TLC 'sues Gosselin for contract breach'

Network TLC has reportedly filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Jon Gosselin.

The Jon & Kate Plus 8 star has been accused of violating his contract with numerous paid and unpaid TV appearances without its permission, the Los Angeles Times reports.

"The network has been trying privately and patiently for months to get Jon to honour the contract he signed and to comply with his obligations relating to public appearances and statements. Those efforts have been unsuccessful," a statement released by the broadcaster reads.

The suit was filed in a Maryland court earlier today, where TLC's parent company Discovery Communications is located, and is being handled by Washington-based law firm Williams & Connolly.

The claim alleges that the 32-year-old harmed the show with his constant on-air criticisms on programmes such as Entertainment Tonight and Larry King Live.

Gosselin is accused of having made mis-statements about his participation on the reality series, divulging behind-the-scenes goings on, and revealing confidential information about his salary.

The lawsuit also seeks to force the father-of-eight to abide by his contractual obligations and pay back any monies earned for appearing elsewhere.

Representatives for Gosselin could not be reached to comment.

Earlier this week, a judge ordered that he return $180,000 (£121,349) to the bank account he shares with estranged wife Kate.