Jim BobandMichelle Duggarhave broken their silence after their eldest sonJoshwas arrested on child pornography charges.
“We appreciate your continued prayers for our family at this time. The accusations brought against Joshua today are very serious,” their joint statement on Friday reads.
“It is our prayer that the truth, no matter what it is, will come to light, and that this will all be resolved in a timely manner. We love Josh and Anna and continue to pray for their family,” it continues.
Jim Bob and Michelle’s statement comes after Josh’s sister,Jill (Duggar) Dillard,spoke out alongside her husband,Derick Dillard. “We just found out this information yesterday,” the couple, who previously revealed that they’ve distanced themselves from the famous family, said in a statement to PEOPLE on Friday. “It is very sad.”
Jim Bob, Michelle, Anna and Josh Duggar.Anna Duggar/instagram
Joshpleaded not guilty to the chargeson Friday while appearing in court virtually via Zoom. The reality star’s attorneys opted to forgo having the judge read out the charges he’s facing. If Josh is granted bail, U.S Chief Magistrate Judge Erin L. Wiedemann ordered that he will have to be “in a residence where there’s no minor in the home.”
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“Josh Duggar has been charged in a two-count indictment. He has pled not guilty to both charges and we intend to defend this case aggressively and thoroughly. In this country, no one can stop prosecutors from charging a crime. But when you’re accused, you can fight back in the courtroom — and that is exactly what Josh intends to do,” his attorneys, Justin Gelfand, Travis W. Story and Greg Payne, said in a statement.
He will remain in an Arkansas detention center as he awaits a bond hearing.
Josh Duggar.courtesy Washington county arkansas
The former19 Kids and Countingstar has previously garnered headlines for multiple scandals. Beginning in 2015, he resigned from his position at the Family Research Council as he apologized for a 2006 police report that indicatedhe was investigated for molesting five underage girls. Two of the victims who came forward were Josh’s sisters, Jill andJessa Seewald, both of whomclaimed to have “moved on” from the situation.
“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,” he exclusively told PEOPLE at the time. “I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation.”
Jim BobandMichellesaid in a statement that it was “one of the most difficult times” their family has faced.
The Duggar Family/Instagram
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“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,” they said in their joint statement, noting that their family “drew closer to God” during that time.
Later that year, Josh admitted to cheating on his wife, Anna Duggar, and having a pornography addiction after Gawker reported that he had active accounts on Ashley Madison — a website known for helping their members cheat.
“I have been the biggest hypocrite ever. While espousing faith and family values, I have secretly over the last several years been viewing pornography on the internet and this became a secret addiction andI became unfaithful to my wife,” he sharedvia the Duggar family website. “I am so ashamed of the double life that I have been living and am grieved for the hurt, pain and disgrace my sin has caused my wife and family, and most of all Jesus and all those who profess faith in Him.”
Josh has been married to Anna, 32, since 2008. They are the parents of Mackynzie, 11, Michael, 9, Marcus, 7, Meredith, 5, Mason, 3, and Maryella, 17 months.
source: people.com
