TLC Cancels ’19 Kids and Counting,’ Duggars: ‘It’s Not a Show, It’s Our Lives’
TLC officially announced that 19 Kids and Counting will no longer appear on air in the wake of Josh Duggar’s molestation scandal.
You know the story: A recently-resurfaced police report from 2006 reveled that Josh — now married and expecting his fourth child — molested six people as a young teen. Four of the victims were his sisters, but only two have been publicly revealed: new mom Jill Dillard and mom-to-be Jessa Seewald.
“Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends,” Josh said in his May 21 statement to PEOPLE. “I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation. We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling.”
His parents, Jim Bob and Michelle, have been criticized for not actually sending him a professional, but to a friend’s home remodeling business in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he did physical labor. Jill and Jessa insist they’ve long moved on and have forgiven their brother.
In light of the show’s cancellation, Jim Bob and Michelle released a lengthy statement, expressing thankfulness for their nine seasons on the show.
“We are so thankful for our film crew that has shown up at our house for over a decade. They have become like family to us. They have invested their time and energy into our lives and have been so loving and patient. We love and appreciate them so much! […] It is our prayer that the painful situation our family went through many years ago can point people toward faith in God and help others who also have lived through similar dark situations to find help, hope and healing, as well.”
So, the real question for Bumpies: If you’re still interested in the family, how will you get your Duggar baby fix without a weekly show? We’re used to Jill’s son Israel stealing the spotlight (and were anticipating that Jessa’s baby-to-be would do the same). Both ladies have been keeping their fans updated on Instagram. Here’s what you’ve missed since the scandal broke in May:
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