Jon and Kate Plus 8 Editor Arrested for Child Porn
Credit: Michael Pilla/Getty Images
Seriously creepy.
56-year-old William Blankinship, a TV editor who worked on TLC's Jon and Kate Plus 8 and other family-oriented reality shows, was arrested Oct. 21 on child porn-related charges, documents obtained by RadarOnline confirm.
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Blankinship has been charged with 10 counts of sex exploit of a minor, meaning he possessed photos and/or video of a minor engaged in sexual activity. A subcontractor for Figure 8 Films, Blankenship edited such TLC shows as the Gosselin-family smash Jon and Kate Plus 8, its spinoff Kate Plus 8, 17 Kids and Counting and Table for 12.
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No bond has been set for the accused man; he is likely "under the authority of the U.S. Marshals" until trial, a spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Prisons told Radar.
"Bill Blankinship was employed by Serious Robots, with whom Figure 8 Films subcontract for editing services. Upon learning of the shocking allegations his employment was terminated," Figure 8 films said in a statement.
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He was never in contact with the famous eight Gosselin kids or any other of TLC's stars, the statement added. "At no time was this man ever in the field or in direct contact with any of the talent for any of our productions."
Tell Us What You Think
16Definitely need to do thorough background checks on people who will be working with kids. However, I think that some are not holding Kate as responsible as she should be for what happened here. These poor kids are probably going to need therapy as it is being on this stupid show since they were babies and now this?! I wish I could say I was surprised....
If Mr. William Blankinship HAD been involved in kiddie porn, then never mind that he had had no contact with any of TLC's documentees--THOSE were DEFINITELY as guilty of exactly the same offenses as, probably, HE was!
The company needs to do a better back round check on their employees especially when handling shows where children r present!!!! SERIOUSLY DISTURBING!!! I say he needs to be fully investigated by the FBI who knows the kind of contacts this man could have!!!
banange where is this world taking its turn ???? i can just say "kate"
banange where is this world taking its turn ???? i can just say "kate"
sick. just plain sick. ppl like that affect kids for the rest of their lives.
sick bastard
NOt good....embarrassing
Wow, poor Kate. First she won't be able to milk this story since the pervert didn't come in contact with her kids and now it's snowing here in Reading and chances are she's stuck at home with her kids which is NOT normal for her. A very frustrating weekend for Kate indeed.
The producers from 'Toddlers and Tiaras' are probably pretty nervous right now.
Why would Kate be in a position to sue?
Way too many kids to be exposed to...How can anyone say never..I was told It Never happened about something because it seemed like it was an impossible scenario..no way to be alone with someone..but they were wrong..Just when you think you are safe..Your worst nightmare begins.
Well that is just sick!!! Im outgoing and NO criminal record.....is there an opening @ TLC now. I need a job and would love to work for TLC!
She better get to cooking (aka sue, sue, sue!) while the iron is hot! All those kids go to private school!
Kate + Law suit + Blankinship = Kate Winning $$$
Oh, Kate is going to have a field day with this one!!!!