Media Whore (2)

Definition: A person who has a psychological need to get into TV, film, radio or print (Urban Dictionary)

Looks like:

Jon and Kate Gosselin

WHO: Jon and Kate, the parents of 8, have made a name for themselves by shamelessly whoring their family of multiples on the small screen. Their family-friendly TLC show was filled with heartwarming moments and "love taps" that captivated viewers hearts. The couple found themselves to be tabloid fixtures following accusations of cheating. Currently, the Gosselins are separated and continue to battle it out in front of the press.

WHERE: Based in Wyomissing, P.A. Jon and Kate have had to venture into the big city to capture the spotlight. Jon is renting a home in New York City with his current girlfriend, Hailey Glassman (daughter of Kate's plastic surgeon). Kate frequents L.A. and New York, as she feels the need to make the talk show rounds (she even co-hosted The View!). The children reside in their $1 million home in Wymossing.

WHEN: The Gosselins came onto the scene in 2006 with the one-hour TLC special Surviving Sextuplets and Twins. The special's popularity led to a follow up, Sextuplets and Twins: One Year Later, and a subsequent television series. Jon & Kate Plus 8 first aired on April 10, 2007 and the series finale is set for November 23, 2009.

WHY: What have Jon and Kate actually done to garner media attention? Well it all began with Kate's IUI treatments. Kate found out she was pregnant with six babies. Due to their strict religious beliefs (insert confused face here), Jon and Kate refused to discuss reduction. Instead, she left the twins, Mady and Cara, at home with IT developer Jon, and checked herself into Hershey Medical Centre to await the birth of her babies. On May 10, 2004, Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah and Joel were welcomed into the world. Understandably, Kate had to leave her job as a nurse to care for the little ones.

When TLC offered Jon and Kate an hour-long TV special, they jumped at the chance. Although viewers initially believed they were doing the show to benefit their children, the consensus has since changed. Throughout the four short years we have known them, Jon and Kate have proven to us that they know how to use the media to their advantage. Ranging from the freebies they received on their show (clothing, vacations, motorcycles, etc) to the celebrities that they got to meet (Sarah Snow, Oprah, Ellen), Jon and Kate loved the attention.

The attention only grew once their fame whoring led them to part ways. In April 2009, it was announced that Jon and Kate were separating. Jon was said to be having an affair with Hailey Glassman (lovingly referred to as Homewrecking Hailey) and Kate Major, while Kate was rumored to be banging her bodyguard, Steve Neild. The tabloids loved the drama and loved focusing on how it was hurting their brood. These eight little faces (also the name of Kate's book) were left to drown in their sorrows with the nannies (which, surprisingly enough, Jon hooked up with).

It is almost impossible to find a weekly magazine that does not mention Jon and Kate. People Magazine had exclusive interviews and photo shoots with Jon and Kate (on consecutive weeks, of course). US Weekly went as far as to advertise a special "Gosselin Free" issue. How is it that having a large family makes you a media target? If you know how to play your cards right, which these two obviously do, getting and staying in the spotlight is not a difficult task. Shamelessly promoting your children in books and having an infamous haircut (Kate) and shacking up with the nearest young girl and bedecking yourself in Ed Hardy (Jon), are quick ways of garnering attention.

MEDIA WHORE MONTAGE

Jon and Kate showing off their brood. Wonder who sponsored the matching clothing?

Jon & Kate Plus 8 in a TLC promo

The staged Hawaii wedding. All payed for by TLC, of course

Jon and Homewrecking Hailey out for a paparazzi-filled stroll

Did Ed Hardy throw up on you, Jon?

Kate promoting her book, Multiple Bles8ings. Wonder what it's about...

Kate showing off her tummy tuck, courtesy of Homewrecking Hailey's dad, Dr. Lawrence Glassman

The "Kate". Doubt it will ever reach the popularity level of the "Rachel"