Inside Jacob Roloff's Disturbing Claim About A Little People, Big World Producer
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Television viewers were first introduced to the Roloff family in 2006 when Little People, Big World first aired on TLC. The reality series follows the lives of parents Matt and Amy Roloff and their four children, Zach, Jeremy, Molly, and Jacob. Since the show debuted, the only Roloff child to still appear on the series is Zach, with Jacob being the first to depart the reality show in 2016.
In a July 2016 Instagram post, Jacob slammed the series for supposedly making up scenes for the sake of drama, stating that his family is nothing like what is shown on television. "Producers have to try to get us to follow the talking points," he recalled. "For me, noticing how the agenda of the crew doesn't work well with the health and happiness of our family is what made me decide quite a while ago that I could not be a part of it as soon as I was able."
In 2018, Jacob wrote a book in which he revealed that filming the show caused him a lot of anxiety, especially when dealing with his family. "This led to arguments and miscommunications with family, especially my parents, culminating in their decision to experiment having me see a therapist," he wrote, according to In Touch Weekly. Then on Dec. 15, 2020, Jacob Roloff made an alarming claim in a lengthy Instagram post regarding his time on Little People, Big World. Continue reading for what he had to say.
Inside Jacob Roloff's accusation against a producer
Former Little People, Big World star Jacob Roloff shared a heartbreaking Instagram post, alleging that one of the show's old field producers molested him. "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. 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." He further explained, "I do not expect to provide details of this encounter at any point publicly. I do hope he is never allowed around children again. I first began contemplating this statement when he texted me years later in November 2015. I choose to disclose it now as it remains a traumatic memory that needs to be exorcised of any further power over my development."
Jacob said that he hoped the disclosure would help others better understand his perspective on related issues, including "the collateral costs of reality television." However, he added that his experience didn't "solely [define]" his point of view generally or about these specific subjects. The incredibly thoughtful and powerful statement post was supported by fans and family, including his wife Isabel Rock and mom Amy, per OK Magazine.
TLC gave its response to Us Weekly, stating in part, "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."
If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN.org for additional resources.