Katie Bates Clark says she lost her relationships with most of her family when she chose to finally address something painful that happened during her childhood.
The Bringing Up Bates star made the shocking reveal on Instagram Stories on Wednesday, while answering fans’ questions regarding her recent decision to move away from the state of Tennessee (where the majority of her super-sized family lives). While Kate— who is now 25 years old— didn’t reveal details about the incidents from her childhood that she finally spoke up about, she did say that she is done covering up things for appearances’ sake.
“A lot of people are confused by my decision to leave Tennessee, especially because from the outside it may look like I have a big support system here. The truth is, sometimes things happening behind closed doors are a lot more complicated and painful than what people see publicly,” Katie revealed.
“Recently I chose to address something that happened throughout my childhood that I wish I had the strength to address years ago,” she continued. “Unfortunately after doing so I lost relationships with about 90 percent of my family.
“This has been incredibly heartbreaking and heavy to walk through. I’m not going to share details online, but I’m also done pretending everything is OK just to protect appearances.”
Katie— who began attending therapy this year following her husband Travis Clark‘s affair— called the decision to go into therapy “life changing” and stated that it made her realize she had a lot to open up about and work through.
It appears that Katie speaking out about the childhood trauma caused many of her 18 brothers and sisters to cut her off.74 (Judging from who she interacts with on social media alone, it appears that Katie still communicates with her sisters Josie and Carlin, her parents, as well as her sister Micahela and Zach and Whitney Bates.)
View this post on Instagram
“Sadly I’ve learned that not everyone will support your choices when you finally choose honesty and healing and that’s OK,” she wrote. “Right now I’m focused on protecting my peace, my children and the life I’m trying to rebuild moving forward.”
“At this point, staying here is no longer healthy for me,” Katie added.
Katie decided to forgive Travis following his announcement in December that he had an affair, something the ‘Bringing Up Bates’ star was criticized for by some fans. However, it does not appear that her decision to take Travis back is what made her family turn on her. (Travis will be moving with Katie, along with their two young children.
View this post on Instagram
“I’m choosing to move forward, finally heal and build a peaceful life for myself and my children,” she wrote. “More than anything, I’m desperately leaning on God right now even when things feel painful, confusing and lonely. I don’t have every answer right now, but I believe God can bring healing and peace out of even the hardest situations.”
In another Instagram Story posted on Wednesday, Katie also updated her fans on how her marriage to Travis is doing.
“Marriage can be hard at times and unfortunately what Travis did certainly did not make things easier,” she wrote. “Trav and I are working through things and making really good progress, but there are definitely still hard days. With God’s help we’re both continuing to show up for each other and our children as we work through this difficult time.”
None of the Bates family members have publicly addressed Katie’s claims as of press time.
RELATED STORY: ‘Bringing Up Bates’ Star Travis Clark Claims He’s “Undeserving” After His Wife Katie Bates Confirms She Took Him Back After His Affair
(Photos: Instagram)
2 Responses
She may need those family members after Travis cheats again. Especially if they move some where thatnpeople dont know who they are.
That’s really sad to hear about her family. I wonder how they justify cutting ties after she spoke out.