As the statements continued to pour in, Josh Duggar’s parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar are now speaking out. As Mamas Uncut previously reported, on December 9, Josh Duggar was found guilty of downloading and possessing child pornography.
Additionally, during Josh’s trial, the judge allowed testimony to reveal Josh’s prior actions, including when he molested at least four of his sisters when he was a teenager. Josh was never charged with those crimes, but because he admitted to touching the girls it was allowed to be used as evidence.
Josh Duggar’s Parents, Jim Bob and Michelle, Speak Out After Their Son Is Found Guilty of Possessing Child Pornography
According to Bobye Holt’s testimony, Duggar confided in her about his abhorrent actions after the victims looked to Jim Bob and Michelle for help. Sadly, as Bobye and Jim Bob admitted under oath, they took it upon themselves to help Josh.
Now, as Josh Duggar awaits his sentencing hearing, his parents are speaking out. Josh faces 20 years in prison and upwards of $250,000 in fines.
“This entire ordeal has been very grievous,” Jim Bob and Michelle wrote on their website. “Today, God’s grace, through the love and prayers of so many, have sustained us. Our hearts and prayers are with anyone who has ever been harmed through CSAM [Child Sexual Abuse Material].”
“In the days ahead, we will do all we can to surround our daughter-in-law Anna and their children with love and support. As parents, we will never stop praying for Joshua, and loving him, as we do all of our children. In each of life’s circumstances, we place our trust in God. He is our source of strength and refuge. Thank you for your prayers.”
Shortly thereafter, Jill Duggar Dillard also issued a statement on her official website. It has been widely reported that Jill was one of the sisters Josh molested when she was a child.
“Today was difficult for our family. Our hearts go out to the victims of child abuse or any kind of exploitation. We are thankful for the hard work of law enforcement, including investigators, forensic analysts, prosecutors, and all others involved who save kids and hold accountable those responsible for their abuse. Nobody is above the law. It applies equally to everybody, no matter your wealth, status, associations, gender, race, or any other factor. Today, the people of the Western District of Arkansas made that clear in their verdict. As a Christian, we believe we are all equal at the foot of the cross, and, likewise, we are all equal under the law. Jesus warned his disciples, ‘…[b]eware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.’ (Luke 12:1-3).”
As the Dillards continued, they wrote that they made the decision to attend Josh’s trial due to the volume of lies they had been told. “ we wanted to hear the evidence for ourselves in court. After seeing all the evidence as it was presented, we believe that the jury reached a just verdict today, consistent with the truth beyond a reasonable doubt.”
“Josh’s actions have rippled far beyond the epicenter of the offense itself. Children have scars, but his family is also suffering the fallout of his actions. Our hearts are sensitive to the pains Josh’s wife, Anna, and their seven children have already endured and will continue to process in the future,” Jill continued. “This trial has felt more like a funeral than anything else. Josh’s family has a long road ahead. We stand with them, we are praying for them, and we will seek to support them however we can during this dark time.”
As of December 10, Anna Duggar, Josh’s wife of 13 years and the mother of his seven children, has chosen to remain silent on the matter.
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