Jon Gosselin Says He's 'Severed' From His 'Moral Anchor' - Seeking Religious Counseling

Access Hollywood - October 29, 2009 12:25 PM PDT
Story photo: Jon Gosselin Says He's 'Severed' From His 'Moral Anchor' - Seeking Religious CounselingJon Gosselin with cigarette in hand, is seen leaving his Manhattan apartment to pick up his daughters in New York City on October 08, 2009 - it's the older twins' birthday weekend. Getty ImagesAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Jon Gosselin might be best known recently for hosting pool parties in Las Vegas, partying on Christian Audigier's yacht and courtroom battles with his estranged wife, Kate Gosselin - but the reality show Octo-dad says he working on returning to his "own moral anchor." Plus, Jon says he's most definitely not headed to a new show with Nadya "Octo-mom" Suleman.

"I am troubled to learn that the media has accepted as true the scurrilous rumor that I would appear in a reality television program with Nadya Suleman. This is utterly false," Jon said in a statement to Access Hollywood.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Jon & Kate: After The Break Timeline

Jon goes on to acknowledge his recent headline-making behavior - but claims he's working to change his life.

"I do however accept that some of my previous actions have in some way lent credence to such outrageous stories. I am well aware that my behavior over the past few months has not always reflected my personal and religious values. I further accept that I have allowed myself to become somewhat severed from my own moral anchor and be carried away by the challenges of fame," he continued. "It is for this reason that I have endeavored of late to reconnect with my deeper, more spiritual, more altruistic self with regular study sessions and counseling with Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, whose morality-centered-and-values-based advice, coupled with his profound commitment to fatherhood and family, I deeply respect."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Jon & Kate's Family Photo Album

The former "Jon & Kate Plus 8" star says he's working to remain a good role model to his children.

"I have always endeavored to be a loving father and a devoted parent who serves as a moral exemplar to his eight children. That's what my father, a children's dentist who always extended himself to his poorest patients, was to me. My father was my inspiration and moral compass. I intend to serve the same role for my own children by taking responsibility for my errors and making right any pain I have caused to those I love," Jon said. "I have therefore agreed to a forum at New York's West Side Synagogue this Sunday where I intend to publicly apologize in a sacred space to those whom I have hurt. I wish for the public to know my regret at having, at times, betrayed the moral principles that have always guided me. This forum will also allow me to illustrate the further steps I am determined to take to regain the trust and confidence of loved ones as well as the public who have watched me over the years, together with Kate, raise our eight beautiful children. I could tell you that these steps are absolutely sincere and not intended for public consumption."

The 32-year-old dad said he hopes to even possibly inspire others with his newfound religious outlook on life.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Celebrity Parents Gone Nuts

"But I know that ultimately I will be judged not by my words but my actions. More than anything else, Rabbi Shmuley, as someone who has counseled others in similar circumstances, has impressed upon me the moral obligations inherent in celebrity and I understand that if a spotlight is shined on me, especially as a father of a large family, that I have to inspire others to do the right thing always. It is my sincere desire to use the fame I have so unexpectedly acquired to highlight mature, responsible behavior as well as the joys of fatherhood and family," he continued. "I ask the public to please understand the challenges I face in living under constant public scrutiny, even as I am aware that I have at times courted that scrutiny. I am committed to making things right with Kate and especially my children. I ask you to please give me the opportunity to prove myself."

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: Kate Gosselin On Her New Book & Being Born To Be A Mom
PLAY IT NOW: Access Archives: Jon & Kate Gosselin Talk Life With Eight Kids

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Jon Gosselin - Christian Audigier - Media - Las Vegas - Kate Gosselin

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comments 1-10 of 85  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • OrderlyL
    Jon deserves a medal for surviving 10 years with an aggressive, irritable, hostile, sarcastic, hedonistic, demanding, grandiose, manipulative bipolar like Kate. She refuses to see the effect her behavior has on others. It has been pointed out to her, but she simply replied, "I don't notice other people". She's irresponsible and immature, just sick.
    report abuseposted October 31, 2009 1:48 PM PDT
  • nels
    The writer puts "religious" in the title and it's bound to bring a bunch of crazies to the board. Save your preaching, please.
    report abuseposted October 31, 2009 6:01 AM PDT
  • renny
    OMG!!! he is ridiculous ... i can not believe it. Poor Jon, we accept you now that you are going to a synagogue. You so inspiring! thanks so much Jon. Grow up ugly thing!
    report abuseposted October 31, 2009 3:12 AM PDT
  • renny
    OMG!!! he is ridiculous ... i can not believe it. Poor Jon, we accept you now that you are going to a synagogue. You so inspiring! thanks so much Jon. Grow up ugly thing!
    report abuseposted October 31, 2009 3:12 AM PDT
  • Deborah
    It is about a relationship with God not a religion. If we all waited to be clean for the Holy Spirit none of us would be saved. All we need to do is ask to be forgiven and accept the gift of salvation.Sinners go to church,in fact a church should be considered an ICU unit for sinners. John right now is talking now he has to show us with actions that he is sincere.for the kids I hope he can.
    report abuseposted October 30, 2009 6:34 PM PDT
  • Deborah
    It is about a relationship with God not a religion. If we all waited to be clean for the Holy Spirit none of us would be saved. All we need to do is ask to be forgiven and accept the gift of salvation.Sinners go to church,in fact a church should be considered an ICU unit for sinners. John right now is talking now he has to show us with actions that he is sincere.for the kids I hope he can.
    report abuseposted October 30, 2009 6:34 PM PDT
  • nels
    I think Jon woke up this morning and decided that sh@@ he's half Jewish and that he might as well see a Rabbi, someone needs to help fix that screwed up head of his.
    report abuseposted October 30, 2009 4:44 PM PDT
  • OrderlyL
    opinions. It couldn't possibly be that the names are the truth. Then there's the aggression, the skill in attracting attention to herself, the manipulativeness. Such ppl excel at finding some mindless groupies who will validate their conduct. Otherwise their manic frenzy would come to a dead halt, and they certainly don't want that. It's all very sick.
    report abuseposted October 30, 2009 3:52 PM PDT
  • OrderlyL
    opinions. It couldn't possibly be that the names are the truth. Then there's the aggression, the skill in attracting attention to herself, the manipulativeness. Such ppl excel at finding some mindless groupies who will validate their conduct. Otherwise their manic frenzy would come to a dead halt, and they certainly don't want that. It's all very sick.
    report abuseposted October 30, 2009 3:52 PM PDT
  • OrderlyL
    VMs behavior looks more and more like KGs all the time. It smacks of bipolar disorder. Especially striking is the irrationality regarding her own behavior. She has no use for logic unless it confirms her own opinions, which she actually does realize are rather artificial. If you call her names, she will accuse you of doing it because she has different
    report abuseposted October 30, 2009 3:51 PM PDT
comments 1-10 of 85  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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