Josh Duggar and his parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, have responded to reports that Josh was accused of molesting five young girls while in his teens.
As reported earlier today, InTouch reported that Jim Bob turned Josh over to police in 2005 for inappropriately touching a young girl. Later today, TMZ reported that Josh was accused of molesting five girls in total, including one of his sisters.
Josh and the Duggar family remained quiet for most of the day, but they finally released a lengthy statement to People magazine.
“Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends,” Josh, who is now 27 and a father of three with a fourth on the way, told the magazine. “I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation. We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling. I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life.”
Josh then resigned from the Family Research Council. However, his family will continue to support him. In their own statement, Jim Bob and Michelle explained that the incident “caused us to seek God like never before.”
His parents went on to say that the incident brought them closer to God and hope that 19 Kids and Counting viewers can realize that they are not a perfect family.
“We hope somehow the story of our journey – the good times and the difficult times – cause you to see the kindness of God and learn that He can bring you through anything,” Jim Bob and Michelle concluded.
Josh’s wife Anna, 26, knew about the incidents two years before they became engaged. She added that Josh’s counseling has “changed his life.”
screenshot from SanVic YouTube video