Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Duggars Speak Out

This evening, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar joined Megyn Kelly on Fox New to share the facts about the difficult situation the family walked through more than 12 years ago. Based on the interview, it is clear that the media has grossly misrepresented the situation.

For those of you who were unable to watch, video clips are available via Fox News Insider. The first segment is embedded below, and the links to each additional segment are in blue. (Note: This interview covers mature content that is not suitable for all ages.)

Clip 1: Megyn Kelly asks the Duggars if their Christian beliefs made them a target



Clip 2: Why did the Duggars agree to do a TV show given their family's past?

Clip 3: How did Jim Bob and Michelle choose the officer to whom they surrendered their son?

Clip 4: Did the Duggars feel that they were having to protect their daughters at the expense of their son?

Clip 5: The Duggars discuss their young daughter who was victimized

Clip 6: The Duggars share their reaction to Josh's confession

Clip 7: Jim Bob and Michelle reveal how they learned about Josh's actions

Video courtesy of Fox News Insider

109 comments:

  1. Hello, I feel bad for the family because you dealt with this already many years ago and it is being rehashed again. I'm sure it is bringing up a lot of emotions for your family and Josh's family. I can't imagine being publicly persecuted for something I did when I was 14. I don't think this is fair and I think if people really cared they would just leave all of you alone to work through this privately as a family.

    God bless,

    Stephanie

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    1. I agree....this is unfair and ridiculous

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    2. Pamela NesselrotteJune 4, 2015 at 7:27 PM

      Everybody needs to leave this family alone. This was happened many many years ago, everybody has sinned for one thing or another. I personal enjoy this show I watch it with my grandkids. Everybody needs to Quit judging this family.

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    3. I totally agree leave this family alone stop attacking them diggers you are in my prayers GOD will see you through.

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    4. This is so unfair to do this to the duggers GOD is in their side I pray that Anna is OK and jessa does not need this stress and bless Jill's heart leave them along.satin I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.

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  2. I started to cry when I sall Jill, poor girls!!! Good interview the only thing I didn't see was a fierce protective element by Jim Bob towards his girls however they conducted themselves well and I believe they were honest.

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  3. I totally support the Duggar's hard decision's they made. I would have done the same.
    So many hateful people, I've been shocked by how vicious people can be.

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  4. I hope their show is cancelled and there are no spin-offs. This family needs intensive therapy. They need help in coming to terms with the realities of sex abuse. There is no agenda; this is a matter of taking care of people.

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    1. That's where I stand on the issue. The family needs help for mental and emotional stability. Its as simple as that. I don't care about anything else.

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    2. I believe they stated those involved did get therapy...why would they rehash this again?

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    3. How often do you think sexual abuse happens? You want to comment on the hippocracy of how their lifestyle resulted in this situation. Guess what? It happens every day. It happens to good families just as much as it does to neglectful families. Every hater has only heard the parts of this scandal that they want to hear. I heard the part about every child getting professional counseling. For many years, I was a child protective services worker. I WOULD HAVE DONE NOTHING DIFFERENTLY THAN THE DUGGARS. The system often fails children, sometimes inadvertently and sometimes maliciously as in this case. I have a complete understanding of the long term effects of sexual abuse. I also understand how re-victimizing a victim 12 years later is just as, if not more detrimental, than the initial abuse. I realize that nothing in this reply will make one difference in changing your mind that even good parents make mistakes. You have joined the witch hunt who's only intent is to destroy this family's image. Nothing good could ever come of this. I do not excuse the behavior of Josh. It was wrong. But it also does not excuse the fact that this "scandal" will only result in victims failing to report abuse out of fear of public humiliation.

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    4. So glad you wrote this as you have worked in what Va call CPS, in what state you live in. Thank you for speaking up as a professional. I would love to see this fAmily continue to show correct way to handle this type agenda for other families walking through their same issues

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    5. And please go to pages of mainstream news and Discovery to offer your comments.

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  5. I feel so very sorry for the whole Duggar family, I love you all! Michelle, for what it is worth, you look lovely!

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  6. Thank you for posting the links

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  7. What about the underage girl that Josh touched who was spending the night on the couch? Did she wake up? Did the Duggars ever tell her parents when Josh finally confessed about touching her?

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    1. In the interview, they said she did not know but they told her.

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    2. I'm so sorry for your family . I really hope we will see your family back on TLC or I will take TLC off..

