New Kategate: Spanking the Kids?

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The media scrutiny surrounding ‘Jon & Kate Plus 8‘ has hit another peak with a brand spanking new controversy.

In just-released photos captured by In Touch Weekly, Kate Gosselin appears to be spanking one of her 5-year-old sextuplets, while playing outside their house in Reading, Pa.

Little Leah was loudly blowing a whistle and didn’t listen when mom asked her to stop, allegedly prompting Kate to raise her hand to her daughter’s backside.

And the 34-year-old mother of eight is not denying the incident.

Watch ‘Jon & Kate’ Clips Here

Gosselin defended the spanking in a statement through her rep to Life and Style Magazine.

“Whether the paparazzi are there or not, I am a mother first. I love my children and when they misbehave, I discipline them as I deem appropriate for the situation.”

Check Out Pics of the Gosselin Clan Here

Jon and Kate celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary this past weekend–by going nowhere near each other.

Meanwhile, the couple’s marriage isn’t the only thing in a downward spiral: The show has suffered a significant ratings drop.

More on These Topics: Jon & Kate Plus 8 | Jon Gosselin | Kate Gosselin