Josh Duggar Just Lost a Lawsuit Against the Tabloid that Broke the Story of His Underage Molestation of 5 Girls

First Amendment Right to Publish

Two years ago TLC cancelled one of its top hit shows, “19 Kids and Counting,” after reports broke about the reality TV family’s eldest son having molested five girls, including several of his young sisters, when he was 14 or 15 years old.

Josh Duggar sued Arkansas officials who had released police reports to In Touch magazine. He just lost his case against the officials. He and his sisters also sued In Touch Weekly, which broke the news of his actions. That case also was dismissed.

“A federal judge dismissed virtually all of Josh Duggar’s claims against Springdale and Washington County officials who released decade-old, redacted police investigative reports about Duggar molesting four of his sisters to a celebrity magazine that published the information,” Arkansas Online reports.

Citing the First Amendment, U.S. District Judge Tim Brooks dismissed most of Duggar’s case against the tabloid, and the case filed by and with his sisters, saying In Touch did not publish false information.

LOOK: Jessa Duggar Wants You All To Know You’re Probably Going To Hell

Last month Josh Duggar was sued by the man whose photo Dugger allegedly used as his own on on at least one of his paid accounts at Ashley Madison, the “dating” website for those interested in extra-marital affairs. Salon reports Duggar “is being sued by Los Angles-based D.J. Matthew McCarthy, who claims Duggar used his image to solicit sex online.” Duggar reportedly also used McCarthy’s photo at OKCupid.

Dugger had those accounts while working as the head of FRC Action, a job for which he had zero relevant experience but did offer name-recognition among FRC’s anti-gay base.

Not only did the Duggars lose their TV show after news broke of Josh’s actions, Duggar lost his job at Family Research Council Action, the political arm of the anti-gay hate group FRC. One branding expert estimated the Duggars could be losing $25 million a year as a result of Josh’s actions.

President Donald Trump spoke at an FRC convention this past Friday.

Josh Duggar apologized for cheating, blaming Satan and a porn addiction.

RELATED STORIES:

What’s ‘Quiverfull’ And What You Need To Know About The Duggars And Fundamental Christian Beliefs

Josh Duggar’s Dad, Running For US Senate, Said Rape And Incest Should Be Punishable By Death

Watch: Dan Savage Blasts Duggars For ‘Demonizing’ LGBT People While Covering Up For Their Son

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Hat tip: Raw Story

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