Will TLC kick Josh Duggar off of ’19 Kids & Counting’ instead of canceling the show?

JD1

If you were expecting Republican politicians to distance themselves from the horror show that is the Duggar family, you would be mistaken. So far, there’s been a lot of uncomfortable silence from many of the conservative politicians close to the Duggars. But since the Duggars live in Arkansas, I guess Mike Huckabee (former Republican governor of Arkansas) decided he needed to chime in on the situation. And his comments were… shockingly tone-deaf. From Huckabee’s Facebook:

Janet and I want to affirm our support for the Duggar family. Josh’s actions when he was an underage teen are as he described them himself, ‘inexcusable,’ but that doesn’t mean ‘unforgivable.’ He and his family dealt with it and were honest and open about it with the victims and the authorities. No purpose whatsoever is served by those who are now trying to discredit Josh or his family by sensationalizing the story. Good people make mistakes and do regrettable and even disgusting things. The reason that the law protects disclosure of many actions on the part of a minor is that the society has traditionally understood something that today’s blood-thirsty media does not understand—that being a minor means that one’s judgement is not mature.

No one needs to defend Josh’s actions as a teenager, but the fact that he confessed his sins to those he harmed, sought help, and has gone forward to live a responsible and circumspect life as an adult is testament to his family’s authenticity and humility. Those who have enjoyed revealing this long ago sins in order to discredit the Duggar family have actually revealed their own insensitive bloodthirst, for there was no consideration of the fact that the victims wanted this to be left in the past and ultimately a judge had the information on file destroyed—not to protect Josh, but the innocent victims.

Janet and I love Jim Bob and Michelle and their entire family. They are no more perfect a family than any family, but their Christian witness is not marred in our eyes because following Christ is not a declaration of our perfection, but of HIS perfection. It is precisely because we are all sinners that we need His grace and His forgiveness. We have been blessed to receive God’s love and we would do no less than to extend our love and support for our friends. In fact, it is such times as this, when real friends show up and stand up. Today, Janet and I want to show up and stand up for our friends. Let others run from them. We will run to them with our support.

[From Huckabee’s Facebook]

Again, no mention of Josh Duggar’s actual victims. No mention of the help that they likely need and have needed for years. Why are so many people bending over backwards to act like Josh Duggar is the biggest victim here? But Mike Huckabee is just thinking of his own troubled son, David – when David Huckabee was 17 years old, he tortured and killed a stray dog and Mike Huckabee tried to cover up the crime (and Huckabee fired the state police official who refused to cover up the crime). So… perhaps to Huckabee, defending a child-molester is basically the same thing as defending his animal-torturing son.

As for whether or not TLC is actually going to cancel the Duggars’ show, it’s still up in the air, TMZ reported on Saturday that there are several different options.

“19 Kids and Counting” may survive the Josh Duggar molestation scandal, but Josh might not. Connected industry sources tell TMZ, TLC is considering a number of options, weighing the pros and cons. One is to cancel the show outright, the other is to just go full steam ahead, but there is real talk about continuing without Josh.

Our sources say there’s a strong sense axing Josh would not materially hurt the show. We’re told TLC has done research and it shows the daughters have become the driving force. The weddings of Jill and Jessa were ratings successes, as was the birth of Jill’s baby. It wouldn’t be hard to remove Josh. He’s moved away from Arkansas to D.C. where he’s focused on lobbying Congress. But that could change because he just resigned from the Family Research Council.

As for cancelling the show, our sources say there is significant concern that big advertisers will bail. TMZ broke the story, General Mills has already pulled the plug. On the other hand, we’re told TLC believes the show has a strong, loyal evangelical base and so far support has not wavered. But removing Josh could be a good middle ground for TLC. Stay tuned.

[From TMZ]

It’s my hope that the show is just canceled outright, like they did with Here Comes Honey Boo Boo (and like A&E failed to do with Duck Dynasty). I think TLC could still have big problems with advertisers if they try to cut Josh out of the show but still focus on Jim-Bob and Michelle for any amount of time. There’s no way that anyone could believe that Jim-Bob isn’t the guy who shielded his child-molester son at the expense of his very young daughters. As for those daughters, prior to this it looked like Jessa and Jill (who are the most popular) might get spin-off shows, but that probably won’t happen now.

JD2

Photos courtesy of Josh Duggar’s Twitter.

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214 Responses to “Will TLC kick Josh Duggar off of ’19 Kids & Counting’ instead of canceling the show?”

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  1. Sara says:

    So they would continue to exploit victims of child molestation and just set aside the abuser? Can’t the public do something? Send in protestations?

    • MET says:

      We should start by organizing boycotts against TLC and advertisers. If TLC keeps this show on TV it is sponsoring and supporting child abusers plain & simple. Those supporting the family are still missing the point and as such are repulsive ! Their supportive statements have very little to do with the victims and finding the truth.

      • Pinky says:

        I strongly believe that the answer lies in not only boycotting TLC and the advertisers that pay for placement during the Duggar show, but any advertiser that deals with TLC until this mess is off the air. Go to the Web site of every TLC advertiser and let them know you will not buy any of their products unless and until they pull their ads from TLC altogether. That’s when we’ll see actual action in the right direction on this.

      • The Original G says:

        When are we going to call out Jim-Bob and his “life-style” for what it is? Michelle Duggar is his sexual slave and he’s raising his boys to be enslavers and his girls to accept it with a smile.

        As bad as Josh’s actions and cover-up have been, he’s a victim of this twisted cult too. Jim-Bob’s just making money off this.

        F* ck Jim-Bob and Huckabee and TLC too.

      • kri says:

        I am so onboard with MET and Pinky. I have no words for Huckabee.How is it possible that he is so INSANE??? Nothing said of the victims of tis crime! I am so horrified.Time to go where it hurts them most-the money.

      • Babalon says:

        TLC has known about this for a while, you guys.

      • FLORC says:

        Babalon
        Any evidence of this or just a guess? I also think they knew something, but I have no proof of that.

      • Audrey says:

        FLORC-

        not 100% proof but apparently they were supposed to go on Oprah years ago and someone called in a tip about this and Oprah sent them packing.

        Not proof but i don’t see how they weren’t aware when this has been running for so long. Someone tipped off Oprah, no doubt TLC was told too

      • Skipper says:

        I’ve already sent an email to TLC saying that (a) this show and this family is a complete disgrace and (b) that their entire channel has become an utter joke and that I will never watch a single minute of any program on it until, PERHAPS, they decide to make some changes. Even then I’m not so certain. I’m soooo tired of all the Duggars, Honey Boo Boos, Gypsies, Married/Pregnant/Divorced (or whatever they are!!) at 16 type/Kardashian TV shows… complete trash, disgusting people, disgusting antics for what… shock value?? “Entertainment”?? And I’m not even a conservative person!! But I can hardly even stand to turn on the TV anymore lest I lose even more brain cells and minutes of my life on this garbage!!!! Whew – rant over.

    • Bonehead says:

      God, just look at him. He just looks like a child molester.

      • Steef says:

        The problem with people saying things like “oh Josh always gave me the creeps” or “he looks like a child molester” is it perpetuates the idea that all predators are obvious creeps. They aren’t; and it is so dangerous to think like that. It’s the kind of rhetoric that leads to people saying “oh mothers always know; how come she didn’t stop it”, or “but he just seems so nice, I can’t believe he would do that”. Predators can be so skilled and adept at manipulating their victims, and everyone around them. It’s unhelpful to reinforce the idea that your average person can pick a child molester simply by looking at them. Truthfully rather than discussing ‘how to pick a paedo”, it would be more helpful for people to ensure children are taught protective behaviours (which clearly Michelle and Jim Bob did not do, or deem necessary). And before people jump on me about the fact that young people shouldn’t have to protect themselves – I agree a hundred per cent. But unfortunately assaults on children happen all too frequently; if they didn’t, we wouldn’t be having this discussion right now.

    • Chem says:

      Is somebody suing this guy? Like the victims or I don’t know.

      • Lucinda says:

        Not likely since some of his victims are his sisters.

      • SnarkGirl says:

        The victims are his own sisters and the daughters of family friends (so other cult members). Not only will they not be suing, the girls will be victims twice – once of his molestation, and again because they will be told that they were somehow at fault for “tempting” him or “leading him into sin” by immodest behavior or dress. And to top it all off, they will be forced to forgive him, and then pray for their own forgiveness for their part in the whole mess.

    • Blahblah says:

      I’m writing in to the Lt Gov and Attorney General in California where I live. The reason is that TLC and the production company, as well as media outlets that promoted them, probably knew as Harpo was informed. Jurisdiction by Ca might apply because there are likely execs that live here in Ca and by broadcasting nationally they certainly made money here. This means that they helped to cover up a crimes and profited by doing so. In my understanding in at least murder cases this would make them an accomplice after the fact (if Josh actually stopped). I’m writing to the AG in hopes TLC execs might be able to be charged under current laws, although I have no idea if they can, and to the Lt Gov to possibly help strengthen laws to protect victims of sexual assault if it isn’t already illegal to profit by concealing these types of crimes. I’m not sure it will do anything, but I feel that TLC likely acted in a way I consider criminal, and this is the second show where TLC or some of its employees and partners probably knew and did nothing until the public backlash. I also will bring up the allegations against Bill Cosby to show this is clearly a problem in the entertainment industry, and it makes me sick to know people kept quiet for money. Perhaps threats of jail time and forfeiture of any money made would be enough to get people to start acting right, because the backlash clearly isn’t enough yet.

    • Audrey says:

      It’s gross and all about money.

      I’m sick of seeing him defended for being young. Josh apologists are now blaming the media for re-victimizing these girls. The media didn’t molest them and the media didn’t cover it up either. It’s not a coincidence that it wasn’t reported to police until after the statute of limitations was up.

      I do get angry though whenever anyone tries to guess which sisters were his victims. I’m glad the report was destroyed.

