One of the star's of TLC's Little People, Big World just made some unsettling allegations about a former producer on the show. On Tuesday, December 15, Jacob Roloff took to Instagram to talk about the abuse he allegedly suffered at the hands of a field producer, Chris Cardamone.
Jacob wrote a lengthy post in which he said the producer molested him after "grooming." In the post, he wrote, "It is often much easier to think about things than it is to talk about them, and so this disclosure has been delayed, but through that delay, I have found the fortitude and words."
The 23-year-old son of Amy and Matt continued, "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.'"
It's a shocking allegation, but sadly, we've heard similar stories over the years out of the entertainment industry. Jacob, who left the show in 2019, said he thought about coming forward sooner, but ultimately decided against it. On December 15, he clearly felt ready to speak out.
He obviously put a lot of thought into what he wanted to say. After deciding against speaking out after the producer texted him years after he says the molestation took place, in November 2015, he finally felt ready. It's clear that coming forward to a lot of thought and a lot of strength.
He was clear in his post, choosing his words carefully. “I choose to disclose it now as it remains a traumatic memory that needs to be exorcised of any further power over my development,” his post continued. “By revealing this, I may be more fully understood and my perspective on issues such as child sexual abuse, child exploitation and the collateral costs of reality television may be received more clearly."
TLC reps are said to be cooperating with an investigation following the allegations. “TLC was just informed about an alleged encounter that occurred years ago involving a third party connected to the production of Little People Big World,” the statement read. “We are saddened and troubled by this very serious allegation, and TLC will work cooperatively with the authorities. Our main focus remains on supporting the Roloff family during this very difficult time.”
The reality star also spoke to why he waited so long to speak out. He said he needed “silence and time” to process what had happened to him before going public with it. It's something a lot of survivors have to reckon with, not to mention the possibility of not being believed when they do come forward.
Jacob called the entire experience of being on the show a "complicated" one. His parents, Amy and Matt, divorced during that time. Not to mention, he was only 9 years old when the show premiered.
Jacob received a lot of support on his revealing post, including from his mother. She commented, writing, "I love you forever and always Jacob. Im proud of you. Now you don’t have to feel alone and carry this around anymore."
It seems to be a weight off of his shoulders, indeed, and he seems to be looking forward to feeling a bit lighter. He concluded his post by saying: “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.”
Chris Cardamone worked on the show between 2007 and 2010. He did not return a request for comment, People reported. He could not immediately be reached for comment.
Hopefully, after finally coming forward, Jacob can begin to heal a bit more from his experiences. He was recently married to his longtime girlfriend, Isabel Sofia Rock. He's likely looking forward to a life filled with a bit more normalcy after a painful past.
