Jon Gosselin Reveals Surprise Relationship After Two Years of Secrecy - Don't Miss the Shocking Details!

Jon Gosselin. Mediapunch/Shutterstock

Jon Gosselin made the decision to publicly acknowledge his relationship with girlfriend Stephanie Lebo, following two years of dating. Gosselin, 46, shared in an interview with The Sun on Tuesday, August 1, that they originally met at a backyard barbecue hosted by their mutual friend, Dean. The event included fireworks and had a fun, laid-back atmosphere. Gosselin also mentioned that he had been single for a few months following his breakup with Colleen Conrad.

Gosselin and Conrad, aged 53, were in a relationship for seven years before mutually deciding to end things in August 2021. Despite the split, they chose to maintain a friendship.

Following their encounter at the party, Gosselin and Lebo, aged 35, began exchanging messages and found themselves engaged in continuous conversation. Just a few days after meeting, the two went on a date where they felt an instant chemistry. Prior to proceeding further, Gosselin sought confirmation from their mutual friend, the party's host.

“I contacted Dean, considering his close relationship with Steph, and inquired, ‘Have you ever had a romantic involvement with Stephanie?’ Dean promptly responded, ‘Absolutely not, she is like a sibling to me.’ Following this, I reached out to Stephanie and posed the same question, to which she unequivocally replied, ‘No way, he is like a brother to me.’ Recollecting the conversations, I dialed Dean once again and sought permission to ask Stephanie out. He granted his approval, albeit with a warning, ‘You have my consent, but if you cause her any harm, I assure you, I will not hesitate to deal with you physically. His imposing stature only heightened the seriousness of his words!”

Prior to falling in love with Lebo, Gosselin endured heartbreaks. His marriage to ex-wife Kate Gosselin spanned two decades before she initiated divorce proceedings in 2009. The former couple shares a total of eight children – twins Mady and Cara, both aged 22, and sextuplets Collin, Hannah, Alexis, Aaden, Leah, and Joel, all aged 19.

The family's experiences were recorded on their successful reality show, Jon & Kate Plus 8, which aired on TLC for 11 seasons from 2007 to 2017. In a Vice documentary aired in July, Collin and Hannah bravely shared their account of the alleged abuse they endured during their upbringing, shedding light on their mother's actions and behavior.

As for Lebo, she was aware of Jon's previous reality television stardom before they crossed paths, but it didn't affect her perception or interest in him.

"I was familiar with him when we first met, although I hadn't watched the show as devotedly as some others. However, I was aware of his identity and had seen him DJ before," she shared with the outlet. "So, I was knowledgeable about his past, although I wasn't firmly on either Team Jon or Team Kate since I didn't have enough information or watch the show extensively."

Jon expressed his relief at Lebo's understanding towards his turbulent relationship with Kate.

"I never realized how challenging relationships could be," he admitted. "I always anticipated that my relationships would be filled with obstacles and that others would harbor resentment, believing, 'You're famous, and I have nothing. I've sacrificed so much.' However, this time, it's remarkably different. It feels effortless."