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    3. In the interview, they said Josh himself called and told her what he did. She didn't know either.

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  8. How can we support the family??? Is there somewhere to send a card to show support?

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  9. Hang in there, Duggar family! I am grateful for Megan Kelly, that she was kind enough to give you a voice. Now is the time for healing and investigating why this report was released. There had to be a reason. Please beware of the backlash that is sure to come. Remember what I said about Matthew 7:6. We will continue to fight for you. Your sister in Christ, Joyce Anglin Miller

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  10. Lily and Ellie,
    Will you be posting a recap of the interview? My heart is hurting for them. I'm fearful that this interview will be nothing but more attacks and I don't want to watch them go through that.

    Thanks ladies!

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  11. My heart is hurting for them too. All emotions aside, let's write Jim Bob and Michelle to seek justice.

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  12. I agree with Michelle, please stop making these girls relive the horrible things that happened.

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  13. I feel like the Duggar family did what they thought was best. The parents had to be parents of both victims and the abuser. Thats a hard role to play. But josh came forward and wanted help and wanted to be held accountable. That doesn't sound like a child moslester to me. I think that the person who broke the law ,by giving the private records to the public ,should be held accountable and spend time in jail. The Diggars did everything they were suppose to. Now, on the other hand as a victim of molestation and know many other wemon who have been sexually abused , I understand why people don't want to see josh on TV. Is it right to compare josh to other sex abusers in the world? No! Its not ! but its the world we live in and that's just the way it is. I think this family did everything right and hope this family finds peace and happiness and god bless them and the journey they are in.

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  14. Wonderful honest interview!

    The focus needs to be on the wrongdoing of releasing the police records! Our minors needs to be protect!

    Michelle and Jim Bob have shown once again how to correctly parent a child. Most would have swept this under the rug. The handled the situation perfectly taking him and the victims to counseling and then taking him to the authorities to show him how these actions will distory his life and others.

    I hope TLC does not cancel the show!
    Praying for you all!

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  15. Our question still remains - many reports have said that one of the daughters went to her Dad and told him what had happened - Jim Bob & Michelle say the girls never knew - which is it ???? That really makes a difference to us. If the girls never knew, the police report shows that the girls pointed to the areas on the body where they were touched - if they were asleep, how did they know?

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  16. The show should come back. The people that let the information out should pay for what the family is going through

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  17. @Anonymous
    So you mean that you would scandalize your own child in public when it does something like this?

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  18. I thought the interview was great and really cleared up a lot of the lies that have been spread, but main stream media and the left in general are still out for blood...apparently truth never really mattered...sigh.
    Love the Duggars!

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  19. @Anonymous
    She didn't know it until Josh asked her for forgiveness about his actions.

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  20. By being a victim of sexual abuse growing up my an older brother. it wouldn't have happened as long as it did if my parents were there for me.. And knowing my parents were there for me would have made a big difference in my life today. Unfortunately this is out and shouldn't be because they did the right thing by getting all of them help. But if this can help other kids to see that it's wrong and they can get help then in the end the family will be helping others. Not in a way they thought but if they are true Christians there beliefs will get them though. Stay strong God will be there for you.

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  21. This is a blatant attack on the Duggars for their beliefs and ideals. Noone else's name is smeared through the news and tabloids except their's. No other victims' names have been released! WHY???? Because this is an attack on a Christain family!!! If it were anyone else, it would be old news or never even make it to mainstream media! I hope the Duggar's find out who released these SEALED RECORDS and not only file criminal charges but file a civil suit against them for revictimizing ALL the females involved! In addition I pray that person and or institution is publicly named and shamed without mercy! Am I angry, heck yes I am! What happened is a horrific tragedy. But what is happening now to these girls and their families is INEXCUSABLE and UNFORGIVABLE!!!

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    1. I agree. Praying for their whole family.

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    2. Praying for justice and that the Duggars file legal action against those who are responsible for the law being broken.

