Amid an exploding media circus, Josh Duggar has apologized for his “inexcusable” actions as a teen, and resigned from the Family Research Council. Will “19 Kids and Counting” survive?
Editor’s note: see update at bottom.
It’s been a whirlwind.
In Touch magazine just hours ago published a 33-page police report that reveals Josh Duggar, around the age of 14, sexually assaulted five girls, including family members, and allegedly admitted to at least one of the assaults.
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These were repeated sexual molestations, some forcible, and went unreported for months or a year, according to In Touch, which also states some were felonies, although Duggar was never prosecuted.
Moments ago, Josh Duggar gave a statement to PEOPLE magazine.
“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 told PEOPLE in his statement. “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.”
According to In Touch, Duggar’s mother admitted that despite family claims they sent their teen son Josh away for Christian counseling, instead he went to work for a summer with a family friend who builds houses.
LOOK:Â Here’s Josh Duggar Hanging With Half The GOP Presidential Candidate Field
Duggar has also resigned as executive director of Family Research Council Action, the political arm of an anti-gay hate group.
“When Josh was a young teenager, he made some very bad mistakes, and we were shocked,” Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar told PEOPLE. “We had tried to teach him right from wrong. That dark and difficult time caused us to seek God like never before.”Â
UPDATE:Â Family Research Council President Tony Perkins Responds To Josh Duggar News
“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.”
UPDATE – 05.22.15 1:40 PM EDT:
Breaking: TLC Pulls Duggars’ ’19 Kids And Counting’ From Schedule
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