Why Anna Duggar Likely Still Won’t Divorce Josh Duggar Following Guilty Verdict in Child Pornography Trial
Josh Duggar from the show 19 Kids and Counting has found himself in legal and personal troubles in recent years. Currently, the eldest child of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar is being held in federal jail awaiting sentencing for his child pornography conviction, for which he faces up to 20 years in prison for each count. His wife, Anna, has stood by Josh throughout his trial, signaling that she has no intentions of leaving him. Let’s take a look at the couple and what the future may hold for the couple — including why Anna Duggar probably won’t divorce Josh Duggar.
Duggar was found guilty on two counts — one of receiving child pornography and one of possessing child pornography
Duggar was featured with the rest of his fundamentalist Christian family in the reality show 19 Kids and Counting until 2015. The TLC program was discontinued around this period due to claims against Josh, including assaulting five females while he was a teenager, two of which were his own sisters.
On Dec. 9, 2021, Duggar was found guilty of receiving and possessing child pornography on one count each. For each offense, the 33-year-old faces up to 20 years in prison and penalties of $250,000.
Anna Duggar is faced with some tough decisions
Duggar’s wife Anna has stood by him since the beginning. Even when she discovered that he had used the website Ashley Madison to cheat on her, she still stood by him. Some contend that she has few other choices, as she is reportedly staying at the Duggar family compound with her seven children in tow.
It seems that, for the moment, her in-laws are willing to help her raise their children while Duggar serves his sentence. She has stated that she is going to remain married because her faith requires it, as their marriage is considered a covenant with their god. Meanwhile, others contend that she is stuck because she has few other choices to support her family.
Here’s why Anna Duggar probably won’t divorce Josh Duggar
There are several reasons to think that Anna won’t divorce Josh. Here are just a few:
- Josh’s parents have given her and the children a place to live.
- Josh’s parents can support her and her children while they wait for Josh to serve his sentence.
- The fundamentalist Christian values the Duggars follow do not allow for divorce because marriage is seen as a covenant with their god.
- Anna is deeply entrenched in the IBLP, or the Institute in Basic Life Principles, as reported by Radar Online. The organization has come under fire recently due to indiscretions reported by girls who have suffered abuse at the hands of counselors.
- Anna has no formal education or job experience to support her large family on her own.
- She has reportedly stated that she views divorce as a last resort.
Redditors have voiced their opinions on the matter. One Redditor offered an alternative: “Three words: Tell All Book. Find a good enough lawyer to throw out the NDA. Or her rich sister helps.”
Another commented, “I hate to say it, but Anna will be his ‘dutiful wife’ and be by his side while he is in prison. He will have a miraculous ‘come to Jesus’ moment in jail that she will use as an excuse for why she stayed. [Jim Bob] and [Michelle] will take her in and ensure she remains faithful and committed to their little criminal and Anna will be there for him when he gets out.”
Anna has some tough decisions to make in the coming weeks and months. Given her choices and her faith, the most likely scenario is that she will continue to live with her in-laws and they will support her.
However, she could always turn the tables and go for the tell-all book like a Redditor suggested. If she decides to go this route, there is no telling what details could be uncovered about the Duggar family — and it could possibly end in divorce for Josh and Anna Duggar.
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.
