Kate Gosselin isn't taking too kindly to her ex-husband Jon Gosselin's recent accusations that she's an "absentee mom" so he should receive primary custody of their eight children.

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"I am not willing to comment in public on the custody discussions regarding my children," Kate said in a Tuesday statement obtained by People.

"What I will say is this: I am and always will be a mother first, but as a single working mom, I will do everything necessary to provide for my kids despite the opinions of others."

Jon's new lawyer Anthony F. List stated yesterday that Jon plans to file an emergency petition for spousal support and primary custody of his eight children.

"He wants equal say with custody, equal time, but if the circumstances remain as they are, with Kate being rarely home, Jon wants primary custody of the children," List told People.

List called Kate -- who is currently competing as a Dancing with the Stars tenth-season celebrity participant -- an "absentee mom" and said her involvement with the ABC reality competition proves she does not spend "quality time with the eight kids."

In addition, List claims the $20,000 a month Jon currently pays in child support is "ridiculous" and wants support obligation to be reversed -- meaning Kate would be paying her ex-husband.

Kate -- who is partnered with professional Tony Dovolani -- has been traveling between her family's Wernersville, PA home and CBS Television City in Los Angeles while competing on Dancing with the Stars so she can be close to her eight kids.
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio
Christopher Rocchio is an entertainment reporter for Reality TV World and has covered the reality TV genre for several years.