The Hollywood Reporter writes that TLC has pulled 19 Kids and Counting from its schedule in response to star Josh Duggar’s admission that he molested several underage girls 12 years ago, including his sisters.
No word on if the network will permanently pull the plug on the reality series.
In related news, June “Mama June” Shannon of the now defunct Here Comes Honey Boo Boo has expressed her outrage that her show was cancelled when she was merely seen in public with a known child molester, but TLC hasn’t made that same decision (yet) about the Duggars show.
Shannon told TMZ if “19 Kids and Counting” stays on the air, she hopes to sue TLC for shutting down her show abruptly. The man Shannon was snapped with never appeared on her reality show, she noted.
“I read that the Duggar family said this happening with their son brought them closer to God and each other. So they’re saying it’s O.K….?” Shannon told TMZ. “Hell no.”
Josh Duggar, the eldest son of TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting, has admitted to “very bad mistakes” involving young girls (including his sisters) as a teenager twelve years ago. In light of those “mistakes,” Duggar has resigned from his position with the virulently anti-gay Family Research Council.
In Touch Magazine has apparently obtained a copy of a December 2006 Springdale, Ark., police report that showed Josh had been investigated for several offenses against five female minors, including “forcible fondling,” with some of the offenses investigated as felonies.
“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.
“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.”
People Magazine also has this from Duggar’s parents, Jim Bob and Michelle:
“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. 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.”
I’m not one to celebrate someone’s moral downfall. Except when those folks actively work against the rights of others under the guise of moral superiority.
The Duggars have publicly campaigned against equal rights for LGBTs based on their “deeply held” moral and religious beliefs.
Josh Duggar, specifically, has worked against the rights of transgender women using ladies public restrooms because he was “worried” that small children might be attacked. Well, now we know why, don’t we?
How ironic that these charges come regarding someone who worked for the Family Research Council, which has repeatedly made the accusation that gays are inherent pedophiles. And that same-sex marriage is a “threat” to children?
This proves, once again, that old adage – “Ye who protesteth the loudest, do it the mosteth.”
