Jon & Kate Gosselin Under Child Labor Investigation
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor confirmed today that it is investigating whether Jon & Kate Plus 8 is violating child labor laws.
TLC says that it “fully complies” with all applicable laws, and the Dept. of Labor says it hasn’t reached any conclusions yet — it’s just an investigation.
Child labor laws were drafted long before reality tv shows like this one existed, so the answer may not be clear. The conclusion likely will depend on whether the children are considered “employees” for purposes of labor laws. So long as the producers aren’t directing the children or controlling what they do on a consistent basis, the kids may not qualify as employees and, therefore, child labor laws may not apply to them.
Next up: Emotional distress damages associated with asymmetrical haircuts.