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  22. I can say, as a victim of being inappropriately touched as a child by a family member, I completely admire the actions of the parents. When it happened to me, my parents did something about it, what they thought was right, however, the person who did it to me, never was honest and admitted his wrongdoing. So I think it goes to show something for Josh's character as a person that he was honest about it and willing to make amends and apologies to those who he wronged. I think that counseling was the right choice, as I got counseling as well, and it did help me as I grew up to realize that people do make mistakes, and mistakes they acknowledge as wrong-repent and never make the same mistake again. I admire the courage that the family has with dealing with this situation. I am truly grateful that my situation 30 years ago never came out in the public like this. The person/persons responsible for leaking sealed documents should be prosecuted-because, not to hide this, but to protect the victims! As a victim myself, i am shocked that someone would do that. I will continue to pray for the family and for Josh as well.

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  23. so sorry the Duggars are going through such a intensely hard time- praying for them right now that God will comfort and help them during this trial

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  24. I know a lot has been said about the leaking files. But, whether they sue or not, the information is still out there unfortunately. It's not going to change anything.

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  25. @Anonymous they may knew but not understand the true difference of inappropriate touching. So, it yook mom to dp some explaining. Which is understable

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  26. Hang in there, Duggars! We're praying for you. I am positive there is agenda. If it were ANYONE else that wasn't conservative Christian, people wouldn't even bat an eye. But I understand that the devil doesn't rest. Keeping you in my prayers, God bless you. You guys have been an incredible inspiration in my life.

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  27. Actually, things are not clear cut here. Yes, they are definitely being attacked so strongly for their Conservative views, that is100% true. Those same attackers would give the Kennedy's and Clinton secrets a pass. And, the records should not have been released, and they WILL get a large financial settlement from the State for that illegal release of records. BUT, on the other hand, it is far from clear if both Josh got adequate, prolonged counseling from licensed therapists. This question was asked but the answer was hazy and has never been verified at all, in fact this was the first time they ever said he got counseling other than that original "training center" he was sent to for 3 months. Anyone knowing anything about molestors knows that it is very rare for them to just stop and not to repeat, and in fact we don't know if he ever repeated, since as they get older they are less likely to tell, as fear of punishment sets in. That is why they are put on watch lists, because they often repeat, especially when they know they won't be caught. I understand he was under legal age, but that does not take away from the fact that he was a teenager, there was a big age difference between him and the victims which is one of the criteria, and he did it serially, also not a good sign. Also, Jim bob at one point said, "and then some other things happened", which Megyn never followed up on, so there were more than Five times that they say, in fact he was caught almost repeating it outside the bedroom at night, so that was another attempt. But what bothers me most of all is what I consider dishonest by omission - Jim Bob and Michelle NEVER said that they use corporal punishment, that they Both hit the kids with rods as punishments. They said they use time outs, and soft voices with eye contact, and many times they said they never raise their voice to their kids. So we were misled into thinking these kids were perfect angels, so well behaved, that they were perfect parents. This was a misleading notion. That really bothers me, and Michelle Duggar should speak out and admit to how she misled us about the family's perfection and discipline methods.

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  28. hes a child molester. he touched girls in appropriately. priest have been prosocuited years latter whats the difference?

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  29. The fact that so many are so willing to overlook these sexual assaults is beyond belief. People are saying that this is a private family matter. Untrue. Sexual molestation is a crime and it should have been reported Day 1. You simply can't expose your family to millions of television viewers and still have an expectation of privacy. You certainly can't demonize other people who are living a different lifestyle that is within the law. When you start throwing stones at others, don't be surprised when they pick them up and throw them back. Other than downplaying the harm caused by sexual abuse, the worst is accusing innocent people of being pedophiles while you knowingly harbor one in your own home... totally reprehensible. I don't really expect this to be posted, but it still needs to be said.

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  30. I am thankful for this Godly family that shows that christians are normal people who go thru all kinds of situations, I know that God will turn this around for the good. They are the most truthful people and they will be just fine in the future. I do feel like the one's that leaked the info should be the one's that are dealt with, if not then no minor is safe with their reacords being kept confidential. The duggars are not the problem the one's trying to hurt them are.

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  31. I'm so glad you came out with your side of the story. There were a lot of news articles that had misrepresented the truth. You were very honest and open and it showed your true hearts sincerely trying to serve God. It was a very hard situation to go through and unfortunately the media has a hard time letting it settle. They love to smear Christians as a sport. I think you made the best decisions at the time and I pray you all can come through this suffering stronger people.

