The "19 Kids and Counting" brood have been weathering scandals since the day news broke that Josh Duggar inappropriately touched young girls - of which, two are her sisters Jill Duggar Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald. When word got out that the Duggar patriarch, Jim Bob Duggar, knew of the incidents and failed to respond accordingly, all hell broke loose for the "19 Kids and Counting" clan. This prompted TLC, the network that was airing "19 Kids and Counting" at that time, to first suspend then altogether cancel the family show.
With the upcoming documentary that saw the collaboration of the Duggar family with TLC, titled "Breaking the Silence," the issue appeared to have eased and the public started to once again appreciate the "19 Kids and Counting" brood. In the recent turn of events, however, it looks like the worst is far from over as the Ashley Madison hacking scandal revealed that Josh signed for the site twice - even praying an additional fee as guarantee that he will have an affair within three months or he gets his money back.
In response to the scandal, Josh admitted his mistakes and is now reportedly checked in a rehab facility, according to Radar Online.
"We are so thankful for the outpouring of love, care and prayers for our family during this most difficult situation with Josh," wrote Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar in an official statement. The "19 Kids and Counting" heads went on to share, "As parents we are so deeply grieved by our son's decisions and actions. His wrong choices have deeply hurt his precious wife and children and have negatively affected so many others. He has also brought great insult to the values and faith we hold dear."
Jim Bob and Michelle then went on to disclose that Josh took the latest issue seriously and decided to check himself into a long-term treatment facility. His parents shared that the their son, a father of four himself, will trek a "long journey toward wholeness and recovery."
"We pray that in this he comes to complete repentance and sincere change," Jim Bob and Michelle wrote. They went on to state, "In the meantime, we will be offering our love, care and devoted support to Anna and our grandchildren as she also receives counsel and help for her own heart and future. During this time we continue to look to God-He is our rock and comfort. We ask for your continued prayers for our entire family."
Meanwhile, Us Weekly reports that a mom from Georgia, named Jessica Kirkland, issued a public letter addressed to those bashing the "19 Kids and Counting" clan. She shared that while everyone is now shaking their heads due to this latest scandal involving the first born child of the Duggars, one person remains virtually in the background: Anna Duggar.
"Let me tell you: Anna Duggar is in the worst position she could possibly be in right now," wrote Kirkland in her Facebook page. The Georgia mom went on to say, "Anna Duggar was crippled by her parents by receiving no education, having no work experience (or life experience, for that matter) and then was shackled to this loser because his family was famous in their religious circle. Anna Duggar was taught that her sole purpose in life, the most meaningful thing she could do, was to be chaste and proper, a devout wife, and a mother." As of this writing, the Facebook post of Kirkland is no longer available. You can check out her entire letter here.