      I really hope children’s services gets involved to protect his children.

      This show needs to go, these hypocrites disgust me

      • The Original G says:

        I empathize with the fact the Josh was young. He was likely molested, himself.
        He needs intensive life-long therapy as does his entire f’d up family.

      • FLORC says:

        Original G
        We can’t speculate why he is the way he is and why he did the things he did.
        Speculating a reason is no justification or defense or excuse for his actions.
        I can’t empathize because when I was young I never molested anyone. I can’t even sympathize. When you’re young you make mistakes. That his mistake was a major crime and he never learned the true consequences or even now is not thinking of his victims, but only himself says so much. He’s in this for his future and his wants.

        He needs therapy and jail.

      • BRE says:

        Pisses me off that one of his victims asked that the police report be destroyed because she was a minor. I’m pretty sure that victim was one of the girls and that the parents forced her to do it.

      • atrain says:

        Josh isn’t even the one that disgusts me the most out of this horrible mess. It’s Jim-Bob, Michelle, and all of the other adults that knew about this and tried to hide it. They all deserve to rot in hell with Josh.

    • Red32 says:

      The problem is TLC knows that the loons defending it were viewers and most of the people protesting weren’t watching anyway. That’s why when you write to TLC, you need to make sure you tell them that you are writing to all their advertisers and will boycott their products unless it’s canceled. There was a list circulating somewhere.

    • Michelle says:

      General Mills already pulled their ads.

    • Angel says:

      He was young when he did that so in all reality he was still a child too people can change when your a kid you don’t know right from wrong until you learn I think they shouldn’t stop the show but not have him on the show don’t judge the rest of the family but god does forgive anyone can change if they want to people can be so cruel if the show goes off i will definitely stop watching tlc….

      • holly hobby says:

        @ Angel
        Please molesters have a history of repeating their offense. Just because he started young doesn’t mean he’s “cured” or forgiven.

        The rest of the family sucks too.

        If it were the taliban, the repubs will be all over this. These clowns have a lot in common with the Taliban, stripping women of their rights and dictating to them.

  2. PunkyMomma says:

    It’s all about the money. TLC should have pulled the plug the minute there was confirmation from the Duggars as to the molestation. That TLC is still trying to find an angle to promote this show sickens me.

    • Sabrine says:

      Jim Bob is no better since he tried to bury the whole thing and almost got away with it. TLC better get rid of him too then. They are very reluctant to let go of their cash cow certainly but surely they have other options out there.

      • Lilacflowers says:

        Michelle is no better than Jim-Bob.

      • Michelle says:

        @ Lilacflowers – 100% agree! I think it is really important that more women become completely outraged and disgusted by all aspects of this issue and this family in general because their message is extremely anti-women and always has been. The wife, Michelle, once gave an interview where she gave tips on how to maintain a happy marriage with tidbits like, “never deny your husband sex, even if you don’t want it,” and now they are denying their daughter a voice and have probably raised her to think it’s OK that her brother molested her. Mike Huckabee has always been an incredibly out-of-touch moron, but his comments about people making a fuss of this serving no purpose just goes to show what his stance on women and sexual abuse it. Apparently Huckabee thinks abuse victims don’t deserve a voice and should remain hidden, as they would’ve been in the 1940s and 1950s, where his mentality is at. This entire show needs to be cancelled.

    • Josephine says:

      It sickens me as well, especially since those parents are very much wrongdoers as well. Incest and molestation continues precisely because of people like those parents and their supporters. I seriously have to wonder about the morals and ethics of the folks at TLC. Not only did they find no problem with continuing to exploit this family after their hate-mongering became well known, it sounds like they also knew about this sick situation and didn’t care. This channel was already dead to me after the perverted show about super young kids being hyper-sexualized for pageants. It’s like the whole network is one perversion after another.

      • TheOriginalTiffany says:

        Same channel that knew all about the real life of kate Gosselin too. The channel disgusts me.

    • Pinky says:

      TLC knew about this from the jump. To cancel the show now would be hypocritical–much like the whole Duggar family is, as they cast blame and condemn others for “sins” they themselves have committed, perpetuated, covered up, allowed, and/or continue to foster.

      Those girls don’t need their own show, they need counseling and deprogramming from the systematic brainwashing they suffered at the hands, evil hearts and minds of Jim Bob and Michelle, all paid for on TLC’s dime, for the rest of their lives.

      And TLC needs to do some reflection and search its soul for whatever is left of its humanity. Yes, it has a soul, as the Supreme Court has ruled it (among other corporations) is people.

    • Audrey says:

      Did you see that the money hungry mom from honey boo boo plans to sue if they don’t put her show back on?

      Is anyone on that channel decent?

      • Syko says:

        No.

      • Red32 says:

        As much as she disgusts me and I don’t want her to get a dime, I’d love for her to give them a big, long messy court fight and lose, just to be a thorn in their side. Maybe it will convince them to stop finding crazies to exploit and go back to educational TV.

      • belle de jour says:

        I’m with you, Red32.

  3. Damn says:

    Complain to the advertisers.

    • Detritus says:

      I think this might be the most effective. Morals and ethics obviously don’t, so hit me where it hurts, the wallet.
      I’m going to write to General Mills to applaud them for their decision and the others to say if they don’t pull their support I will stop buying their product.
      Off the top of their head does anyone know who the other major brands are?

      • Red32 says:

        I wrote to GM yesterday and thanked them for their decision and begged them not to give in to the abuse apologists.

        I have twin 13-month-olds. Giving up Cheerios would hurt.

    • jwoolman says:

      Red32- take a tip from the old Roseanne show. Save the old Cheerios boxes and keep refilling them with a generic house brand version. Problem solved! The kids will never know….

      Actually those cheaper versions of big brand cereals can be pretty tasty. 🙂

  4. Jen43 says:

    Absolutely pull the plug. Jim and Michelle are guilty of covering up a crime. Even worse, they sacrificed their young daughters for their image. Mike Huckabee and those that defend them are shameless. I want justice for those girls.

    • Tapioca says:

      Who believes they actually care about their daughters? Having ovaries makes you an expendable, second-class breeding machine in their hate-fueled misogynist cult. They wouldn’t even let 2 of their daughters train as midwives – MIDWIVES!! – because that would require educating actual women.

    • Tate says:

      Absolutely. Jim and Michelle failed their daughters in the worst way. Why anyone would want to watch a show with the likes of them on it is beyond me.

    • Isabelle says:

      The parents are at fault here. They didn’t get their son treatment & didn’t seem help right away after they found out. They simply protected their son he molester above their abused daughters. The show needs to be pulled. Bet this show is moneybags for TLC & its why they don’t want to drop & are looking for a way out.

      • Chibichchai says:

        It might be image as well. This is the 6th or 7th show to have a molestation scandal for TLC. Execs must be feeling the heat to keep the show on the air to save face.

      • spurc says:

        Absolutely, the parents f*$ked it up so badly. I went thru this with my family as a child, and the similarities are astounding, to say nothing of triggering. I can wrap my head around the idea that my brother was a child who was likely hurt as well (tho he has never confirmed that) and have even forgiven him. *However*… the way my parents handled things (almost exactly as the Duggars did – church, denial, bury, protect my brother at the expense of me) has probably done more long term damage than the abuse, which was extensive and dehumanizing. I’m still deeply hurt abs angry that no one held him accountable for the choices he made. I was supposed to keep myself together and behave, while my abuser was still in the bedroom next to mine. They reinforced that he was more important in every way. The idea that their ages have any bearing on the damage done, or could in any way mitigate how betrayed and devastated the girls were, are, and will continue to be as they grow up, have babies, etc, is mind blowing. How does age change how he hurt them?! Grrrrr.

        The outrage people feel over this situation is one of the most encouraging and affirming things I’ve witnessed since I was that little girl – every single comment here (and elsewhere) that denounces the parents and TLC and idiots like Huckabee is like each one of you taking my 12 year old hand and saying, “You’re right – they’re wrong, and we support you.” Thanks for that.

        Btw, I’m 41. The hurt never fully dies, it just ebbs and surges. I hope those girls are getting some of the love and affirmation and freaking agency that they’re due. This BS purity culture is deeply damaging across the board, but more so for those who had something taken – I hope someone tells them that they’re worth so much more than their experiences.

      • Isabelle says:

        good point @chi. How the heck was TLC unaware of it? There were rumors all over the blogosphere & since he told his wife before they were married, confessed to church members, there was still discussion of it in their world.

      • Geekychick says:

        @spurc:I’m so sorry you had to experience something so awful. I’m sending you a big hug. You are wothy of fighting for your well being, and I’m sure that you’re parents lost so much and missed so much joy by not defending you and alienating you from themselves. Trust me, you are brave and beautiful inside and out, and you deserve all the best. It’s their loss.

      • INeedANap says:

        @spurc: what your brother did was wrong and disgusting, but your parents’ crime was far more heinous. We are All happy to take that little girl’s hand and tell her she was completely right and not to blame.

  5. GiGi says:

    I have been absolutely shocked by how people are standing by this awful family… as though they are the models for Christianity… WTF? And for me, it’s not Josh’s actions as a teen (although absolutey awful) but, 1. How it was handled (not at all), 2. How the focus has been only on Josh & not at all on his victims – several of whom are his own sisters, and 3. The sheer hypocrisy of these people who purport that LGBT people are molesters! I cannot understand the lunacy of the entire situation.

    • MelissaManifesto says:

      I read a few posts on Facebook, they are not openly supporting him but they are sharing links that do. I am shocked too.

      As a Messianic Jew, this is not the way God wants anyone to behave. Yes, God has limitless forgiveness, but child molestation goes way beyond a Christian perspective, we’re talking victim counseling, legal prosecution (I know it doesn’t apply in his case anymore but generally speaking), and other relevant factors.

