What Do The Duggars Really Think About Josh Duggar's Prison Sentence?
Trigger warning: Sexual abuse towards children.
The Duggar family of "19 Kids and Counting" and "Counting On" fame used to be the picture-perfect Christian family. However, that image quickly changed when explosive information regarding the family's eldest child, Josh Duggar, came to the surface.
Before Josh was arrested for possession of child sexual abuse material, information regarding the molestation of his sisters — as well as cheating on his wife through the website Ashley Madison– shocked fans of the show. They had no idea just how horrible it would get from there (via Insider). The explosive information regarding Josh's past only led to a slap on the wrist for the abuser. However, when he was arrested for possession of child sexual abuse material, he was forced to pay for his actions. He was put on trial pending his arrest and was facing up to 20 years in prison after being found guilty (via People).
In the end, Josh was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison. Following the verdict, many of the Duggar family members weighed in on how they felt about the sentencing.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Josh has the support of his wife and parents
It appears that the vast majority of the Duggar family does not stand behind Josh Duggar and the crimes he has committed; however, there are still family members who are loyal to Josh (via The U.S. Sun).
Josh's wife, Anna Duggar, has made it clear that she is standing behind her husband through not only his trial, but also his prison sentence. A friend close to the family told Fox News that Anna will stick by Josh's side no matter what and that she plans to stay married to him through it all.
The friend shared, "I know the family and their faith is what will get them through anything, period." They continued, "Even if they don't like what he did or what he was accused and charged with and found guilty of, they'll always stay by him. It doesn't mean they think it's ok, but they're always going to want him to grow and be able to get through it. They're never going to abandon him or anybody in that case."
Alongside Anna, Josh has the full support of his parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, who wrote a heartfelt letter pleading for the judge to issue a fair sentence for their son (via Radar Online).
Many of the Duggar siblings have spoken out about Josh's actions
While Josh Duggar may have the support of his wife and parents, his siblings are not rallying behind their brother like fans of "19 Kids and Counting" may have expected. According to The U.S. Sun, his sister, Jinger Duggar, and her husband, Jeremy Vuolo, have been vocal about their disapproval of Josh and his actions.
The couple made a statement on Instagram, writing, "We are saddened for the victims of horrific child abuse. We are also saddened for Josh's family, his wife and precious children." They continued, "We are saddened for the dishonor this has brought upon Christ's name. Josh claims to be a Christian."
Josh's sister, Jill Duggar, and her husband, Derrick Dillard, were also vocal about the crimes. "Today was difficult for our family," the couple posted to their family blog. "Our hearts go out to the victims of child abuse or any kind of exploitation ... 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."
However, no one has been louder against Josh than his cousin, Amy King. She has constantly taken to social media to share her feelings about Josh and the fate she hopes he suffers in prison. While Josh may have some support, the majority are against him (via InTouch Weekly).