‘Counting On’: Why Some Fans Have a Problem With Derick Dillard’s Political Instagram Message
Derick Dillard has made his way as a rogue Duggar in-law with his revelations and claims about Jim-Bob and Michelle Duggar, TLC producers, and filming for both 19 Kids and Counting and Counting On. Derick has also spoken out against some of the Duggars’ more extreme beliefs, even suggesting that he and Jill Duggar Dillard use birth control.
Jill’s husband, a college graduate and current law student, has been a controversial figure for years.
Derick and Jill originally appeared on the 19 Kids and Counting spinoff Counting On after Josh Duggar’s history of sexual abuse against his sisters came to light. But the couple was seemingly fired from the show, allegedly in part due to Derick’s comments about I Am Jazz star Jazz Jennings, which many considered transphobic.
Now, the Dillards don’t seem to associate with the Duggars, and there are many rumors of a major rift between the families.
Most recently, Derick stirred up even more controversy when he took to Instagram with a message of equality in honor of Martin Luther King Day on Jan. 20. Counting On fans flocked to the post, with some supporting the dad of two and others criticizing him for what they saw as hypocrisy.
Jill’s husband posted a Martin Luther King Day message of equality
On Jan. 20, Derick posted a picture of Martin Luther King, Jr., with a quote of his: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
The former Counting On star captioned the picture, “Thankful for the work of Dr. King and the sacrifices he made for equality. Let’s continue to work toward his vision.” He added the hashtags #equality, #civilrights, and #mlkday.
Some Duggar fans were surprised by Derick’s sentiment, as he doesn’t often talk about racial equality or civil rights. “I wished this was shared a lot more as it has more truth!” one supporter wrote under the post.
Others took the opportunity to praise Jill’s husband for defending her and sticking up for her with her estranged family. “Well done Derick for standing up for your own sweet family and the injustices Jill’s parents have inflicted on you,” one Counting On viewer wrote. This might be in reference to Derick’s claim that the Duggars, especially Jim-Bob, pressured Jill to film for the show (unpaid) after her childhood abuse from her brother came to light in the media.
Another Instagram user agreed, writing in a comment: “Thank you for being a voice for your sweet wife, and for admitting she was a victim. She did nothing to cause being abused and I’m glad you acknowledge that and stand up for her against people who should have protected her and her sisters.”
Some fans thought Derick was being ‘hypocritical’
However, not everyone was thrilled with Derick’s comments. Many pointed out what they thought was Derick’s hypocrisy, given the contrast between his comments about racial equality and his previous comments about gay and trans populations. “Anti-LGBTQ and taking away a woman’s right to make decisions for her own body is the antithesis of justice and equality,” one critic wrote under the Duggar in-law’s post.
Another commenter agreed, commenting: “Equality equals equal rights for ALL. That includes gay people.”
Yet another viewer pointed out Derick’s traditional, faith-based beliefs about gender roles, suggesting that the conservative Christian was being “hypocritical” in his remarks.
“But only for men right? Women can’t be equal,” the critic wrote. “That would mean we would have full control of our bodies (shocking as that may sound). And should we choose not to have a baby. But that doesn’t fit your narrative or equality does it? So the real question is are you a misogynistic hypocrite, or a hypocritical misogynist?”
The former ‘Counting On’ star was allegedly fired from the show for comments about Jazz Jennings
What the Counting On viewers were referring to, of course, was Derick’s opinion about Jazz Jennings, teen star of TLC’s I Am Jazz. Jennings is a pansexual trans girl and a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights.
Before Derick and Jill were allegedly fired from Counting On, Derick repeatedly criticized the show for its portrayal of Jazz. “What an oxymoron,” he wrote in one tweet. “A ‘reality’ show which follows a non-reality. ‘Transgender’ is a myth. Gender is not fluid; it’s ordained by God.”
Jennings pushed back against Derick’s comments at TLC’s Give A Little Awards event in New York City in 2018. According to CafeMom, Jennings said she just ignored Derick’s criticism. “Honestly, I don’t give Derrick any of my attention,” she said in an interview. “I don’t even read the tweets that he sends out anymore because I just don’t care. You know? He can say whatever. I think he’s doing it for attention.”