    I went through a difficult time with my oldest son (of 6) with drug addiction. It was a 5 year nightmare, and it is true that everyone is responsible for their own actions. I can't stand how people out there are vilifying your entire family. We don't realize how suffering is a gift that the world doesn't understand. We get a little splinter of that cross and Jesus is molding us into perfection. May Our Lord continue to bless your entire family, and give you His grace and peace

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  32. I agree...this is unfair and ridiculous.

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  33. I applaud the Duggars. Every family is going to have struggles, things to deal with. Sometimes things that we surely would never have thought would happen because we want to do what is right. But they happen anyway. At that time, we have to deal with it with the wisdom only God provides and let Him direct our paths. It looks to me that is what they did in this situation. May God give them exactly what they need to get through this trial. Do we only have programs about people who don't have problems or do we realize that we live in a time of forgiveness and healing when mistakes have been made. The goal in every situation I think is to show how to deal with problems and show how we can come out of them wholesome and healthy.

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  34. I am so very deeply sorry for the pain that has been caused to your family. This was in the past and should never have come up again. I am thankful I have many of the seasons on DVD....praying for you all and believing God will bring good out of this somehow.

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  35. I agree completely...they are honest, beautiful people.

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  36. @Anonymous
    The interview was surprisingly respectful. I thought Meghan Kelly was going to wipe the floor with them, but she was very even-handed. She asked some questions about what their critics say about the situation, but this wasn't a "gotcha" piece at all. Feel free to watch.

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  37. Since I have never been in this position before, I cannot speak to what they should've done. However, I would ask, "If this had been someone outside of the family that did this to your girls, would you still feel the same"? If one of Josh's friends (someone in their early teens) spent the night occasionally and did this, would the response have been the same? Not say anything for a year, recommend that the boy be sent to do physical labor, etc.? I don't think so. As a mom of a girl, if anyone touched my girl inappropriately (on top of clothes or not), I would horrified!! And if my son confessed to having done this, I would also be horrified. How many men do you hear about that have issues with pornography because of something they were exposed to as a child? The Duggars need to get off the camera and deal with this so that these girls can start healing again.

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  38. Grossly misrepresented? Have you seen Twitter remarks today? Have you heard the psychologist on the Fox News channel? The interview was a complete joke for the Duggars! Jim Bob kept telling us which attacks were outside the clothes and which attacks were underneath the clothes. Jim Bob kept telling us which attacks were made when the children were asleep and which attacks were made when the children were awake. Like that makes a difference! A sexual attack is a sexual attack is a sexual attack! The psychologist shook his head at what huge denial the Duggars are in! And so is whoever wrote the above!

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  39. I teared up during the preview of Jessa and Jill's interview as well. That's been my objection to this whole thing - nobody has the right to "out" these girls as victims just to get their hands on Josh, like they don't matter. Horrible. My heart goes out to them, and I'm praying for you all. A lot of families suffer through this without it being made so embarrassingly public. I would guess that most of the people calling for Duggar blood never watched the show to begin with. Hang in there!

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  40. I agree. I could not have said it better. In a world like he was, where else would he have searched for answers. I remember my first kiss Tommy in second grade. Praying for you all , the media and the person who released these records. They are the ones who broke the law just to hurt this family

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  41. My heart just goes out for the Duggar family and I just pray that the Lord will strengthen them in this time. I do believe that it is an attack against their faith and their testimony as a family however at the same time, Paul also went through persecution and so shall we all. 2 Tim. 3: 11-12 "Such persecutions I bore, and out of them all the Lord delivered me. And indeed all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." It is without a doubt that the show has encouraged so many people and been such a testimony and expression of Christ. Which at the same time upsets satan. However, we know that all things work out together for good to those who love God. Duggar family, I pray that the Lord will strengthen you into your inner man and that the Lord will supply you with grace in this time of help. ( Heb. 4:16). I again just want to emphasis the encouragement I have received from watching your show, encouraging me to live a life that expresses the life of God. Much grace to the Duggar Family.

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  42. This is not going to be a popular statement but I believe it wholeheartedly. If Michelle and Jim Bob would not be so worried about making the next baby, they may have known what was going on in their house

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  43. There wasn't anything honest about that interview. Shame on them for not protecting their daughters! They allowed the molestation to continue after their son confessed to inappropriately touching the first two victims. Obviously they didn't safeguard their children or guests in their home, as well as they should have.

