Oprah Winfrey and her Harpo team reportedly knew about allegations that Josh Duggar molested young girls - including some of his sisters - back in 2006. After her team heard about it, a special about the Duggar family was cancelled.
A Harpo staffer received a tip from someone on Dec. 7, 2005 at 6:30 a.m., reports TMZ. The writer of the email claimed that Josh’s parents, Jim Bob and Michelle, covered tried to cover up the allegations.
According to InTouch’s original report on Josh’s actions, the person who wrote the email was a 61-year-old woman who was not identified.
Oprah’s staff faxed the email to a child abuse hotline. Just a few hours after the email was sent, the Arkansas State Police called Michelle Duggar, telling her that they had to interview Josh again.
The Duggar family was in Chicago to tape their appearance on Oprah’s show. However, after they received the email, Oprah’s team told the Duggars to pack their bags and go home.
InTouch reported that Jim Bob did try to get an attorney and would not let Josh speak with police. Police ended up dropping the investigation because in 2006, the statute of limitations was already up.
This was less than two years before the family’s show 19 Kids And Counting premiered. At the time, it was just 17 Kids and Counting. Since the scandal broke, TLC has pulled all episodes of 19 Kids and Counting from the schedule.
image courtesy of INFphoto.com