Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar Break Silence on Joseph Duggar’s Arrest

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Content warning: This story discusses child sexual abuse.

Jim Bob Duggarand Michelle Duggar are once again living a parent’s nightmare.

Just under two weeks after the arrest of their son, Joseph Duggar, on accusations of child molestation, representatives for the family featured in 19 Kids and Counting have released a statement. They say they are supporting Joseph’s wife, Kendra Duggar, and their four children through this challenging situation.

A representative for the Duggar family shared that Jim Bob and Michelle are deeply saddened by everything that has happened. They are currently concentrating on supporting their family and Kendra and her children through this challenging period, and are keeping the victim in their thoughts and prayers. They have asked for privacy and expressed gratitude for the support and prayers they’ve received.

TopMob News has reached out to reps for the Duggars for additional comment but has not heard back. 

I can’t believe this about Joseph! I’ve been watching him on TV for years, and it’s just… devastating. Apparently, he was arrested in Arkansas on March 18th. The details are horrific – they say he did something awful to a little girl back in 2020 when her family was on vacation in Florida. She was only nine years old then! Now, she’s 14, and she bravely came forward to the police. She told them about multiple incidents, and it all points to Joseph. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office in Florida is involved, and honestly, it’s just sickening. I’m completely heartbroken and disgusted to hear this.

According to a statement from the department, the victim said Duggar repeatedly asked her to sit on his lap. Throughout the vacation, he also asked her to sit close to him on the couch and covered them with a blanket. During these instances, Duggar inappropriately touched her and grazed her genital area, and he continued to rub her thighs.

I’ve been tracking everything about him, and it’s insane! They were getting ready to send him to Florida, but then I saw online – the Washington County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to People magazine on March 27th that he’s gone. Like, he’s not in their custody anymore! I can’t believe it… where could he be?!

Kendra was arrested and then released on March 20th, and faces charges of endangering a child and unlawful imprisonment, according to records obtained by TopMob News. Police in Tontitown, Arkansas, say Joseph is also facing the same charges.

The 27-year-old is due in court April 29. 

Following the surprising arrests, several of Joseph’s relatives have publicly criticized him.

Jinger Duggar Vuolo shared on the March 25th episode of The Jinger & Jeremy Podcast that she felt immense heartbreak this week. She described the pain as devastating, not only for herself but also considering how many others it has impacted, calling the situation incredibly difficult and painful.

Jill Duggar Dillard and her husband, Derick Dillard, expressed their shock and sadness upon hearing the news. This comes almost five years after Jill’s older brother, Josh Duggar, received a 12-year prison sentence for possessing child pornography.

In a blog post on March 19th, they expressed their support for the legal process and hope for a just outcome. They also shared their deep sympathy for the young victim of this terrible crime and her family, offering prayers for her strength, comfort, and access to the support she needs.

For a look at what more family members shared about the incident, keep reading.

On March 19th, we were surprised and upset to hear about the arrest of Jill’s brother, Joseph Duggar. We found out through a friend who sent us a text about news reports claiming he confessed to harming a young girl in 2020. We are both shocked and deeply saddened by this news.

Derick and Jill, who publicly shared their experiences with the family in the 2023 book Counting the Cost, stated they firmly denounce abuse.

The couple, married this year, expressed their outrage at the actions of Joseph, his brother, calling them shocking and unacceptable.

Jason and Maddie shared a statement on Instagram on March 26th, saying they were devastated and deeply saddened by recent news. While personally affected, they emphasized their heartbreak for the child whose life has been disrupted by these harmful actions, stating that someone should never harm the vulnerable.

Maddie and I have always cared deeply about protecting those who are vulnerable, and that will never change,” their statement continued. “The idea that someone would misuse their power to harass others is truly disgusting.

The community requested prayers for the victim, described as brave, and for Joseph’s family. They noted the heartbreaking impact on his children, who will now grow up without the guidance of a father who should have been a strong spiritual influence in their lives.

Josh is keenly aware of the damage that accusations can cause, his lawyer explained to the Daily Mail on March 20th. He personally understands how false claims can ruin someone’s life and how focusing public attention on a person can distort the truth and create a misleading story.

The lawyer stated that Josh, who is currently serving a 12-year sentence for child pornography, doesn’t communicate with his brother, Joseph, often, but wishes him well during this challenging period.

Joy-Anna shared on Instagram on March 26th that she’s devastated by the recent news about her brother. She expressed her sympathy for the victim and said she’s been deeply upset and taking time to cope with the situation.

She added, “I will be taking some much-needed time with my family.”

On the March 25th episode of The Jinger & Jeremy Podcast, Jeremy shared that they had a challenging week as they worked through and prayed about something.

Jinger, who relocated to Los Angeles with Jeremy in 2019, shared that this week has been incredibly difficult. She said her heart was broken, and she’s deeply saddened by the pain and impact this situation has had on so many people, finding it almost impossible to process.

“It’s incredibly difficult,” she said. “In times like these, all you can do is pray for strength and support, because you can’t possibly prepare for news like this.”

In a statement to People magazine on March 20, Joseph’s cousin expressed profound sadness, anger, and disgust. They said their primary concern was for the young victim, who should have been secure, cared for, and surrounded by trustworthy individuals.

Amy explained she was “utterly shocked to hear about these allegations and Joseph’s arrest.”

I’ve always believed in honesty, taking responsibility for your actions, and keeping kids safe, even if it meant disagreeing with my own family. Just because someone is family doesn’t mean they should automatically be trusted or given access, particularly when children’s well-being is at stake.

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2026-03-31 01:17