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Jill Duggar, Jessa Duggar of ’19 Kids and Counting’ Confirm They Were Molested by Brother Josh Duggar

Jill Duggar and sister Jessa Duggar were molested by their brother Josh Duggar, the girls confirmed to Fox News on Wednesday during Megyn Kelly’s interview with their parents Jim Bob and Michell...
Jill Duggar, Jessa Duggar of ’19 Kids and Counting’ Confirm They Were Molested by Brother Josh Duggar
Written by Pam Wright
  • Jill Duggar and sister Jessa Duggar were molested by their brother Josh Duggar, the girls confirmed to Fox News on Wednesday during Megyn Kelly’s interview with their parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar.

    The network told Us Weekly on Wednesday that daughters Jill Duggar and Jessa Duggar had joined them on the sit-down as well.

    News of the molestation came on May 21, when Josh admitted that he molested five girls — including his sisters — back in 2002 when he was a teen. The family addressed the allegations on their official Facebook page.

    “Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends,” said Josh Duggar, in his statement. “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… I would do anything to go back to those teen years and take different actions. I sought forgiveness from those I had wronged and asked Christ to forgive me and come into my life. In my life today, I am so very thankful for God’s grace, mercy and redemption.”

    Kelly’s interview is the first time Josh’s parents will speak out publicly about the dark family secret.

    “We will sit down with Megyn Kelly on Fox News to share our hearts with you about the pain that we walked through as a family twelve years ago, the tears we all shed and the forgiveness that was given,” the couple announced via Facebook. “We appreciate the outpouring of love and prayers for our family at this time.”

    Jill Duggar is married to Derick Dillard and the couple welcomed their first child, son Israel, in April, the same month Jessa revealed she was expecting her first baby with her husband Ben Seewald.

    The girls and other immediate family members have remained silent on social media since their brother’s scandal broke last month. Jill’s last Instagram post before the controversy was revealed featured a selfie with Jessa.

    “So glad to spend the day with my sista!” Jill wrote alongside the snap of her smiling sibling. “@jessaseewald #sisters.”

    Megan Kelly’s interview with the Duggars will air on Fox News’ The Kelly File 9 p.m. ET Wednesday.

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