Jon and Kate Gosselin Child Labor Complaint Investigation

Jon Gosselin and Kate Gosselin are under investigation, as is the network carrying their show TLC. The Pennsylvania labor department is investigating whether the TLC show Jon and Kate Plus 8 is complying with the state’s child labor laws. The show brought in almost 10 million viewers due to the cheating controversy surrounding both Jon and Kate. Christopher Manlove, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, said:

"I can confirm that our bureau of labor law compliance is conducting an investigation as they do whenever they receive a charge."

Manlove would not say who filed the complaint, when it was filed or what the exact allegations are. "Because the case is ongoing I can’t discuss the content of the investigation."

Kevin Kreider, said in an interview on The Early Show:

"You can’t imagine as a child realizing that my birthday party, that all the outings that my parents took me on were … for ratings, and all organized by production companies."

Jodi Kreider said the kids told her they don’t like the cameras.

TLC released a statement Friday saying:

"TLC fully complies with all applicable laws and regulations. Jon and Kate + 8 is no exception. For an extended period of time, we have been engaged in cooperative discussions and supplied all requested information to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor. We will continue to engage the appropriate officials and meet any standards or regulations that are applicable to TLC productions."

State law permits kids who are at least 7 to work in the entertainment industry, as long as a permit is obtained and certain rules are followed. The law also allows performers younger than 7 to have "temporary employment … in the production of a motion picture."

George Voegele, a labor lawyer at Cozen O’Connor in Philadelphia, said the Labor Department might well decide it doesn’t have jurisdiction over the show, especially if investigators determine the cameras are there to document the kids, not direct them. He adds:

"The fundamental question I see here is whether or not they’re employees, whether they’re working, and whether the Pennsylvania child labor law provisions would even apply to this situation."

Jon and Kate Plus 8 tapes year-round, three or four days a week.

Child labor laws vary by state. Other reality shows featuring children include TLC’s "18 Kids and Counting," set in Arkansas, and "Table for 12," set in New Jersey.

Nadya Suleman tried to get a contract for a show featuring her 14 children, and despite calling it a documentary, she was sued for illegally trying to exploit her children, and alleged to be violating child labor laws in California.

We’ve been pointing out the similarities between the Gosselin’s and Octomom, and now it appears the difference is how the laws are written for each state where the show is filmed. If Suleman figures this out she just might move for the right contract to do her own child exploitation reality TV show.