      • Pinky says:

        @MelissaManifesto I’m not trying to start anything here, and I am asking this with respect and purely because I am uninformed and am seeking edification: are you familiar with the practices and beliefs in the Orthodox Jewish and/or hasidic Jewish faiths? How are its (their) practices and treatment of women, when boiled down, much different from Jim Bob and Michelle’s treatment and valuation of girls/women in their wacky cult? This is not to suggest that if girls of that particular sect of Judaism were molested the parents/elders/leaders would act the same way, but in NYC (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, especially), there have been many reports of molestors (among others) being protected and/or dealt with (or not) within the community alone and not turned over to authorities (many times to disastrous results). Like, people of these faiths kind of live slightly outside society. I really am looking for some perspective here about the ultra-religious and similar practices and beliefs among them about women. (Yes, one might be able to drag Islam into this–but its valuation of women is well documented, so I’m pretty clear on that.) Thanks to whomever cares to respond politely and takes this comment in the manner in which it was intended.

      • Red32 says:

        @Pinky, I cannot speak for Orthodox Jews or Muslims, but I think extremists exist in every denomination, race, and economic level.

        I was raised Catholic, and the Catholics learned the hard way that this kind of atrocity cannot be handled in house. This is not just a sin, it is a crime. I wonder how many of Josh’s supporters would be calling for blood if this was a teenage Catholic altar boy or young seminary student and little girls. Their cult hates the Catholics even though they say they don’t. One of the son-in-laws wrote what I’m sure he thought was a brilliant critique slamming the Catholics’ “defecation” of the Virgin Mary (I think he meant deification. Whatever.)

        Unfortunately this is a case of “same team”. These defenders relate to the Duggars, therefore they will do the most insane mental gymnastics to defend him. “Everybody does it, God forgives him, all sin is the same so your gossiping is no better than his teenage mistake.” If Josh was a different religion or gay or a minority I guarantee they’d want him burned at the stake.

      • FLORC says:

        Pinky
        Red32 is right. There are extremists in every faith. It’s not always the faith itself.
        It can boil down to the person and their environmental surroundings more than the actual religion and practices.

    • Livealot says:

      Agree 1000%

    • Jess says:

      Exactly! The fact that Jim Bob and Michelle covered this up should be equally criminal. And they’re such hateful hypocrites too. I already hate TLC but now it’s time to boycott their advertisers (if the Duggars remain on air).

    • Isabelle says:

      Think about it who else is representing the extreme right Christians in entertainment media? So, & this is going to come off harsh, but its old testament Bible thumping Christians standing up for other fake Christians. They feel like they’re being attacked because the Duggars are being ‘attacked’. Its a very sensitive bunch, & defending them is because of their own insecurity & for their own selfish religious beliefs. They don’t care for the victims, they’re only thinking about themselves.

      • Red32 says:

        Yup I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit that I have been all over the TLC Facebook page. I can’t help it. I pop over occasionally to Like the pro-cancellation comments, and I see something and I’m like “WHAT?” I’ve replied to at least 10 people since Friday, either correcting false statements or posting the link to the police report. Not one person has replied back. Willful ignorance. They can’t face the truth about their golden boy.

      • GiGi says:

        Well, the thing that surprises me (as an extremely liberal Christian) is how many of the people I know, whom I consider to not be conservative, or fundamentalist at all, are the ones defending them! People whom I would be shocked to think identify with them in any way or people I had perceived would think of them as false prophet/cult types are coming out in support! It’s been insane!

    • Aussie girl says:

      Michelle own words on a transgender person using the bathroom: ‘I doubt parents would stand for a law that would endanger their daughters or allow them to be traumatized by a man joining them’. But she ignores the law and let’s her son traumatise her daughters…?

    • Michelle says:

      @GiGi – the problem is that middle-America has its own brand of “Christianity,” which is fueled by the antithesis of actual Christ-like behavior. Christians are supposed to model their behavior after Jesus’; not judging, caring about their fellow man, behaving non-violently, etc. In middle-America, we have morons who hide behind the word “Christian” when it works in their favor. If a Muslim man had molested his sister or any other girl, no matter his age, these same “Christians” would be going off on tangents about how terrible all Muslims are and how that man is an unforgivable monster. There is this crazy idea among these bible thumpers in middle-America that their gross “American values” are under attack, so when one of them gets called out on for their hypocritical and disgusting behavior, they swarm around this person to protect them. It really is maddening and disgusting. None of these people are real Christians, they’re opportunists.

      Mike Huckabee needs to go away already–he has been stuck in another era for too long and should really save his money instead of attempting to run for president. He has made it clear that he thinks sexual abuse is OK as long as you’re young when you commit it, and that women/any abuse victims don’t deserve a voice. Thank God he no longer holds any public office.

  6. GoodNamesAllTaken says:

    Huckabee is rightfully being torn to shreds by his own fans on Facebook, which gives me hope for humankind. Two things – we need to remove the statute of limitations on sexual assaults. Josh should have been punished for his crimes and he never was. Second, I would bet anything that Huckabee would support trying a 14 year old as an adult in other circumstances, perhaps where the perpetrator was not such a “good Christian.” As one of his fans on FB said, “you can’t hide behind Jesus for every disgusting act.” God will forgive Josh if he is truly repentant. But that doesn’t mean his crimes should be overlooked or go unpunished by society. He violated young girls and only stopped because to continue would ruin HIS life. My disgust for this show and the hypocrites is beyond words.

    • Sea Dragon says:

      +1! Well said.

    • Kiddo says:

      Me thinks Huckabee must have some decomposing skeletons in the closet. Isn’t it getting old how whenever something terrible is reported in the news, the go-to position is ALWAYS to blame the media and not the actual person reported doing something awful, in the media?

      I agree that mistakes can be made by a developing brain, but come on, this wasn’t a single episode, and he continued through nearly the age of adulthood (if not further).

      • Pinky says:

        And yet it takes eons for skeletons to decompose….Just ask King Richard III, among others.

    • Lilacflowers says:

      Josh should have been punished for his crimes by MIKE HUCKABEE, who was governor of Arkansas at the time the admitted crimes were committed.

    • Boxy Lady says:

      Re: Huckabee’s son
      Isn’t torturing animals one of those classic signs of a budding psychopath or sociopath? As Kiddo says, there are probably “some decomposing skeletons” resting in Huckabee’s closet. There are probably a few more in the Duggars’ closets too, let’s be honest. Duggar and Huckabee are both fathers who would rather cover for their criminal sons than do the right thing and let the sons suffer the consequences that would befall anyone else in the same circumstances. In other words, like speaks to like.

      • Pinky says:

        Duggar and Huckabee are cut from the same self-righteous cloth.

      • Kiddo says:

        True Pinky, but you always get a whiff of the stench. I certainly did in Huckabee’s commentary.

      • Kiddo says:

        ^wrong spot^, should be up one step.

      • Tifygodess24 says:

        @boxylady I can’t believe Huckabees son. I am absolutely Horrified. And yes it’s a huge sign of more trouble to come. most serial killers and murders abused and tortured animals when they were adolescences. Many parents of these killers were even aware of this and turned a blind eye or justified it by acting like it was just natural curiosity. As we know there is nothing natural about torture or murder. And sadly most parents wont get help for their children when they discover this. Which I’m sure Huckabee didn’t do either especially since he tried to cover it up. I also wouldnt be surprised at all if Huckabee is hiding other dastardly deeds his son has done. People who torture animals don’t just do it once and then stop – they usually keep going. When I was working on my undergrad in psychology I had such a hard time when we discussed anything regarding animals. Pyschology itself has a cruel History with animals and then add on discussing human behavior it can just be too much at times especially for a sensitive animal lover. I hope Huckabee goes down with the Duggers sinking ship!

    • bettyrose says:

      GNAT, I agree with all of that, but I’ve been wondering for a couple of days now about the statute of limitations. He’s confessed, but likely wouldn’t have if criminal charges were a possibility. Given that, you have a crime with no physical evidence. Even if the victims were willing to testify, their childhood memories would be torn apart by a lawyer. They know how they feel, what the experience did to them, but those are intangibles that won’t hold up in court. Please don’t slam me here. I’m just wondering if the statute isn’t more to protect the victims from being dragged through a a case that can’t be won? But there’s no limitation on when someone can get counseling and begin the healing process, so it’s truly unforgivable that everyone is stumbling over themselves to forgive the predator rather than comfort the victims.

      • bettyrose says:

        Updated to add I had no idea the statute of limitations was also three years in cases with physical evidence. That’s sickening. If there’s physical evidence, why have any limit on prosecuting? Three years isn’t very long to bring a case especially if the perpetrator can’t be located or other things hold up the process.

      • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

        Yes, I understand why some crimes simply can’t be prosecuted due to lack of physical evidence. But eliminating the statute of limitations would at least give cases a chance. It might be too late for the reasons you stated, but why jump the gun and assume it will be. And in this case, he confessed, to many different people, so I’m not sure there would need to be physical evidence. It’s a miscarriage of justice that he was not punished at the time. You make a lot of good points about the difficulty of prosecuting old cases, and I’m not naive about that. But these types of cases often unfortunately take years to come to light. People should at least have a right to try. I wish someone could, at the very least, investigate his relationship with his children. That scares me.

      • FLORC says:

        Yes to you both all around.
        I know with my assault the limitations ran up in 5 years. So, if there was still evidence and a long list of victims that could be used only the most recent could do something about it. It’s truly history being erased after number of years.

        It is tough to prove after time has passed, but not impossible. Videos, confessions, preserved dna evidence can all go out the window when a few years come and go. It’s sick.

        This guy is sick. Huckabee is sick. Everyone involved here is horrific. TLC needs to be torn down for not outright cancelling on the spot.

    • kri says:

      GoodNames, my friend..you speak the truth so well. I didn’t know there was a limitation statute on this kind of crime until this came out a few days ago. Laws must be changed and sponsors must be informed that they will lose money if they support this show.

