Jon Gosselin Talks to Good Morning America, Says the Media (Not TLC) Is "Exploiting" His Plus Eight

Television's controversial reality dad sits down with the ABC News staple and chats about his ex, Kate Gosselin, and his future in showbiz

UPDATE: In response to our earlier report, Gosselin explains to E! News: "I'm not saying TLC is exploiting my children. But I do believe the media and tabloids covering my family and the show for their own financial gain are the ones exploiting them."

The father of eight refutes claims that he's biting the hand that feeds him, saying: "I have said on numerous occasions TLC has afforded my kids a better life and has helped provide a better roof on their heads."

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After his almost-ex-wife's brief press tour over the past few weeks, Jon Gosselin is finally ready for a sit-down of his own.

E! News has learned exclusively that Good Morning America scored the first post-split interview with the new man about town. On Friday, Gosselin sat down with GMA's Chris Cuomo and chatted about Kate Gosselin, the network that started it all and his future in showbiz. 

Since Kate has remained fairly neutral when it comes to comments about Jon in her interviews, does he reciprocate the courtesy?

A source on set during the taping tells E! that Gosselin was "very open and honest" about his feelings toward Kate and even delved into his thoughts on the future of Jon & Kate Plus Eight.

"TLC has had him on a gag order and he's sick of it," says the source. "Jon basically comes right out and says he's worried the show is 'exploiting' his eight children."

He might be sick of the cameras following his family around, but that doesn't mean Jon's ready to leave the spotlight...

"Jon says he doesn't see himself as a celebrity, but because the public does, it will make it hard for him to go back to a normal life and a normal job," spills the source. "He wants to stay in the TV industry and has a lot of ideas."

While a rep for Gosselin declined to comment, the interview is scheduled to air on Good Morning America in the next week, as well as ABC's other news staple 20/20.

(Originally published on August 30, 2009, at 10:06 a.m. PT)