Duggar Family: Jim Bob Duggar Kept Josh’s Molestation Scandal Quiet, Even From Family
The Duggar family is currently dealing with their biggest scandal to date. Joshua Duggar, Jim Bob, and Michelle Duggar’s eldest son, was arrested in April 2021 on charges stemming from the possession of child pornography. The scandal is far from the family’s first. The Duggar family weathered two scandals involving Josh in 2015. Amy Duggar King, the daughter of Jim Bob’s sister, Deanna Duggar, recently revealed that Jim Bob and Michelle kept Josh’s first scandal quiet. She said that she was unaware that he had molested several of his sisters until the media picked up the story in 2015.
Josh Duggar molested four of his sisters when he was still a teenager
In 2002 and 2003, Josh molested four of his sisters and a family friend. According to USA Today, a 33-page police report outlined how Josh had fondled several of his siblings while they were asleep inside the Duggar family’s 3-bedroom home. According to the report, there were several incidents throughout 12 months. Josh confessed in front of the elders of the family’s church, and his behavior was an open secret inside the ultra-conservative Christian social circles the family ran in.
A church insider recently revealed that while they were friendly with Josh and several of his brothers as teens, the kids were not told what Josh had done. During a Reddit AMA, the insider said he was made to believe Jim Bob had caught Josh looking at pornography. He revealed that Jim Bob and Michelle sent Josh to a family friend as punishment.
Amy Duggar King said that the Duggar family didn’t tell her about Josh’s behavior
The majority of the Duggar family has remained tight-lipped about Josh’s recent legal troubles. Amy, however, has spoken out. In an interview with Today, Amy stated that she believes justice should be served. Along with Jill Duggar, Josh’s younger sister, she was present in Josh’s virtual bond hearing.
Aside from discussing the current charges against her cousin, Amy revealed surprising information about Josh’s previous behavior. The business owner and mother of one said her family never told her that Josh had molested his sister. She informed Today that her family told her that Josh went to camp. She learned of the molestation allegations in 2015 with the rest of the world.
Amy parents did not raise her in the same ultra-conservative Christian ministry as her cousins. According to Today, she credits her mother for ensuring she had the freedom to make her own choices. Amy attended public school and dated before she settled down with her now-husband, Dillon King. When asked about her cousins’ upbringing, she said she thinks it’s “kind of sad” that her cousins and other people growing up insider the Institute in Basic Life Principles are hindered.
Josh Duggar is facing several years in prison if he is convicted of child pornography charges
2015 was a tough year for the Duggar family. Aside from the media revealing that Josh had molested his siblings as a teen, he was also outed as a serial cheater. His e-mail address was leaked as part of the Ashley Madison hack. 2021 appears to be far worse. Federal agents arrested Josh on two child pornography charges.
According to several sources, Josh is facing up to 20 years in prison. He may also be liable for a fine totaling up to $250,000 if he is convicted. Josh has been released on bond. As a result of his arrest, Josh cannot live in a home with minor children and chaperones, and a GPS device monitors his every move. He is expected back in court in early July to stand trial.