    • Michelle says:

      @GNAT – “Second, I would bet anything that Huckabee would support trying a 14 year old as an adult in other circumstances, perhaps where the perpetrator was not such a ‘good Christian.'”

      Absolute truth! As would all of the idiotic middle-America, bible-thumping morons who are such huge fans of the Duggars.

      I just have to say–anyone who has ever thought it was NORMAL or even slightly entertaining that ONE woman gave birth to 19 children is sick and twisted as well. The Duggar family is a freak show and their lifestyle choices have always been questionable and gross in my book. I can’t say that I’m really surprised to find out one of their children molested another when one considers that there are so many of them that it is impossible that Michelle or Jim Bob could really look after all of them anyway.

    • spurc says:

      Preach, GNAT! Preach!

      @GEEKYCHICK & @INEEDANAP, thank you for your kind words! I hope others are similarly encouraged by the outcry against the raging ignorance of some and outright misogyny of all too many who are rushing to publicly defend Josh Duggar and his parents as a mere child and devoted Christian parents. Nothing about his age or their collective religion in any way excuses the actions they chose to take to protect himself / their son.

  7. grabbyhands says:

    Of course they will. The very fact that not only did they not immediately axe the show upon new breaking about his crimes, but they decided it would a good time to continue with a marathon shows that they will do everything they can to keep this horrible family on the air to please their very vocal evangelical audience happy. And sadly, the whole thing gives them added incentive because the controversy is going to bring the curious to the network to watch past episodes to see the pervert in action.

    And frankly, if no one is checking for him in the first place, it doesn’t cost TLC anything to exclude him. I would be really surprised if the family doesn’t decided to continue. They’re all shady af, so I would expect greed to win over family. Besides, it isn’t like he will be hurting for money.

    I would like to believe that it would be cancelled, but it won’t be. Their target audience-extreme religious conservatives-do not care about women, who they basically see as baby machines sexual punching bags and little else and they are likely to look at it as if anything could be considered wrong, the girls probably were all complicit in it in some way. It is a sad comment on the state of this country when a such a large segment of the citizenry has the same attitude towards women as Boko Haram and ISIS.

    • The Other Katherine says:

      Could not agree with your last sentence more.

    • The Original G says:

      Well said. This whole “show” is a money making enterprise based on the sexual subjegation and exploitation of women and girls.

  8. TeamAwesome says:

    This article is a peek into the creepiness of the culture these kids are raised in:

    https://homeschoolersanonymous.wordpress.com/2015/05/23/gothards-ati-and-the-duggar-familys-secrets/

    • Aussie girl says:

      That was quite a read. I’m shocked that teachings/ideas like this exist.

    • bettyrose says:

      Gah. I cannot unread that. I guess it’s important to understand their mindset, but now I’m burdened with a glaring flaw in the logic: if the father hasn’t sinned, no wrong will come to the wife and children except by their own doing. Victim-blaming. Got it. But what if the father has sinned? Then there are holes in his protective umbrella and harm may come to the wife and children through no fault of their own? So, by their logic, the innocent wife and children are fair game for harm and suffering if they are unfortunate enough to be under the protection of a sinful man, which they had no say in? And everyone is okay with a god who harms innocent children to punish a sinful father?

    • Isabelle says:

      Know someone that grew up in the Gothard cult. She got sent to a ‘camp’ when she had to be re-programmed again. She dared to ask questions. One of the things she was taught, her salvation was through her womb. All women can saved through her womb, aka its the only true way you can be a good woman. The only way a woman will ever be happy & blessed is if she has kids. The rest of us non-kidders are unhappy hags with no blessings in our lives & will never be ‘saved’ from the sins of this world.

    • lolalulu says:

      Thanks for the link, TeamAwesome.

  9. The Other Katherine says:

    Oh HELL no.

    To pretend that Josh is not a product of his environment is sickening. To understand how it was possible for this abuse to go on unchecked for years, look no further than Jim Bob.

    Utterly, utterly disgusting. SHAME on TLC — I hope that network goes down in flames.

    P.S. If this show stays on the air, time to start boycotting advertisers, big time.

  10. Betti says:

    This family and their actions bring shame onto the good Christian people out there. I’m not religious but a good friend is a dedicated Christian and she is gobsmacked that they are using religion to hide his crime. He should have faced charges and be put on a sex offenders register.

    The attitude of ‘God has forgiven me so tough sh!t’ makes my blood boil – he should be begging for forgiveness from his victims, not God. He didn’t touch God up.

    The show should have been pulled but TLC know it has a large following within the Christian communities – they won’t get rid of their biggest cash cow. Shame on all the ‘Christians’ rallying behind him and his vile parents. What about his sisters and the other victims, who is defending them – certainly not their parents.

    THIS is what’s wrong with religion – its run by men and women are nothing but a piece of meat, who’s sole purpose it to pander to their every whim and need. Guess they are following the Catholic Priests route of ‘I have confessed my sins and God has forgiven me’ and then carry on is nothing is wrong with what you did.

    • Jen43 says:

      I am pretty sure that Jesus would be pissed about the number of people who hide behind his name. I am also sure he would have called the police on these people and reported the crime. I was raised in a very religious house and was taught that while God may forgive your sins, he also believes in punishing your wrong doings.

      • FLORC says:

        This is what never makes sense.
        How Christians can claim to be so faithful and so fearing and so devote. Yet they will use their lord’s name so casually and selfishly as this. It’s not about the right values and teachings. It’s about self preservation. Argg!

  11. tifzlan says:

    I am honestly shocked that people are defending Josh Duggar. His actions were not that of a “mistaken, misguided teen” and to hear these words being used to describe him molesting underage girls (including his own sisters!) is absolutely disgusting. Huckabee, Duggars, et al. would happily run their filthy mouths against LGBTQ+ people (and others) by calling them “immoral” and “deviant” but defend a perverted child molester. It honestly makes me sad.

    • bettyrose says:

      In a truly just society, the Duggars and all their apologists would be forever banned from calling people “child molesters” as a political tactic.

  12. Alex says:

    TLC has to have known about this for years, and hoped it wouldn’t come out. These rumors have been on forums for years, and if Oprah got an email about it, then you can bet TLC did too. The judge who destroyed the files was appointed by Huckabee. Big surprise, right?

    • Kiddo says:

      Ah, good info.

    • Mamunia says:

      I agree. TLC HAD to know after the Oprah interview was cancelled. I’m voting with my clicker: I won’t watch the channel of freaks again!

    • Izzy says:

      Using words I NEVER thought I’d say, I would like to thank In Touch magazine. Because now it doesn’t matter that a judge ordered the records destroyed, because their article has ensured that the whole thing is preserved on the internet for eternity.

  13. lisa2 says:

    It is amazing to me that this man is getting any support. People get more worked up over divorces than this. Sad

  14. BengalCat2000 says:

    The more i read about these as@holes, the sicker I feel. And it will get worse. Sometimes I wish I could leave this shitty Planet for awhile. Instead, I plan to give extra Hugs to the kids I teach this coming school year. But now I will crawl back into bed, hug Bengal kitty, spend the holiday binging on Ken Burns documentaries and eating junk food. Oh, and f@ck these people.

    • soxfan says:

      Your holiday plans sound awesome! Could I come over?? : )

      • BengalCat2000 says:

        Of course you may Dahling. Let’s invite the entire Celebitchy family! Open invitation!

    • Lilacflowers says:

      I’ll bring Cheez-its! Can we watch Burns’s Baseball?

      • soxfan says:

        Cheez-its are the devil. I could eat a whole box: you better bring 2! And, yay, for baseball- go Sox!!!!!!!! Ooooooh, this sounds like so much fun!

      • Kiddo says:

        CHEEZ_ITS 4evah.*

        *cue the acid reflux after eating an entire box.

      • BengalCat2000 says:

        Two days ago I threw out a box because I forgot I even had them. They were white cheddar with the consistency of cardboard. Can the world get any more cruel?! Please bring Cheez-its and tissue

      • Lilacflowers says:

        Bringing a case of original Cheez-its and a case of the new extra toasty Cheez-its. Can you believe it EXTRA TOASTY Cheez-its!!! We’ve reached Valhalla. Now, is somebody bringing wine? And bacon?

      • soxfan says:

        And, chocolate. We NEED chocolate. Good lord, I don’t think this party could get any better: Cheez-its, LOTS of CHEEZ-ITS, wine, bacon, chocolate, the celebitchy friends and BASEBALL! Woot-woot!

  15. Rhona says:

    Huckabee is disgusting for trying to cover for his own pschyopathic son and having a police official fired for refusing to be corrupt enough to protect him from accountability. That says everything about his own morally wicked nature which he tries to hide behind religion. He’s a hypocrite and a fraud, it’s not surprising that he blindly supports like minded fakes who also use religion to preach judgement and hatred against minorities and women while commiting all of the worst abuses they falsely smear entire groups with.

    Initially I had some sympathy for Josh Duggar because this started as a 14 year old boy raised in a hate cult, isolated from normal peers and social interactions, brainwashed with a warped view of sexuality and marinated in ignorance. This was the parents fault. Then I found out that this wasn’t a sick grope with a similar aged sibling but a series of attacks on little girls as young as four!!!!!! No teenage boy, no matter how immature, looks at a four year old in a sexual manner and does something like that unless they’re suffering a serious pathology.

    His parents were outrageous that they allowed him the opportunity to continue these attacks for a year or two and never got him (or the victims) the intensive therapy he (they) needed. They wouldn’t admit to themselves where they went wrong so they weren’t going to allow him to understand where his abusive nature came from. Instead they continue the same horrible parenting that created this monster; they raised their children in a victim blaming environment, teaching them that girls, even toddler girls, are responsible for making boys ‘stumble’, therefore the boys can’t help but molest them if they get a glimpse of too tight a sillouhette….. They repress them, isolate them, raise them in ignorance and lies, keep them away from any person or information that challenges the parents beliefs. They have the older children raising the younger ones, no proper attention, nurture, education or adult supervision….