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  44. Okay, I know many will disagree with my comments but here is my take. What Josh did was absolutely wrong. But how many adults can honestly say that they were NEVER interested in the anatomy of the opposite sex. Given the fact that these kids lead such shelter lives it was bound to happen. I don't feel you can honestly call him a child molester I don't believe he knew what he was doing. Remember these kids didn't even watch television at this time, their exposure to the internet was controlled. So knowing all of this I believe the parents acted appropriately in the best interest at the time. Let's face it, what parent would just their 14 year old child directly to law enforce officials without trying to handle the situation in-house. So thankful that we serve a Forgiving, merciful, and loving Lord. And when we ask for forgiveness He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins. There are many lessons to be learned from this incident.

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  45. Thanks for sharing these clips as I don't have ready access to television. I am impressed with how the interview went and how Kelly allowed the Duggars to share the truth and their heart. The Duggars did a great job answering the questions. I can only imagine how difficult that had to be. I am praying for the whole family and praying and trusting that God will use this terrible situation for good.

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  46. To the Duggar Family:
    Do not look forward to the trials and crosses of this life with dread and fear. Rather, look to them with' full confidence that, as they arise, God, to whom you belong, will deliver you from them.
    He has guided and guarded you thus far in life. Do you but hold fast to His dear hand, and he will
    lead you safely through all trials. Whenever you cannot stand, He will carry you lovingly in His arms.
    Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow. The same Eternal Father who cares for you today will take good care of you tomorrow and everyday of your life. Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you the unfailing strength to bear it.
    Be at peace then and put aside all useless thoughts, vain dreads, and anxious imaginations.
    Completely trusting in God,
    St. Francis de Sales.

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  47. Me and my sister suffered molestation by an older brother (all minors at the time). My parents punished him when we finally got the courage to speak up. We never received counseling, he was never taken to the police. This was a family secret. This thing went on for 5 years. Eventually my brother got meds and psychological treatment for other issues like skitzophrenia... it is a long story. My point being is that in my opinion the Duggar parents did the best they could. They all were restored: victims and perpetrator. So I'm glad in the Lord for it.
    In my case there were years of resentment and unforgiveness. Thankfully God brought me to a place where I asked God forgiveness for not forgiving. I saw myself as a sinner (not related to the abuse, i know it was not my fault), deserving he'll just as much as my abuser. That moment was a God given time where I truly forgave and truly was free from the pain of being abused.
    Sorry for the long post. I hope all the sexual abuse victims/abusers find forgiveness in Christ. And the healing only He can bring.

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  48. This is a classic case of the media hyping it all up! Anyone can see these are good people. Time to bunker down and weather the storm. Thank goodness they have a strong family unit to get them through this difficult time.

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  49. Great interview. I feel for the whole family.

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  50. I'm sorry, but what 14 year old boy comes to his parents in tears? I find that hard to believe. I thought Josh's dad caught him coming out of the girl's bedroom. Are the Duggars changing their story now?

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  51. I Feel Bad for entried Whole Duggars Family & I support Them & Praying for all of You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What Josh did in Past Stay there in past & Don't judge by the cover People try to understand THem this is very diffcult & very painful now it has open rewouds Let the tabolis stop mean words about The Duggars Family I beileve that there be sliver lining & Bring Back on TLC

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  52. @Anonymous

    I feel horrible that the family is having to relive this horrible event from the past. I am glad they are standing up for themselves and explaining everything just because they have to being in a reality show. They are role models for so many people and lots of people really do feel for them.
    Shame on the person who leaked this family secret. He was a minor who has learned from his mistakes and turned out to make a good life for himself and family. There are other people out there we should be focusing on right now. Harmless!!

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  53. I don't want TLC to cancel the show! Good parents-good people!

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  54. I am not able to see this interview at this time, however, I will continue to pray for the family. I was molested from the time I was an infant until I was 22. I know people will say I knew better, but when the person says they have Mafia ties and will kill your family, especially your mother and make you watch, you hide within yourself for years. I finally, after all these years have gotten the help I needed and am able to be a whole person. I have forgiven the person that person, even though he died. God said to forgive because He forgave me. Josh, you may have done wrong, but you didn't hide within yourself. You realized you did wrong and you asked each person for their forgiveness. I hope you have forgiven yourself. God has. Remember, the devil has many faces, and unfortunately, one of them is sometimes as one that is close to you. God bless you, my child in Christ, and may you find peace and healing soon.

