TLC Pulls ’19 Kids And Counting’ Following Josh Duggar Molestation Confession

TLC has pulled its popular reality TV show 19 Kids and Counting following older son Josh Duggar’s molestation confession.

The network was under increasing pressure to scrap the high-rating show that follows Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar’s family. Their eldest son Josh confessed to molesting several girls 12 years ago, including his own sisters, which had the public in an uproar calling for the show’s cancellation.

News that the 19 Kids and Counting show was pulled by the network follow information revealed on Thursday regarding Josh Duggar’s past behavior involving young women. Initially, TLC did not comment on the allegations, and viewers were outraged when the network scheduled a marathon of the show featuring Josh.

19 Kids and Counting was scheduled to air next on May 27, however, that show has been scrapped from the schedule. Josh Duggar, who is married and a father to three kids, issued a statement apologizing for his behavior indicating his parents were aware of his actions.

“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. I sought forgiveness from those I had wronged and asked Christ to forgive me and come into my life. I would do anything to go back to those teen years and take different actions. In my life today, I am so very thankful for God’s grace, mercy and redemption.”

Despite the seemingly honest confession, 19 Kids and Countng family patriarch Jim Bob Duggar did not report his son Josh’s escapades to police for more than a year, according to an exclusive report by In Touch magazine, which broke the story of the molestation.

A Springdale, Arkansas, police report obtained by the magazine also reveals Jim Bob went to his church’s leaders, who didn’t report Josh’s assaults for three months. Additionally, several minors allege that Josh fondled their breasts and genitals, including one incident in 2002 during which the eldest Duggar — 14 at the time — molested a young girl while she slept.

According to TMZ’s sources familiar with the situation, the future of 19 Kids and Counting at TLC is uncertain. However, the network was forced to act immediately and pull the show in the face of Josh Duggar’s molestation confession. No long-term decision has been made, the report indicates.

Following the explosive revelations regarding Josh Duggar’s molestation of several girls, General Mills told TMZ they are blacklisting the show and removing it from future advertising campaigns.

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar also issued a statement describing the situation as “one of the most difficult times” of their lives.

“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.”

As reported by the Inquisitr, TLC had also been threatened by Here Comes Honey Boo Boo matriarch June “Mama June” Shannon — whose show was also canceled amid controversy — who stated she would sue the network if they didn’t pull 19 Kids and Counting. Both shows are among the most profitable for the TLC.

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