    That is emotional, social and pschyological abuse before you even get to the sexual abuse that emerged as a result of their abusive parenting.

    It’s so disturbing that so many evangelical supporters are claiming that teenage boys molesting their four year old sisters (any of them for that matter) is a perfectly normal teenage curiosity!!!!! No it’s not!!! What is wrong with these people? They need to stop projecting their sins onto gays, transgenders, atheists, liberals and everybody whose not a member of their sick cult. Normal people don’t abuse children regardless of status. They need to be challenged on their hypocracy every time they spout it.

    I don’t know if he’s still abusing children but since he hasn’t expressed any genuine remorse only that he needed to ‘change’ so he didn’t ruin his own life (!!!!), if that’s the only thing stopping him he’s quite likely to offend if he thinks he can get away with it.

    • Kiddo says:

      +1

      • Suzy from Ontario says:

        I agree Rhona, 100%! The entire situation is sickening. These parents have limited their children in so many ways…no encouragement of higher education or careers/passions, no chance to see the opportunities out there or meet people who might think differently. They force their kids into these rigid little roles that they approve of and nothing else. They are so scared the kids might try to use their brains and think for themselves!

        Victims of sexual abuse in childhood often feel tremendously powerless and have low self-worth. They are ripe for a variety of illnesses and mental issues including severe depression, rage and trust issues. The Duggars have done absolutely nothing to empower their daughters who experienced this trauma. Those girls are still just as powerless and unheard as they were then.

        The Duggars stringently follow Bill Gothard’s Basic Life Principles and Advanced Training Institute’s (ATI) guidelines (ie: rules) on how to be “Godly” and run their home, including the roles of males and females, “courting” and purity, and even what to do if there is sexual misconduct within the family. You can be sure they followed these guidelines (which were written in the 1990s) or similar when Josh Duggar made his “mistakes” with his sisters. These guidelines were written by former members of Gothard’s cult and their beliefs mirror the Duggar family.
        “According to Recovering Grace, ATI’s Counseling Seminar curriculum also includes a handout on “Counseling Sexual Abuse,” which examines the many ways that a victim could have brought abuse on him or herself by “defrauding” God:
        Did you dress immodestly?
        Were you, perhaps, associating with “evil” friends?
        You should consider whether you’re guilty and apologize to God.

        Only then does it move on to what to do “if” the abused was miraculously “not at fault.” That advice basically consists of saying “It could be worse. At least I’ve still got my Spirit. And if I have to choose, I’d rather have that than not be sexually abused!”

        “Especially this one: “Lessons From Moral Failures in a Family,” which describes a hypothetical scenario in which parents discover that “an older brother was guilty of sexually abusing younger ones in his family.” When the older brother had “repented,” he’s asked a series of questions—including “What teaching could have been given to each child to resist evil?” and “What factors in the home contributed to immodesty and temptation?”

        “The damage to the younger children, the ridicule to the cause of Christ, the shame of detailed publicity, and the scars to the life and reputation of the boy were indescribably painful to the family and their friends,” it continues, before the boy describes where he went wrong and what lessons he learned…The lessons are frighteningly light on personal responsibility, and heavy on blame for the victim—condemning younger sisters for dressing “immodestly,” and parents for exposing the boy to temptation by having him change his sisters’ diapers. The document also blames porn, advising families to “pray for protection from pornography.” Recovering Grace notes that “of the four listed consequences of sexual abuse, three concentrate on damage to public image.”

        http://gawker.com/the-duggar-homeschool-programs-terrifying-advice-on-sex-1706406324

  16. minx says:

    One positive thing: If you look on Huckabee’s FB page there are a lot of irate comments about his defense of Josh. A lot. And many are from conservatives and/or supporters who are supporters no longer. It was very heartening to read.

    As for TLC keeping the show and removing Josh–anything is possible, but I don’t see how any sponsor would want to touch the show in any way, shape or form. We would still have to see the girls and any time they appeared viewers would wonder which ones were molested. Any appearance by those odious parents and viewers would be reminded of how they mishandled the molestation. The ick factor is off the charts.

    If General Foods blackballed the show that’s a good sign; other sponsors will too. Ad sales people will report that they can’t sell the show to anyone, and TLC can’t run the show for free. It would be nice to think TLC would do the right thing regardless (ha) but if it comes down to money–whatever gets this disgraceful show off television is fine with me.

  17. NewWester says:

    I may be slammed for this but maybe it might not be a bad idea for the show to stay on the air at least for a short term. Right now there is a lot of focus on the Dugger family and that is a good thing. With the increased media focus, there will be more digging into the family and if there are any more abuse happening it can be found out. Then hopefully there will be some justice for the victims which was denied to Josh’s victims.
    I do not in any way defend the actions of Josh. But I rather see the media and public keep their focus on this family, than the show be cancelled. Once they are out of the public eye who knows what could happen. If there is rot let it be exposed to the sunlight so the world can see

    • Boxy Lady says:

      I understand exactly what you mean. Right now, even this situation is not enough for some people to want the program off the air. The more dirt that is uncovered, the harder it will be for others to excuse this family (well, the parents, mostly) and keep them on the air.

      • Isa says:

        I can understand your point but I think I disagree. The media speculation has to be incredibly difficult for his victims. Unless TLC makes the decision to cancel then I doubt the girls have any say in whether or not they want to continue being on the show. They are taught to obey their parents so they will agree to continue being the cash cow for them. Even though two of the older girls are now married and moved out the show’s main focus seems to be on their courtships, weddings and babies.

  18. aussie says:

    I would not be surprised if they cancel 19 kids and counting and do a s spin off show about Jill and Jessa ( the married ones) Jill and Jessa have a million+ insta followers their young and pretty they can make money off them!!!

    also 19 kids and counting???? Michell properly cant have anymore kids and well they properly are not allowed to adopt ( well you can hope)

    • Lilacflowers says:

      Just last week, she did some interview in which she said she could still get pregnant and that they were trying.

      • Seapharris7 says:

        Well, it’s always been clear to me that Mrs. fried coyote hair has been the highest level of delusional.

    • Pinky says:

      Those girls do not need a spinoff show that glorifies their warped views, they need counseling and deprogramming. We should not exalt these women–even though they are victims, they are also still espousing the beliefs that made them victims and are therefore dangerous to all those who “follow” them, whether on Instagram or in church.

      • aussie says:

        I agree, all the girls need to get far far away from their parents, but they look up to their mum and dad like gods so I doubt they will leave, but hopefully at least one of the Duggar children leave, then hopefully some will follow.
        For the last season TLC made Jill and Jessa the main advert for the show, so they clearly now where the money is.
        I seriously just want to run to their house and convince Jane to leave and get her help, she has away seemed like she was a ghost in that family( seen but not heard) and what happened to her explains it.

  19. emily says:

    The type of “counselling” Josh likely received. Real victim blaming BS.http://www.patheos.com/blogs/lovejoyfeminism/2015/05/what-did-josh-duggars-counseling-look-like.html

  20. marshmellow says:

    If the show does get cancelled, I wonder if the camera crew might come out with some horror stories they’ve seen.

    • zinjojo says:

      Yesterday, Gawker put out an open call for anyone with Duggar stories to either post them or contact them: http://defamer.gawker.com/tell-your-duggar-tales-did-michelle-duggar-get-a-gay-c-1706502185

      They had already been contacted by a former crew member who had witnessed an encounter between Michelle Duggar and a gay crew member that resulted in TLC moving the crew member to a different production.

      I can only imagine what the production crews have seen over the years!

      • marshmellow says:

        Thanks for the link. 🙂

        I had heard rumors of camera crew seeing or hearing weird things in the household, but it was always second hand gossip. I’m so glad all of their cult-like teachings and behavior are finally coming to light.

  21. PinaColada says:

    About Huckabee’s statement: I’m not a fan and haven’t ever voted for him. But I think it’s unfair to say he didn’t mention the victims. He focused more on that then Josh. I mean- it’s right there. Victims should be protected, they wanted the details to remain in the past, he said they did receive therapy, etc.

    Is he correct that they got help and wanted it left in the past? I don’t know. But he did indeed mention them several times.

    I am the victim of sexual abuse by family. I took it to the police and my stepfather was convicted. And I do indeed want it in the past. I wouldn’t enjoy any aspect of this public discourse of the details of what happened to me. Also, I was indeed able to forgive and maintain a connection with my mother and step siblings. I don’t like my stepfather. I don’t interact with him at all. But separately, I can forgive my mother for her denial because I value knowing her above his actions, especially because she is dying now. So the victims may indeed have moved on and forgiven, too. It’s not impossible. I’m sure they don’t trust or like him though.

    It’s not about Josh. It’s about them. But the trouble is, who they are is formally unknown, and we have no way of knowing what they truly want vs what they are pressured to want

    • Kiddo says:

      I don’t agree with outing victims, but I think this is a ruse for Huckabee, because he went on to make all kinds of excuses for the abuser and the enablers, under a guise of concern for victims.
      “No one needs to defend Josh’s actions as a teenager, but the fact that he confessed his sins to those he harmed, sought help, and has gone forward to live a responsible and circumspect life as an adult is testament to his family’s authenticity and humility.”

    • Lilacflowers says:

      Huckabee was the governor at the time and responsible for all children in his state. He failed those victims.

      Prayers for your mother that she doesn’t suffer and prayers for you.

    • Seapharris7 says:

      Your mother stayed with him even after he was convicted & there’s a legal record of him abusing you? You’re far kinder than me, whether she’s dying now – she would have been dead to me after staying with such a vile scumbag.

      • Sarre says:

        I so agree with you! If the mother stayed she chose the stepfather over you. How can you forgive someone that doesnt believe they did something wrong.My grandfather until the day he died, denied ever abusing me and that was just a continuation of the abuse by saying I was a liar. Needless to say I quit any and all contact with him . I would have ceased contact with him whether he admitted it or not but my point is he never made a move to be forgiven. Now it’s between God and him. I wish people really understood how damaging to your soul that molestation is. My prayers are for the victims!

      • PinaColada says:

        I agree with you all. I can see how I’d be fully justified in cutting her out. But my mom has had stage and now 4 cancer for years. When she met him it was obvious that he was garbage- he already had a record of assaulting women. We were all horrified for her. But she had a double mastectomy and was going through chemo and was going through a divorce from my dad who cheated on her. She would cry that she was a freak any who would want her. She was afraid of being alone and dying. I see her as being pretty broken inside, so I feel for her on a human level. Her life makes me sad. She also lives across the country, so it’s not “in my face.” But yeah. Maybe the sisters/victims of Josh really did forgive. Maybe not and they are hurting. I hope they are ok.

    • Suzy from Ontario says:

      I’m also a victim of childhood sexual abuse by three separate family members (my first cousin, my uncle (married my mom’s sister) and my stepfather. It started at 3 and ended around 13. I suppressed it for a long time but once I was happily married to a man that I felt really safe with, someone I trusted and that I knew really loved me, a lot of the anger started surfacing through nightmares. When my children hit the ages of my abuse, my rage and bitterness at the molesters was huge…maybe I had always felt somehow that I brought it on myself but I saw my children and they were so innocent and trusting. I told various people and no one did anything. I was either told I must’ve misinterpreted the touching or I was just ignored as if I hadn’t said a word. At first I was forced to be near my molesters, but as I got older I couldn’t stand to be in the same room as them. I suffered from a lot of severe depression and tried to commit suicide at 15. By 17 I had moved out of the house. I’m now 54 and the I’ve been on various groups of survivors to learn how to deal with the anger and hurt. Anger, not just at the molesters, but also the people who didn’t protect me, who continued to ignore the situation after I told, made me feel worthless and ashamed and unloved. All of my molesters got off without punishment. My aunt is still married to my uncle and calls him the Love of her Life! After I told her what he did to me she stopped speaking to ME! My stepfather is out of my life and I don’t know if he’s dead or alive. good riddance. My cousin is now a police officer and denies the abuse. The forums I’ve been on had shown me that the pain and hurt and anger is very deep and often doesn’t surface for years, sometimes not until middle age. Sometimes it’s because we can’t really deal with it before that or don’t feel safe, or are protecting someone else or have to interact with family members, so the feelings are shoved away to spot where you just pretend they aren’t there. Recent research has shown that dealt with openly or not, the impact of that kind of betrayal and trauma has an serious impact and comes out one way or another. From obesity to severe depression to susceptibility to numerous illness like cancer and other serious problems…the consequences of what happens to you as a child is there. Research has shown it even shortens our telomeres, which are crucial in aging (the shorter they are, the sooner you die essentially). There’s been a LOT of recent research on childhood sexual abuse and the ways in which it changes the child victim…trust issus, confusion and issues with sex…having been used as an object to satisfy someone else’s deviant desires, it’s hard to feel comfortable and have fun with sex in a normal relationship. It’s tainted and confusing. Lack of self-worth, feeing unloved, unwanted except as a sexual object. The list is huge. My point is… when this happens to a child they don’t bounce back, they don’t just forget, the pain is deep. The anger festers at those who did not protect you when you were powerless. Some people can find a way to deal with that or compartmentalize it and forgive those involved and if they can do so and feel okay about it, more kudos to them, but from what I’ve seen on the forums, those people are more rare. Victims may look fine on the outside, but are often very broken and damaged and in pain on the inside and instead of getting better with time, it often gets worse as they mature and understand more of the cirucmstances of what happened from an adult perspective.

      Just another victim viewpoint. I worry about the Duggar girls being told over and over how they are the ones responsible for creating lustful thoughts and urges in men by how they act or dress….that they are not modest enough. It’s shameful enough without that added guilt that you somehow brought it on yourself! Plus they had to live with, cook for, clean for, and do laundry for their abuser for years with a smile on their face pretending that everything was okay and all was forgiven. Pray away the pain and be thankful because they believe that God would give them extra Spirit for having been molested, as long as they were truly not at fault in any way and that was a gift they should be grateful for. So screwed up! I can’t imagine how they have coped especially without access to any different viewpoints or any true appropriate therapy! I worry about Jana in particular because they seems very sad and broken and has made comments about having people hurt her in the past but it’s her responsibility to forgive. I hope none of them self-harm over this. None of it was THEIR fault and they have nothing to be ashamed of!

      • Anname says:

        Thanks for your thoughtful response, as someone who has lived it. I am very moved.

        That oldest girl seems so troubled and trapped, it’s just awful.

      • Seapharris7 says:

        Sorry Suzy, someone should have protected you. I sincerely hope you find comfort with fellow survivors & your new family

  22. SnowyLioness says:

    These people, instead of focusing on helping their children during such a difficult time (and I include the oldest brother because obviously he needed both help and punishment), they kept on having a child per year like they had not a care in the world.

    • Christin says:

      The mother always acted as if she lived in a happy little baby-producing bubble while her older daughters appeared to do the chores and child watching. I felt sorry for the older girls because of the high level of responsibility they shouldered, not knowing these horrors they endured.

      Like the tipster indicated, the parents were just (apparently) hopping from network to network to get freebies, trips, etc., while their daughters suffered.

  23. Gigi says:

    Fascinating that “underage” is mentioned by every Duggar apologist when it makes zero difference when they villify other young men.

    Michelle Duggar said he didn’t actually receive any counseling, if true, what was going through her head as she gave birth to all those baby girls in recent years? She allowed him to live there with a new crop of victims.

    • holly hobby says:

      The girls were underage too. How can they excuse him and not feel any empathy toward underaged girls (emphasis added)?

  24. ojulia123 says:

    The court records that were destroyed at the request of one of Josh’s victims…does anyone else think that the victim could be a Duggar? One of the Duggar girls is now 17. If she was, in fact, a victim, I wouldn’t put it past her parents to *force* her to perform this “act of grace” for her brother. Because all along, it’s been about protecting Josh. From the Duggar’s end, there’s no mention of counseling for the victims.

    I imagine that the only support those girls received involved telling them not to tempt their brother anymore (ie, victim blame-and-shame) and advising that they must forgive Josh or else burn in Hell for eternity.

    This whole situation is nauseating.

    • DiamondGirl says:

      I think they wanted it destroyed so that it wouldn’t affect her as marriage material- she’s not PURE if she’s been touched, in these freaks’ eyes.

      This mess should disappear permanently from TV. No matter how many followers it has, they don’t make money without advertising.

      • Isa says:

        I think josh has political ambitions. He moved to D.C. and was photographed with many budding or current politicians. I think that the duggars did it in order to hide it so he wouldn’t have proof following him during his future campaigns.

  25. Sea Dragon says:

    The world grows more insane by the day. I’m simply floored at the entire situation. I read about a third of the comments from yesterday’s updated post and I haven’t been able to get this situation out of my mind. This kid is vile and to start, deserves a taste of his own medicine, replete with having his pain fall on deaf ears. I have no sympathy for people that commit crimes of this nature and zero respect for anyone that condones it.

  26. A says:

    the only way this show should go on is focusing on the victims and their healing process.
    Michelle and Jim DumB should be in jail. Molester Josh and Anna should have their kids taken away by CPS.

  27. Seapharris7 says:

    If Oprah knew about this YEARS ago, so did TLC. Don’t ever forget that. TLC has had two huge major child molesting scandals, has that ever happened to any other network? They’ve been exploiting children (HoneyBB, Toddlers & Tiaras, Sister Wives, Jon&Kate) for WAY too long. The entire network needs to be investigated.

    • jc126 says:

      Absolutely.
      I think people should protest to the advertisers, it might be the only way to get rid of this show. I am tired of reading that he was “just a kid”. Most kids don’t sexually touch 4 year olds, or perpetrate incest upon their sisters.
      There is no depth TLC won’t stoop to, if they’re trying to keep this show on the air.

    • msw says:

      This is an excellent point. I wish I could up vote this. I am so glad I have never seen any of these shows now.

    • Hazel says:

      And not just TLC, but good morning America, the today show, & people magazine. They’ve all promoted this cult, providing them exposure at every opportunity (pregnancies, gender reveals, births, weddings ).

      • jc126 says:

        Sing it! I agree, Hazel.
        I’ve never been able to stand this relentless promotion of these cult members.

  28. Mrs. Wellen Melon says:

    Please. Huckabee is not actually running for president for real. He’s going through the motions; he’s simply making himself relevant enough to keep his Fox gig, make big speaking fees, and sell books. Huckabee doesn’t want to appeal to most of us, since he doesn’t actually want to win an election.

    Also, heard elsewhere on the Internet: “You thought 19 Kids and Counting was the name of a tv show? Nah, it’s the name of a lawsuit.”

    • A Different Kate says:

      I think Huckabee thinks he has a shot at the nomination. I don’t think he does, but I think he thinks he does. Of course he has zero shot at the general, but he’s going to stay around in the primary longer than most think. He may very well win Iowa, or at the least he’ll make a strong showing there, and if he can survive NH and get to the southern states, he’ll have an uptick. Remember Huckabee, not Romney, finished second to McCain in 2008. His “defense” of Josh Duggar is calculated to appeal to the Iowa caucus goers and the deep south evangelicals. Guys like Huckabee live in such a crazy insulated bubble with cheering crowds, yes men all around, they really start to believe they can win.

      • Lilacflowers says:

        He has to get through New Hampshire before he hits the deep south.

      • Carmen says:

        If he thinks he has a shot at the nomination, he’d better check out his FB page. He’s being eviscerated. He couldn’t get nominated for dog catcher behind this.

  29. Ellie66 says:

    TLC….Touching Little Children. They need to go back to being the Learning Channel.

  30. Talie says:

    Apparently Huckabee also appointed the judge who ordered the record destroyed. A tangled web of corruption…

  31. BritaBae says:

    I would rather sit through a decade of the most shallow Keeping Up With the Kardashians episodes than one more 19 Kids and Counting. Josh’s parents are just as gross as he is and just for once it’s time our media acts with people’s best interests at heart and not their bottom line.

    • Seapharris7 says:

      The KarTRASHian Klan is basically another type of prostitution of girls, both need to go away forever.

      • BritaBae says:

        Welp, until the Kardashians are exposed as hypocritical, child molesters with hate in their hearts they have my vote over the Duggars.

      • Leslie says:

        YES!!!! Those young Jenner girls are prostitutes in training. Girls who have been sexualized way too young.

  32. Lilacflowers says:

    Mike Huckabee was the governor of Arkansas at the time these crimes were committed. That law enforcement officials in his state were not following a policy that would have brought Josh to justice is on Huckabee. That Huckabee did nothing to lengthen that statute of limitations while he was governor is on Huckabee. No, Mike, executing lots of people like you did as governor does not indicate that you are tough on crime; making it more difficult for a predator to hide behind statutes of limitations, particularly for those crimes that usually are not reported when they happen, is being tough on crime. Huckabee says we should forgive because Josh was underage? Did he forgive those charged with crime in Arkansas because they were underage? What’s his position on the death penalty for crimes committed when the accused was under age 18? Just how effectively did Huckabee administer child protective services while governor of Arkansas? Did kids from “Christian” families get a break? Were all kids treated the same regardless of their race, ethnicity, religious background, or contributions to Huckabee’s political campaigns?

    • PunkyMomma says:

      Oh Lilacflowers – all your questions are spot on and they make me utterly nauseous at the thought of what actually transpired during the reign of The Righteous Christian Governor of Arkansas.

    • Christin says:

      Sounds like he wants the public to forgive and forget, instead of asking the deeper questions (which seems to lead to his doorstep as well).

      • Lilacflowers says:

        Exactly. And when he travels to New Hampshire to campaign. The good people of New Hampshire should put these questions to him.

        Also, a really frightening fact that we’re discovering in my state that seems to be true elsewhere as well. When those who have been civilly classified as “Sexually Dangerous” come up on an appeal (usually every two years), judges tend to deny those appeals and keep them incarcerated but if they go before a jury, juries tend to believe these stories like Josh’s and release them and they offend again.

  33. GracePM says:

    Surely TLC knew this may come out and have a contingency plan (People too).
    The show needs to go off the air. Continuing to reward the Duggars sends a bad message to victims.
    It’s also “How to get away with molestation 101” – join a church. As a Christian, I find that particularly disturbing. If your church condones or covers up child molestation then you’re going to the wrong church!

  34. Franny says:

    The only thing they should do is give Jessa and Jill their own spin offs and cancel the main one. Jessa and Jill should not be punished and I hate speculating but they might be the victims and why should they be punished? This is how the girls make their livelihood so punishing them would be senseless and wrong.

    • minx says:

      It’s sick that their “livelihood” is reality TV. The rest of us have to support ourselves the old-fashioned way.

    • Talie says:

      No, they should all go. I feel bad for those girls if they were molested, but they need counseling more than they need a camera in their face. Also, they just keep furthering the cult sh*t they were taught.

    • holly hobby says:

      No tv show for the sisters. They should live in the real world and earn a real living. That’s good enough birth control. Why finance their stardom so they can keep popping out children for the cult?

  35. Lucy says:

    They need to cancel this sh*t show immediately. Actually, it should have never existed to begin with.

  36. Louise177 says:

    The comments of the Duggars and their supporters are disgusting. They keep calling it teenage indiscretions. Josh didn’t steal a candy bar from a store once or twice but sexually abused a bunch of kids over several years. I’m blown away that it’s being dismissed as hijinx. The show is coming back. TLC made it very clear that they support the Duggars by running a marathon of the show. They were quick to pull Honey Boo-Boo but only put Duggars on hold because of serious arm twisting. I don’t understand how they can be treated differently when it’s the same issue. I guess because the Duggars are extremely Christian, they get a pass.

    • Hunca Munca says:

      Police officers have shot and killed young black men for “teenage indiscretions” and I didn’t see the Duggar fans stepping up to support them. I guess I always used to assume that people who watched the show did it like I did–to make fun of them and get pissed off about their beliefs. To know that people actually like and support them is shocking and scary.

  37. Hunca Munca says:

    I was (hate) watching the show when it aired the afternoon before the scandal really burst open. It was the episode where Michelle chaperones Jessa on a trip to visit Ben Seewald’s family, leaving Jim Bob with the kids. As they prepared for dinner, one of the youngest daughters–either Jennifer or Jordyn–was wearing a just above the knee dress with leggings underneath it. Jim Bob told her she had to go change because the dress was “too short,” said in a strangely serious tone. At first it didn’t make sense at all because this is like a six year-old girl. But now, this small exchange makes so much sense in light of the molestation confessions. As others noted, the burden is placed on the daughters, even the youngest ones, not to attract male attention, even in a Hello Kitty dress that was almost knee length, with leggings underneath. As if what one is wearing is what will deter a predator anyway. If Jim Bob is already thinking of his daughters as sexual objects at such a young age, that speaks volumes about Josh’s own actions.

    I have so much more to say on this, but will refrain because I haven’t had my coffee and my head already feels like exploding.

    • Jen43 says:

      Ugh. That is just awful. How can anyone think that a six year old in a dress and leggings is indecent? Sick, sick, sick.

  38. BeckyR says:

    I have watched the Duggar show a handful of times and found it strange, but so are many others: Honey Boo Boo, My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, The Kardashians, Real Housewives franchises, ad nauseum. What is the appeal in watching a bunch of untalented, money hungry people? Don’t get it, will never get it. My television has a remote and I can watch other things that are truly interesting and informative. Reality television is the lowest form of mindless entertainment on the planet. As far as the TLC goes, the Duggar show should be cancelled immediately. The Learning Channel is a huge joke. Just turn it off!

  39. sue says:

    Wow. I am sure he has not continued this behavior. He was a KID going through puberty raised by idiots who sheilded him from any curiosity he had. So he found his own ways to be curious. Be it sick sick ways. My lord people let it go. The victims have. I have never seen this show and don’t care to. And no I am not religious, I just have a bit more common sense then labeling an adult for what they did as a child.

    • Lilacflowers says:

      Fifteens do not molest four year olds because they are curious. They do so because they are wired to be pedophiles. It is not about curiosity. It is about power and inflicting fear and pain. They do not stop. Fourteen and fifteen is when most pedophiles start. Multiple victims is a sign. Victims outside the family is a sign. We have no idea whether his victims have let it go or not.

    • Robin says:

      How do you know he hasn’t continued to molest girls? How do you know the victims have forgiven him? And no matter how “curious” he might have been, having been raised by idiots with warped, perverted ideas of sexuality, there is NO excuse for molesting a four-year-old.

      • Lilacflowers says:

        How do we know he limited his victims to girls? Most pedophiles go after both genders. He just hasn’t admitted to doing anything to boys.

    • pegasus says:

      @Sue
      Ugh. Just ugh.
      Let pedophilia go?
      A teenager- not a child, as you suggest- knows it’s wrong to fondle a 4 year old. Pedos don’t just grow out of it, in fact it usually escalates as they get older. Their pathology doesn’t allow them to pray away their urges. Your flippant dismissal of the numerous sex crimes within this family is beyond disturbing. This POS has proven himself a predator, plain and simple. Molesting CHILDREN doesn’t fall into the “youthful indiscretions” category, w/ things like shoplifting and smoking pot. This whole thing makes me ill, and listening to people trying to spin it into something acceptable is downright horrifying.

  40. CJW says:

    They just need to cancel the show. Any one publically supporting Josh, Jimbob and Michelle should be ashamed of themselves. They are NOT the victims. The girls who have all been raised to be subservient to men and most likely not given any choice but to “forgive” their molester are the ONLY victims.

  41. Ruyana says:

    The show should be completely off the air. The parents knew what was happening, hid it and did nothing to protect their daughters. Michelle had the nerve to warn voters against people who might molest their daughters while she was harboring an incestuous pedophile in her own home. As one man said, “the ‘Judge Not’ part of the program (for the Duggars) is over, now it’s the “Lest Ye Be Judged” part.

    • msw says:

      Omg. I forgot all about those robo calls. Even more clueless and upsetting now.

  42. Me too says:

    All this talk of sin and forgiveness is solidifying my dislike for the Christian faith.

  43. Leslie says:

    Michelle Duggar is an abused wife, being forced to go through 19 or more pregnancies.
    Jim Bob is a wife abuser for forcing Michelle to get pregnant so many times.
    Jim Bob and Michelle are both child abusers for having so many children that they aren’t able to see to their needs.
    Most child molesters like Josh were abused when they were young. It’s learned behavior.
    I say we boycott all sponsors of this sick show.

  44. Lady Keller says:

    So Mike Huckabee – If a black or Hispanic teen molested your young daughter while she slept would you chalk it up to youthful indiscretion and be so quick to forgive? Or would you demand that as a 15 year old they be tried as an adult and held responsible for their actions?

    • Lori says:

      My thought s exactly. If Josh had been any color but white and any faith but Christian things ould havr been handled so differently by law enforcement.

      • Samtha says:

        You know, I don’t think their religion really has anything to do with it, other than it being something they exploited for fame and $$–look at how people like Woody Allen, Kobe Bryant, Roman Polanski, etc., are treated. They’re famous, so people justify it or look the other way.

  45. Hope says:

    I keep reading and hearing news stories saying “he confessed to his family and got treatment.” But HE DIDN’T.

    His victims told their parents and he was caught. Then they shipped him off to a friend for a little while to do some home construction. That does NOT constitute therapy to deal with a child molester. I see very few media outlets mentioning this, they seem to gloss over it and it infuriates me.

