Josh Duggar of 19 Kids and Counting has owned up to claims of molestation and the blacklash is quickly growing.
Twitter is fired up and angry after the 19 Kids and Counting star apologized for allegations of child molestation with a lengthy statement, shared via Facebook.
The eldest son of the 19 Kids and Counting family, Josh Duggar, 27, said he was sorry for his “inexcusable” actions with his sisters.
“Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret,” he wrote in his statement. “I hurt others, including my family and close friends. I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation. We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling. I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life.”
Us Weekly reported that his parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, also released a statement.
Josh Duggar resigns from Christian lobbying organization after child-molestation allegations http://t.co/qzhMb6qOUe pic.twitter.com/yeBrfqpbdd
— TIME.com (@TIME) May 22, 2015
“Back 12 years ago our family went through one of the most difficult times of our lives,” wrote the 19 Kids and Counting patriarchs. “When Josh was a young teenager, he made some very bad mistakes and we were shocked. We had tried to teach him right from wrong. That dark and difficult time caused us to seek God like never before. Even though we would never choose to go through something so terrible, each one of our family members drew closer to God. We pray that as people watch our lives they see that we are not a perfect family. We have challenges and struggles everyday. It is one of the reasons we treasure our faith so much because God’s kindness and goodness and forgiveness are extended to us — even though we are so undeserving. We hope somehow the story of our journey — the good times and the difficult times — cause you to see the kindness of God and learn that He can bring you through anything.”
Josh Duggar Responds to Child Molestation Allegations: "I Acted Inexcusably" http://t.co/SVQm1ou9WN pic.twitter.com/b3oYXiV7Wx
— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 22, 2015
Seems like the whole family is in crisis mode.
Josh’s wife, Anna Duggar, 26, currently expecting the couple’s fourth child, posted her own statement, explaining that her husband had always been honest with her about his past mistakes.
Unfortunately, fans who look up to the family for their faith and seeming devoutness are not so happy.
"19 Kids And Counting" star Josh Duggar apologizes after child molestation allegations surface http://t.co/5cyNy0POAb pic.twitter.com/QLeNGny5UE
— Huffington Post (@HuffingtonPost) May 22, 2015
On Thursday, TLC went ahead and aired a 19 Kids and Counting marathon already scheduled, but again, Twitter did not react well to the decision.
“As we speak @TLC is airing a 19 kids and counting marathon. Disgraceful! #19kidsandcancelled,” one Twitter user wrote, as reported by Us Weekly. “#TLC pulled Honey Boo Boo IMMEDIATELY yet they are having a 19 Kids & Counting marathon until 3am. Revolting,” added another.
Is it cynical or tone deaf that TLC is airing a 19 Kids and Counting mini-marathon in wake of Josh Duggar news?
— Jeff Pfeiffer (@ChannelGuideJP) May 22, 2015