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  55. The Duggars will always have my support. I knew that this was the media blowing things out of the water just like anything else in this world that has to do with people with any sort of fame. My thoughts are with you and your family.

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  56. I've never really followed the Duggars. But I am proud of the way they handled the situation. Sex abuse is very serious and both victims and abusers need to be dealt with appropriately in order for there to be true healing. Sex abuse in my family was covered up by both abusers and enablers who didn't want shame to come to the family. Victims were expected to remain silent or be demonized. Fortunately for me, I'm a pretty strong woman who refused to be silenced and forced the issue to light by bringing charges against my abuser at the age of 16. He went to prison where he passed away shortly after. Also fortunately for me, I learned the importance of compassion and forgiveness and was able to express my forgiveness before he died. He told a family member before he died that he could die in peace knowing that I forgave him when I didn't have to. Knowing that has also given me peace. I know the crime is heinous. But I also know that with treatment, most offenders will not reoffend. Yes, I realize the media would have us believe that 99% reoffend. That's simply not true. After reading many scholarly articles and journals in college, I learned that offenders have a much lower rate of recidivism if they receive treatment. Non-pedophiles prove to be most likely to succeed in treatment. Remember, not all child sex offenders are pedophiles and not all pedophiles are sex offenders. It's important to know the difference before we start calling out the lynch mob on every sex offender. Those that take responsibility, accept the punishment for their actions, and seek treatment deserve a second chance. Especially those like Josh Duggar whose crimes were committed at a very young age. He is the one who came clean. Give him credit for that. One thing society needs to realize is that it is important for victims to forgive in order to fully heal. There are many emotions they will need to work through in order to get to that point. They need help and support from everyone around them. Having a harsh, unforgiving attitude ourselves will only hold them back in their healing process. My continued prayers go out to the Duggars and all those affected by this heartbreaking issue.

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  57. You are in my prayers!!!!! keep the Faith..God is good

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  58. @AnonymousWatch the interview! She did not even know. . .and yes, he called her, confessed and asked for her forgiveness.

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  59. My heart goes out to the Dugger family. I support them 100%. I will miss the show so much if doesn't come back on.

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  60. I'm of many that is looking for you all to come back..We love you!!!

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  61. I have had mixed emotions about all of this from the beginning, and still do. I agree that these records shouldn't have been released since he was a juvenile. I appreciated Michelle's honesty and brokenness in the interview. I have more respect for her and for her desire to protect the girls when it happened. However, I was not impressed with Jim Bob. He seemed to me to act like it was "no big deal." (Not that he said that, but just his demeanor and attitude seemed to come off that way to me.) I think Michelle still had more of the desire to protect the girls in this, and Jim Bob seems like he is more concerned with trying not to have the show completely cancelled.

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  62. I don't believe it

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  63. I'm praying for the whole family. I'm sad two of the sisters revealed they were victims .... it's easier to pray they were not "the ones", however, they conduct themselves with class. It has to be so hard.

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  64. I sick of everyone dwilling on this. I love the Duggars not their proplems, their JOYs!

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  65. The Duggars made it sound like they know a number of families who have experienced this. I wonder if this is common in their insular homeschool community, in which kids don't get out much and are very sheltered?

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  66. Michelle and Jim Bob, The media can be so cruel. I hope and pray that the individuals who released this information, illegally, are held accountable for their actions. I have watched your kids grow up before my eyes and have loved every moment. You handled this sad situation as best you could have, no regrets. I am praying for you and your family.

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  67. My heart goes out to the entire family....so much of the hate and negativity is coming from people that have never followed your family....I do believe there was an Agenda by Chief Of Police Kathy OKelly ...I believe she (allegedly) a gay woman ...wanted to take down the Duggars for their stance on lgbt issues....more so with the timing of her illegally releasing these sealed records at the end of her career...She took a oath to protect and serve...there was no protection for the girls on her part....really wish the same media would dig into Her past....if the media claims they want to be fair...investigate and report all sides....stay strong Duggars ...Every person pulling for y'all ...outweighs all the folks trying to bring y'all down....

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  68. I agree, Anonymous 25! I could hug you doe that thoughtful comment. At the time they were becoming famous, the Duggars had no obligation to disclose their entire family history. I think Josh has moved forward to live a fine life, and the girls as well. They should be allowed this!

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  69. I will still follow them. No family is perfect. Go after the ones who released this info.

