Jacob Roloff accused a former producer, who was part of the TLC reality TV show, of grooming and abusing him as a child.
The Roloff family knows how to take care of one of theirs. The famed Little People Big World former couple, Matt and Amy, were dealt with a shock when their youngest son, Jacob, recently revealed that a former TLC producer had abused him when he was a child. The 23-year-old married man decided to call out the former producer, Chris Cardamone, for making his childhood a nightmare.
"As a child, after what I realize now was a long grooming process, I was molested by an executive field producer for Little People Big World, Chris Cardamone. I do not expect to provide details of this encounter at any point publicly. I do hope he is never allowed around children again," he said.
Jacob is married to Isabel Sofia Rock, who stood by her husband. As per Us Weekly, she posted a comment on his statement saying, "Proud to know you, proud to love you, proud to be your wife."
The 23-year-old writer raised questions about the "physiological" effects of reality TV but thanked his family. "It must finally be emphasized that all fault lies with the predator, and no fault lies with any of my family members. I am certain that this is a positive moment for me, and another step toward a brighter future," he said.
His mom also supported him during this difficult time saying, "I love you forever and always Jacob. I’m proud of you. Now you don’t have to feel alone and carry this around anymore." His father, Matt, added, "Love you Jacob George Roloff … very proud!"
It won't have been easy to be so vulnerable in front of the world, and hopefully, the outpouring of love towards him has helped him feel stronger and loved. Apart from his immediate family, his brother Zach’s wife Tori said, "Love you, George," referring to his middle name. His other brother, Jeremy's wife, Audrey wrote, "'Asking harder preliminary questions.’ Love that line. Hate that you had to live through this Jacob."
In a statement to USA TODAY, TLC said it just learned of the "alleged encounter that occurred years ago involving a third party connected to the production of Little People, Big World. We are saddened and troubled by this very serious allegation, and TLC will work cooperatively with the authorities." They added, "Our main focus remains on supporting the Roloff family during this very difficult time."
Jacob had first appeared with his parents and siblings – twins Zach, 30, Jeremy, 30, and Molly, 27 – on Little People, Big World when he was nine. The show is now in its 21st season.
The 23-year-old said in his statement that his experience reveals that "sexual assault, in all of its iterations, can happen to anyone at any time and is a far more prevalent reality than our current social stigma allows us to talk about." He added that he didn't reveal this previously as "a child must process" such difficult situations with "silence and time."
He left the show after turning 18 and has since been vocal about his dislike for reality TV. The latest revelation lends context to why he wanted to distance himself from his former life as soon as possible.
Disclaimer: If you or anyone you know has been sexually abused, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, judgment-free support as well as local resources to assist in healing, recovering, and more.
References:
