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Josh Duggar’s trial brought a lot of negative Duggar news to the media — and it also brought his previous scandals to the forefront. In 2015, the media leaked police records showing Josh allegedly molested a number of young girls. And a few of his sisters were directly affected. Now, the Duggar family sisters are suing the police and the media for the info leak, but they might settle the lawsuit out of court.

Josh Duggar’s trial brought the 2015 scandal back into the limelight

The Duggar family crowded together on stage smiling at the camera above them
The Duggar family visits ‘Extra’ at their New York studios | D Dipasupil/Getty Images for Extra

Prior to the Duggar family losing Counting On, TLC canceled 19 Kids and Counting over a Josh Duggar scandal. In 2015, the media leaked private police records stating Josh admitted to molesting young girls in the early 2000s. The Duggars new intended to have this information reach the media, though. Jessa, Jill, Joy-Anna, and Jana Duggar then spoke to the media about how they moved on from what occurred. They also wished the information was never leaked to the public.

Josh Duggar’s wife, Anna Duggar, also had to deal with the news. She stood by Josh’s side through the 2015 scandal and through his trial in 2021. Back when the 2015 scandal broke, she noted she and Josh “worked to save” their marriage via their family website.

“For nearly the last two years, we have quietly worked to save our marriage, focus on our children, and rebuild our lives together as a family,” the couple wrote, according to USA Today.

Duggar news: The Duggar family sisters might settle their lawsuit against the police out of court

Following Josh Duggar’s trial, a few of the Duggar family sisters planned to go back to court over the leaked information that led to the 2015 scandal. The Sun reports Jill and Jessa Duggar sued the City of Springdale police department for invasion of privacy back in 2017. Joy-Anna and Jinger are also reportedly suing.

While it seemed like the Duggar women originally planned to head to court, The Sun reports recent Duggar news regarding the case. The Duggar sisters are reportedly “in talks to settle” with the police out of court. This might be preferable for the sisters, as Josh Duggar’s trial likely brought them a lot of unwanted and negative attention.

Additionally, Jana Duggar recently settled her child endangerment charge outside of court. People reports Jana paid an $880 fine after pleading guilty to the charges.

Does Josh Duggar’s family support him? He reportedly talks to a few of them from jail

A close-up of Josh Duggar of the Duggar family's face while he's speaking at a conference
Josh Duggar speaks during the 42nd annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) | Kris Connor/Getty Images
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Anna Duggar Is Taking Time Away From the Duggar Family and ‘Leaning On’ Her Side of the Family ‘More Than Ever,’ Insiders Claim

While the Duggar family sisters didn’t want the media to leak their personal information back in 2015, how do they feel about Josh Duggar now? Do they support him in jail?

A source told In Touch that the family’s divided over what the trial and guilty verdict. “[Michelle Duggar] and [Jim Bob Duggar] are trying to stay strong, praying for Josh, [Anna Duggar], and their grandkids,” the source said. “The family is rallying, but some of the kids can’t forgive their brother Josh for what he did. They’re horrified that he didn’t get help sooner.” 

In more recent Duggar news, The Sun reports Josh has talked to a few of his siblings, but not all. He reportedly hasn’t tried to reach out to Jana, Jill, Jessa, Jinger, and Joy-Anna while in jail, and they haven’t reached out to him either.

How to get help: If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 for free and confidential support.

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