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  70. I used to have respect for the Duggars, but I don't anymore. All I saw was Jim Bob and Michelle making excuses for Josh and his actions.

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  71. Lifting your family up in prayer! I am so, so sorry that your family's heartache has been put on display for all to see. God knows the heart...and he heals our pain. Keep on keeping on and know that it is all for Him and His glory that we keep pressing forward. Even when this world tries to take us down. You have a much larger family than those under your roof, who are praying each one of you through this!

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  72. I just wanted to say that your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. Psalm 91:1-2

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  73. I just wanted to say that your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers at this time. (Psalm 91:1-2)

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  74. I'm glad Josh's actions weren't that bad since the girls were asleep most of the time, and they didn't even realize what he'd done to them.

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  75. #OURPASTDOESNOTDEFINEOURFUTURE!

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  76. Mike Huckabee has removed all Duggar endorsements from his political website and removed his May 22nd statement of support from his Facebook page. I guess he has thrown in the towel.

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  77. As a mom, my heart just breaks for Michelle. I can't imagine what it must have been like to deal with something like this the first time around. And now to have this dragged all through the media and to have her children hurt all over again....j

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  78. Prayers to the Duggar family. I am praying for you all.

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  79. Any one know where we can send a letter asking for the person or persons involved in the release of the records to be prosecuted? Look what has happened. The past is the past, it was taken care of the right way, and now everyone is having to relive what they had worked so hard to heal from. Someone was out to hurt this family, and they did just that. This is a blatant attack on this family, because they love the Lord and the world is falling away from God and fast. God sacraficed his son Jesus to die on the cross to forgive everyone of all of their sins.

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  80. I have even more respect for your family! Sin is ugly, but each one of us has hideous crimes against the God of the universe and deserve DEATH But God is so full of mercy and praise HIS name that he granted repentance to Josh and can do so for the multitude. Praying that God would be even more Glorified through this. God opposes the proud, but gives GRACE to the HUMBLE. I see nothing but humility in your family, your response appears to be above reproach and God is visible in you through this. We are continually praying for you and God's will in this. We'll will miss you terribly if they don't put you back on TV, but God is GOOD in everything HE does ALL the time. He will continue to use you.Remember 2 Timothy 3:12
    Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

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  81. Do we know or have suspicions about who tipped off the Oprah show in 2006?

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  82. Well said Michelle and Jim Bob. As parents you are terrific role models as God has blessed you with this special gift of children. You are right God will bring good out of this as only He can.
    We are praying for each of you now and in the future and will continue to do so.

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  83. I think the Duggar family is incredibly brave and are true to their Faith, it would have been so much easier to hide from this and wait for the next "big" tabloid hype...
    By them choosing to explain the truth about this and deal with it head on is truly inspiring

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  84. @Marlene Young

    If I remember correctly, the corporal punishment statement was made by the other victim, the babysitter. It was only said once in the report and it was at the end after, what I believe, was the other four girl's statements.

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  85. @Anonymous
    This has nothing to do with homeschooling. I homeschool my kids and my children get out and socialize just as much if not more than traditionally schooled children. You see on the show the conferences and missionary trips the family takes. They have plenty of friends and are very social people.

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  86. I will always support this family. Non Christians don't understand people who live by the Bible. Things that r Christian r foreign to non Christians...they just don't get it. They expect Christians to be perfect & have no room for mistakes. They really show their ignorance & foolishness. I challenge all Christians to support this family & pray for them without ceasing @ this time so they will feel God's shield of protection & his peace throughout all of this. Stand up & support our Duggar family...show them we love them & support them. God bless this sweet family!!!

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  87. I will always support this family. Non Christians don't understand people who live by the Bible. Things that r Christian r foreign to non Christians...they just don't get it. They expect Christians to be perfect & have no room for mistakes. They really show their ignorance & foolishness. I challenge all Christians to support this family & pray for them without ceasing @ this time so they will feel God's shield of protection & his peace throughout all of this. Stand up & support our Duggar family...show them we love them & support them. God bless this sweet family!!!

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  88. The difference you ask, Josh was a child!

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  89. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. See nobody can do that. We are all sinners, every last one of us. In different ways. Not one of us is perfect. Not by far!!!

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  90. Let's all be still and know that HE is God. If God wants this show on the air, it will remain on the air. That's really the long and short of it.

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  91. Praying and hoping that justice will be found!!

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