Sara McGinnis
posted in CelebritiesJosh Duggar is opening up to speak for himself as it surfaces he was accused of molesting five underage girls as a teen.
In a statement to People the 19 Kids and Counting reality star, who is currently expecting his fourth child with wife Anna, said Thursday:
"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. 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. I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life."
In response to the incidents coming to light Josh has resigned from his position at the Family Research Council.
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar are standing by their son's side, with this to say on the matter:
"Back 12 years ago our family went through one of the most difficult times of our lives. When Josh was a young teenager, he made some very bad mistakes, and we were shocked. We had tried to teach him right from wrong. That dark and difficult time caused us to seek God like never before.
Even though we would never choose to go through something so terrible, each one of our family members drew closer to God. We pray that as people watch our lives they see that we are not a perfect family. We have challenges and struggles every day. It is one of the reasons we treasure our faith so much because God's kindness and goodness and forgiveness are extended to us – even though we are so undeserving. We hope somehow the story of our journey – the good times and the difficult times – cause you to see the kindness of God and learn that He can bring you through anything."
If you're like me, you're probably wondering when Anna first found out. According to her, he told her about what happened when he was 15 two years before he proposed.
"I can imagine the shock many of you are going through reading this. I remember feeling that same shock," she explained. "When my family and I first visited the Duggar home, Josh shared his past teenage mistakes. I was surprised at his openness and humility and at the same time didn't know why he was sharing it. For Josh, he wanted not just me but my parents to know who he really was – even every difficult past mistakes."
For his part, Josh also shard, "I would do anything to go back to those teen years and take different actions. I sought forgiveness from those I had wronged and asked Christ to forgive me and come into my life. In my life today, I am so very thankful for God's grace, mercy and redemption."
To be perfectly honest, I'm completely shocked by this whole thing. I saw the reports start to fly yesterday (some claim the abused are his younger sisters) but didn't pay them much mind. Today I'm surprised not only that they're true, but that the family is owning up to them completely.
My stomach hurts for them all. It hurts for Michelle and Jim Bob, for the girls who were molested, for Anna, for their children, and even for Josh. I can't even imagine what it is like for any of these people, who say they worked hard to move on years ago, having this brought into the public eye. Already the comments are flying in across the web, calling the entire family disgusting and irresponsible for not having taught their children more about sex, and some even suggesting Josh's children be taken away. And, of course, many feel TLC ought to cancel 19 Kids and Counting.
What (if anything) do you think should happen in response to Josh Duggar's past coming to light?
Photos: REX USA
More Duggar family stories that have made headlines over the years:
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