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Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar of 19 Kids and Counting are speaking out for the first time since their son Joseph Duggar was arrested. The couple is “heartbroken” about the accusations against their seventh child, an insider says.

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar are ‘focused on loving their family’ amid latest scandal

On March 18, Joseph, 31, was arrested on suspicion of molesting a 9-year-old girl in Florida in 2020. Two days later, authorities in Arkansas charged him, as well as his wife, Kendra Duggar, 27, with multiple counts of child endangerment and false imprisonment. 

“Jim Bob and Michelle are heartbroken over this entire situation. Right now, they are focused on loving their family and helping Kendra and her children during this difficult time,” a spokesperson for the former TLC stars said in a statement shared with Page Six on March 30.

“They are praying for the victim. They ask for privacy and appreciate the kind words and prayers offered by so many,” the statement continued. 

Jill Duggar reacts to her brother’s arrest

Jim Bob and Michelle’s statement comes after other members of their family spoke out about Joseph’s arrest. 

On March 19, Joseph’s elder sister Jill Duggar Dillard reacted to the accusations against her brother. The former Counting On star, who is estranged from some members of her family, said she and her husband, Derrick Dillard, learned of Joseph’s alleged crimes via a text from a friend.

That friend “messaged us about the recent media reports of Joseph’s arrest and his alleged confession to molesting a juvenile female in 2020,” the couple wrote in a blog post on their website, adding that they were “shocked and heartbroken” by the news.

“We strongly condemn abuse,” their statement continued. “We support the rule of law and hope that justice will be achieved. Our hearts go out to the innocent juvenile victim of this unspeakable crime and her family.”

Jill has identified herself as one of the victims of her older brother Josh Duggar’s sexual abuse. In her book, Counting the Cost, she opened up about feeling pressured by her parents to publicly forgive her brother when his actions became public knowledge in 2015. Josh was later sentenced to 12 years in prison for possessing child sexual abuse material. 

Other Duggar family members condemn Joseph Duggar

Jinger Duggar Vuolo also addressed Joseph’s arrest. She spoke out in the March 25 episode of The Jinger & Jeremy Podcast. 

“I did not think my heart could break like it has this week,” she said. “The pain and heartbreak that we’ve had over this and just thinking of how it’s affected so many. It’s just unthinkable. It’s so hard and painful on many levels.”

In a post on her Instagram Story, Joy-Anna Duggar Forsyth said the allegations against her brother were “heartbreaking and deeply disturbing. 

Jason Duggar and his wife Maddie Duggar said they were “disgusted” to hear of Joseph’s arrest. 

“Our hearts are burdened because a child’s life has been turned upside down due to evil actions of someone who should have never hurt the vulnerable,” they wrote on Instagram.

“We are angered by what has happened, and we pray God’s righteous hand and the court system will serve justice in this situation as deserved,” the couple added. 

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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