  46. Josefa says:

    I got to “doesn’t mean unforgivable” and stopped reading. How disgusting.

  47. Tiffany says:

    I was reading some of the comments on Pajiba about this and one commenter was upset at how unflippiant ignorant people are about the seriousness of these crimes and these types of story just makes you truly wonder for humanity. Another commenter answered to the comment with flip a table, get drunk, sleep it off and then get up and do what you can to help those who cannot help themselves. So I am going to do that and also take Bengal suggestion of a Ken Burns marathon. And then when that is done, get to moving. Young people of color dying at an alarming rate, molesters have protection on legitimate public forums. This head in the sand or just knowing it will go away because people will just move to something else next week needs to stop. Just…..stop.

  48. msw says:

    Will he be so full of compassion for other people with “youthful” indiscretions, like minors being tried as adults in an actual court of law?

  49. Jayna says:

    In a family of 20 kids, the odds are one will be gay. I wonder, if so, if if they would ever have the strength to come out.

    By the way, congratulations, Ireland. Well done.

    “Ireland became the first nation to approve same-sex marriage by a popular vote, sweeping aside the opposition of the Roman Catholic Church in a resounding victory Saturday for the gay rights movement and placing the country at the vanguard of social change.”

  50. Nikki Girl says:

    There are at least two petitions circulating on the internet to TLC demanding they cancel the show, I urge you all to sign and spread them. Just Google some key words like “TLC”, “19 Kids and Counting”, and “petition”, should be able to find them.

  51. Iheartgossip says:

    It’s over, TLC. Buck up and start providing real programming instead of 1 step below porn. The Duggars are nasty, nasty, nasty people. Their ‘followers’ are worse than them. Horrible. And Huckabee – ya lined up with the wrong freaks. You’re over too

  52. LL says:

    Disgusting. Should have been cancelled long ago.

  53. Samtha says:

    I would actually love to see a show based on the older girls breaking free of this family and learning to live in the real world.

    • Suzy from Ontario says:

      Me too, but it’s unlikely to ever happen. They are all so incredibly brainwashed that they don’t know any other way. They have no idea of the opportunities out there. They have very little real schooling and have never been encouraged to even think of higher education or a career. They’ve had it drilled into their heads that the real world is full of sin and they’ll go to Hell if they don’t do as their parents say. They are scared to even wear shorts or pants or cut their hair! Their parents have limited their opportunities and access to the world so much. It makes me so mad! As a parent I tried to open as many doors for my kids as possible, exposing them to as much as I could because you never know when something might spark an interest. The Duggars have slammed and locked all the doors except the one that repeats their lifestyle. None of the kids is encouraged to know themselves or question what they really want.

  54. aang says:

    Canceling the show may hurt the girls by robbing them of a chance for independence. At least they are making their own money right now and they could use that money to begin a life away from Quiverfull. And I am really sorry for the girls that this is made public. This is their story to tell, not the media’s. No one should be outed publicly as an abuse victim. Even if we don’t know the names it can be figured out by the time line and I bet these girls are feeling revictimized.

    • Tate says:

      These girls will never know independence. I wish they could but unlikely given how they were raised.

    • Samtha says:

      I wonder if they’re even getting the money, or if their dad (or the husbands of the married ones) is “managing” their finances.

    • cheryl says:

      The family has pimped themselves out in the media and uses the media explicitly to promote their beliefs and lifestyle. So the thought that the media exposure is now damaging puzzles me a bit. The issues are horrific, but I’m glad they now are exposed and nobody can deny, wish and brainwash them away. I can’t see how any group of people is owed a reality tv show livelihood. I’m sorry too that their identities are public. However, the son’s actions were being portrayed as youthful indiscretions of sexual curiosity and they are actually criminal incestuous acts. The parents and network are fully complicit in creating the show regardless. My deepest sympathy to the girls in this family and to children brought up in this mindset.

  55. vanessa says:

    Who watches al, this sludge anyway? Static is more enticing to me…

  56. pegasus says:

    This whole story gives me the dry heaves, and makes me scared for the future of humanity.

  57. Whatever Gurl says:

    Several of my children’s classmates attend a Christian bible overnight camp in Branson, Mo–the parents brag about how much the kids love it.

    The zealous Christian stuff freaks me out and I refuse to send my kids. I’d rather they’d sit on the sofa and watch Sponge-Bob all day.

  58. Isa says:

    Josh and Anna bought a house in arkansas back in April if I’m not mistaken. I can’t help but wonder if they knew it was about to come out and managed to keep the lid on it until after the season finale which was just a couple days before this was exposed. Gotta get those last few ratings in.

  59. Lisa says:

    I can’t help but wonder about Derrick and
    Ben , the spouses of Jill and Jessa and their feelings on this . I’d imagine it would be difficult to eat Thanksgiving dinner with a guy that repeatedly violated my wife when she was a child? Or if Jill or Jessa ever mentioned it – sadly I’m guessing their parents played the “if you aren’t pure he won’t want you so keep your mouth shut” card. Or maybe the “you tempted your brother unholy female confess your sins” one?

  60. In response to pinky (above): if Josh was in an old testament jewish commmunity, he would have been taken outside the city limits annd stoned to death, I don’t recommend this.. What I do feel we should all do is boycott every sponsor of this show, refuse to buy their products or services.

  61. Victoria1 says:

    https://www.credomobilize.com/petitions/tell-tlc

    Sign the petition to cancel the show, 20k signatures are needed and it’s short by a few hundred.

  62. Pix says:

    Disgusting. TLC is trash. They really have no conscience about how they exploit people. The Duggar parents are pathetic. I feel sorry for those kids.

  63. Jag says:

    Anyone who supports a child molester needs to be investigated, in my opinion.

  64. Tanya says:

    Cancel the show, end of story. Short of the Long, this family has deceived people all over the world and became billionaires doing so. Wake up Michelle and Jim Bob. Jim Bob you make me sick and Michelle you need set aside the phony smile and soft spoken voice displayed on television. Viewers all over the world loved your family , sympathized with your loses believed in your wholesome family. I feel like a fool now for ever watching or allowing my 11yr old to watch your fame and fortune. Get the confession box ready because I believe there is more.

  65. Marianne says:

    I think it should come down to the victims, honestly. Put them in a room by themselves (with no one to influence them) and see what they want to do. If they want to continue on with the show (or spin-off show) let them. And thats coming from someone who hates the show. Otherwise it just feels like they’re getting punished too.

  66. jwoolman says:

    The assumption that a 14 year old can never change seems to fly in the face of all experience. Of course 14 year olds can change drastically as they mature, for better or for worse. Older people likewise can have dramatic turnarounds. It does happen. Such turnarounds in our culture can be associated with the “born-again” phenomenon. A friend was abused so badly by her father that she ran off at the age of 12 to marry a 19 year old rescuer. She said that later, her father was “born again” at some Christian preaching event and was completely different from that day onward. He was no longer abusive in any way, verbally or physically. It all just drained out of him instantly. That’s how demon possession and mystical redemption stories get started – humans really can experience major changes in personality spontaneously, while years of therapy may not make a dent in the behavior. This isn’t because such people are hopeless cases, but because we simply don’t know enough about it to have sure-fire treatments. Sexual abuse seems to be an especially difficult problem to treat, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

    Did the threat of hellfire and a ruined life finally persuade Josh to stop what he was doing? Who knows. Maybe. Hellfire doesn’t scare me in the slightest, but a friend who is now a pastor in a mainstream church thinks it does inhibit some people from doing bad things (I asked him once while he was studying for a ministry degree). He’s not into hellfire preaching, but I imagine that’s why the hell and damnation thing got started in various religions. So it might actually have worked with Josh, that’s his religious framework. And his actions might explain a lot of the weirdness we see in his parents and their crazy rules, they actually might be reacting to what happened and just trying to prevent a recurrence in their own counterproductive way. That especially gets in the way of healing for the girls, but they’re blinded by their religion. “The Devil made me do it” isn’t a very constructive approach for either the abuser or the abused, but unfortunately it’s all they have.

    The parents did seem to try to isolate Josh from his sisters by sending him off to “work”. Maybe they did keep a close eye on him whenever he was home. Maybe they were deluded enough to think it was all just “normal curiosity” gone awry and he just needed to get married and then sex with his wife would prevent any recurrences. And maybe they really didn’t know what was going on for a long time. Never underestimate the ability of people in the same house to not know what is going on. A friend said he found out only as an adult that his father had been molesting both his sisters. Each sister was told by the father that if she didn’t cooperate, he would start on the other sister. So each sister even thought she was the only one and was protecting her sister. And that was in a much smaller family than the Duggars. Another friend and her brother were routinely physically abused by their volatile mother. Dad knew nothing about it until one day when she was 19 and her brother was 15 – the mom broke the boy’s arm in one of her tirades and he defended himself. Mom tried to spin it as the boy attacking her, but dad asked my friend what happened and for the first time she told him exactly what had been happening for years and what had happened that day. The silence kept their dad in the dark or else he would have stopped it (which he did, the mom never touched one of the kids again). Secrets are very easy to keep but secrets keep the abuse going.

    I can understand why parents would not want to toss their child into the uncertainties of the “justice” system, but would try to handle it within their church instead. I don’t particularly trust the court system either and prison is more likely to make people worse. This was their child, they couldn’t see him as the vile irredeemable monster that so many on CB see him as. But Josh’s actions were clear signs of a deeply damaged teenager. It was not normal teenage behavior by any stretch of the imagination, even allowing for the fact that he was so repressed sexually by his religion and parents. He needed and still needs all the help modern therapy approaches can provide plus close supervision. His wife needs to understand that. I really don’t know how she can manage it on her own, but she just can’t let him alone with their children. Even if he has repressed the behavior, he could revert given an easy opportunity. People really need to focus on her for those children’s sake. Maybe child protective services will be able to help her understand the risks, if she gets a good case worker.