Joseph Duggar’s Wife Kendra Reveals What Family Thinks of His Arrest

by

Kendra Duggar is sharing the Duggar family’s unfiltered reaction.

Before Joseph Duggar is transferred to Florida to face accusations of sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl during a family trip in 2020, his wife shared details about how his family is coping with his arrest during a phone call while he was in an Arkansas jail.

In a recording shared by TMZ on March 31st, the 27-year-old reassured 31-year-old Joseph, saying, “Remember that everyone loves you, even when they’re upset.” She added, “They love you too, so try to understand that.”

Joseph, who has four children with Kendra, acknowledged he understands why people might be disappointed, but he insists he isn’t angry or bothered by it.

On March 31st, he appeared in Florida court via video and entered a plea of not guilty to charges of lewd and lascivious behavior and unlawful sexual activity with a minor. The judge set his bail at $600,000 and ordered him to avoid any contact with the alleged victim or any children if he is released from jail.

Joseph was released from jail on bail after his court hearing, according to documents obtained by TopMob News.

Kendra is relying on her religious beliefs for support after being charged with endangering a child and unlawful imprisonment in Arkansas, following her husband’s arrest on March 18th. During a phone call with a friend from 19 Kids and Counting, she shared that she believes “God is gonna get us through this one day at a time.”

She explained that just thinking about the stairs overwhelmed her, so they’re focusing on getting through each day, and even each moment, as it comes.

While in prison, Joseph has found comfort in his faith, telling Kendra during a phone call on March 20th that he’s been reading the Bible frequently.

It’s… it’s just me and the walls, honestly. They keep me locked down 23 hours a day – my cell is tiny, like, eight by ten feet. I’ve been trying to stay busy, reading a lot, and getting some rest when I can, but honestly, sleep is a struggle. I just keep thinking about everything, replaying it all in my head. It’s… hard.

Appearing to be sympathetic toward Joseph’s arrangement, Kendra replied, “Aww.”

She replied to Joseph’s greeting, saying it was nice to hear from him, just after he’d told her it was good to hear her voice.

Besides the charges in Florida, Joseph is also accused of four counts each of putting a child at risk and unlawfully restricting someone’s freedom in his home state of Arkansas. He hasn’t yet responded to those charges in court.

TopMob News has reached out to attorneys for Joseph and Kendra for comment but hasn’t heard back.

For more of what Joseph’s family has said about his arrest, read on.

Joseph’s parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar broke their silence in a statement on March 30.

A Duggar family spokesperson told Us Weekly that Jim Bob and Michelle are deeply saddened by everything that’s happening. They are currently concentrating on supporting their family and helping Kendra and her children through this challenging period.

The spokesperson said the couple is thinking of the victim and asked for privacy during this difficult time. They are grateful for the support and prayers they’ve received.

I was absolutely floored last night when I found out about Jill’s brother, Joseph Duggar, being arrested. Honestly, I only heard about it through a text from a friend who sent me links to all the news reports. Apparently, he confessed to something awful back in 2020 – harming a young girl. It’s just… devastating. I’m completely shocked and my heart is breaking for Jill and her family. I’ve been following them for years and this is just… unbelievable.

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

I’m absolutely floored – just angry on their behalf! They got married this year, 2024, and they’re saying what Joseph did is just…unthinkable. Honestly, I can’t even wrap my head around it, and it’s making me so upset for them!

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 we’ll continue to prioritize that. It’s awful to think someone would use their power to harass innocent people.

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

Josh is keenly aware of the damage that accusations can cause,” his lawyer told the Daily Mail on March 20. “He knows firsthand how false claims can ruin someone’s life and how focusing public attention on a person can distort the truth and create a dramatic, but untrue, story.

The lawyer stated that Josh, who is currently in prison for 12 years for possessing child pornography, doesn’t communicate with his brother, Joseph, often, but wishes him well during this challenging period.

I’m just… completely devastated by everything that’s come out about my brother. Honestly, it’s heartbreaking and so disturbing. My heart aches for the person he hurt, and I’m just so incredibly sad about all the pain this has caused. This week has been awful – I’ve been a total mess, just trying to wrap my head around it all and process everything.

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 tough week trying to understand and pray about something, and it was impacting their work on the podcast.

Jinger, who relocated to Los Angeles with Jeremy in 2019, shared that this week has been incredibly difficult, saying, “I didn’t realize my heart could feel this much pain.” She added that the sadness and hurt, and the impact it’s had on others, is almost unimaginable and deeply upsetting.

“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 feeling devastated, heartbroken, and furious. They said their immediate concern was for the young victim, who should have been safe, cared for, and surrounded by trustworthy people.

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

Honestly, I’ve been saying this for years – truth and protecting kids have to come first, even if it meant really difficult conversations, even with my own family. I truly believe that just because someone is family doesn’t mean you automatically trust them, especially when children’s safety is involved. It’s just… non-negotiable for me. I just want everyone to understand that family shouldn’t shield anyone from accountability when it comes to protecting kids.

Read More

2026-04-02 00:49