Montel Williams is speaking out about the 19 Kids and Counting scandal.
Josh Duggar is catching hell from all sides lately over his admission that he molested five young girls when he himself was 14 years old. When the news came out, he released a statement that expressed how he felt, but said nothing of his victims, some of whom were his own sisters.
“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. 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. ”
One of the people who called Josh Duggar to task over his actions was Montel Williams.
“Gosh, yet another anti-gay alleged “Christian” defender turns out to be a garden variety scumbag.”
Gosh, yet another anti-gay alleged "Christian" defender turns out to be a garden variety scumbag. https://t.co/C4gWWE0YnA
— Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) May 21, 2015
Montel Williams followed that with a screed against the FRC, the Family Research Council, an organization that is seen by many as anti-LGBT. Josh Duggar worked for the FRC in Washington until he resigned over this scandal
“Sorry, Josh Duggar is a bigot, slimebag. Whole family is, and FRC is a scam. Yup, Gay people are the danger to kids? NOPE, JOSH DUGGAR IS”
Sorry, Josh Duggar is a bigot, slimebag. Whole family is, and FRC is a scam. Yup, Gay people are the danger to kids? NOPE, JOSH DUGGAR IS
— Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) May 21, 2015
Montel Williams expanded his expressions of disgust to include those persons who came to Josh Duggar’s defense:
“Some conservatives mistakenly think they can deflect for #JoshDuggar by revisiting #LenaDunham -IDIOTS-This is why we can’t have nice things.”
Some conservatives mistakenly think they can deflect for #JoshDuggar by revisiting #LenaDunham -IDIOTS-This is why we can't have nice things
— Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) May 23, 2015
That argument started when someone accused Montel Williams of demonizing Josh Duggar but not demonizing Lena Dunham, who had confessed to inappropriate conduct with her sister.
@OhPishPoshMom: “Weird! Didn’t see @Montel_Williams this animated when Lena Dunham said she did this to her sister. Oh wait, she’s LGBT & not a conservative!”
Montel Williams responded with: “#StopWithTheStupid – was Lena preaching hate toward a class of people? What she did is wrong – not a hypocrite tho”
#StopWithTheStupid – was Lena preaching hate toward a class of people? What she did is wrong – not a hypocrite tho https://t.co/iNtfJWkSDI
— Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) May 23, 2015
One person, going by the handle Media Domme, responded to Montel Williams words with an accusation against him:
“@Montel_Williams I am. I’m calling you out for the #Hypocrite you are. You protect serial rapist #BillCosby with your silence #AntiChrist!”
Montel Williams responded: “I do no such thing. I have said is they are very serious allegations and they must be thoroughly investigated.”
I do no such thing. I have said is they are very serious allegations and they must be thoroughly investigated. https://t.co/KVMbjr4zAk
— Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) May 23, 2015
For their part, Josh Duggar’s parents and wife stand by him, viewing his past behavior as a mistake, praising him for becoming a better person.
Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar said:
“Back 12 years ago our family went through one of the most difficult times of our lives. 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.”
Josh’s wife Anna said:
“When my family and I first visited the Duggar home, Josh shared his past teenage mistakes. I was surprised at his openness and humility and at the same time didn’t know why he was sharing it. For Josh, he wanted not just me but my parents to know who he really was – even very difficult past mistakes.”
