as a victim in the tabloids while Jon Gosselin has been portrayed as the enemy or even “the evil empire.”

Cuomo held up magazine covers calling Jon a “dirt-bag” and saying Kate “strikes back” as evidence. Jon Gosselin on “Good Morning America” says that Kate was abusive, that he’s trying to move on with life and that he wants everyone to see that he has feelings. Unfortunately, he also said — twice — that he “despises” Kate. Oops. That, of course, is the quote that made all of the headlines today.

Maintaining dirt-bag status

Alarm bells obviously went off in Cuomo’s head when Jon Gosselin on “Good Morning America” said he and Kate have separate film crews because Jon can’t sit on a couch with someone he despises. Cuomo said “you gotta be careful about how you talk about Kate, as the mother of your kids.” But the damage was already done.

Pay day loans have gotten bad publicity in the past because of a few bad comments, and now it’s Jon Gosselin’s turn. Only in Jon Gosselin’s case, it’s his own comments that might earn him bad press. True to her more polished public persona, Kate said there are aspects of their divorce that should remain private and wouldn’t comment any further. If Jon Gosselin’s interview on “Good Morning America” was a cry for attention, it certainly worked. But is this really the type of attention Jon Gosselin was aiming for? Some people, particularly Richard Huff from the Daily News, believe it’s all about the money.

Coincidences or publicity stunts

In his article, Huff points out that both Jon and Kate have fed into and capitalized on the paparazzi and tabloid frenzy that has been following them around for months. He even goes so far as to imply that Jon and Kate timed their divorce announcement on “Jon & Kate Plus 8″ for when it would get the most publicity. Huff writes:

Since their marriage fell apart on TV, which coincidentally and sadly happened at a time when the rest of the celebrity world was in hibernation, the couple have generated more online clicks and sold more magazines than anyone.

That’s a pretty harsh accusation, but one that is tough to argue with. I have been following the Jon and Kate saga since rumors began flying that the two were having affairs, and the big breaks in their story do seem to be so perfectly timed that it’s hard not to think they might be publicity stunts.

More suspicious activity

A strange part of the Jon Gosselin on “Good Morning America” interview was the part near the end where he says Kate took his wedding ring. It’s clear from the interview that he doesn’t know for sure that she took it, he is assuming she took it.

Airing your assumptions on “Good Morning America,” one of the most-watched shows in the country? Not a great idea. Especially not if you want people to see you as a good guy.

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