14 DAY TRIAL // Jon Gosselin might not be America’s favorite father of eight anymore, but that’s not to say he comes cheap when asked to put in an appearance. A Florida radio show thought of asking Gosselin to co-host a one-hour show and consequently approached his manager to discuss details. The only problem is, as TMZ has learned, that Mr. Gosselin wants a paycheck in the range of $10,000-12,000 for his time.
According to the paparazzi agency / celebrity gossip website, the radio station approached Gosselin’s manager with an offer for him to host a show for one morning only. The former “Jon & Kate Plus 8” reality star was offered two plane tickets, a limo ride and a hotel suite in exchange for an appearance, but that was not enough to get him to do it. Since Jon’s presence on the show would boost audiences, he and his manager feel he must also be paid.
“TMZ spoke with the host of Tampa’s MJ Morning Show who told us he contacted Gosselin’s rep in the hopes of booking the reality star to guest co-host the show for one morning. The radio show offered two first class round trip plane tickets, limo service and a ‘first class’ hotel room – but that wasn’t enough to seal the deal. Gosselin’s rep requested an ‘appearance fee... in the 10-12K range.’” TMZ writes.
The radio-show host reportedly “fell out of his chair” when he heard the kind of demand Gosselin made, especially given that the entire world knew that he was in quite a financial pickle, now that a judge had ordered him to return $180,000 to the bank account he and soon to be ex-wife had set up. Still, the rep insisted that the “fee” was justifiable by the level of exposure Gosselin’s presence would bring. Presumably, the deal will not go through because of the absurd demand, it is being said.
“Team Gosselin justified the amount by saying, ‘[Jon’s] name and appearance on your show will instantly draw press... and will be a high point for the show.’ The rep also describes Gosselin as ‘quite funny, sharp witted and interesting.’” TMZ further writes.