Jill and Derick Dillard Are the First Duggar Family Members to Speak out Following Joseph’s Arrest
Joseph Duggar’s arrest on sex abuse charges has shocked the reality TV world. The Duggars are not strangers to scandal, as they’ve navigated several, mostly from Josh Duggar. This time around, things are different. The perpetrator is different, and the group is no longer considered a public family. That fact has led most family members to stay quiet about the arrest. In the 48 hours since the news of his arrest broke, only one Duggar family member has issued a statement. Jill and Derick Dillard shared their thoughts on their family blog and on Instagram. More statements are sure to come, though.
Why was Joseph Duggar arrested?
Joseph Duggar, 31, was arrested earlier this week on two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior. The former reality TV star stands accused of molesting a child under the age of 12 in 2020. The arrest came after the victim, now 14, revealed that during a family vacation, Joseph Duggar touched her genitals, rubbed her thighs and repeatedly tried to get her to sit on his lap. The victim was 9 years old at the time.
According to the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette, a local news outlet, the 31-year-old real estate agent admitted to his actions to both the victim’s father and a Tontitown detective. Joseph is awaiting extradition to Panama City, Florida, where the alleged incident occured. He will be charged in Florida for the crime. He is currently being held in an Arkansas jail.
Jill and Derick Dillard issued the first family statement
Jill and Derick Dillard are the first Duggar family members to address the situation head-on. A day after news broke that the former reality TV star had been arrested, the duo took to their family blog to share their thoughts. Derick and Jill expressed sadness for the victim and noted that they hope she gets the support and help she needs moving forward. They denounced Joseph’s alleged actions, noting that they believe in justice. Still, they largely chose not to reference him.
Jill and Derick, however, mentioned Kendra Caldwell and the four children she shares with Joseph. The couple noted that they love her and the kids, and that they hope she feels supported. The pair also pointed out that they learned of the charges along with the public, indicating the longstanding rift between the Dillards and the Duggars is still in full effect. Jill also shared the statement on Instagram.
While several of the Duggars remain active on Instagram and other social media platforms, no one else has issued a statement about the arrest at this time. Some family members have opted not to post to the platform at all, while others, like Jinger Vuolo, have ignored the news despite remaining active on Instagram. Now that one family member has issued a statement, we expect more to follow.
