A Heartfelt Statement from Amy Duggar King
Amy Duggar King, a former cast member of the popular television show “19 Kids and Counting,” has expressed deep shock and concern over the recent arrest of her cousin, Joseph Duggar, on charges of sexual molestation. This comes after Joseph was accused of sexually assaulting a nine-year-old girl in Florida.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office announced that Joseph, who is 31 years old, was arrested following a report of sexual abuse. The incident reportedly occurred during a vacation to Panama City Beach in 2020 when the victim was just nine years old. According to police, Joseph repeatedly asked the girl to sit on his lap and next to him on a couch.
A Public Outcry for Justice
Amy, who is the niece of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, shared a statement with People on Friday, expressing her feelings about the allegations against Joseph. She described herself as “sickened, heartbroken and deeply angry” and emphasized that her thoughts are with the victim, a child who deserved safety and trust.
“In light of the recent allegations involving my cousin, Joseph Duggar, I am sickened, heartbroken and deeply angry,” Amy said. “My first thoughts are with the victim, a child who deserved to be safe, protected and surrounded by people she could trust.”
She praised the victim’s courage for coming forward, especially after carrying such a heavy burden for years. “The courage it took for her to come forward, especially after years of carrying something so heavy, cannot be overstated. That bravery deserves to be honored above all else.”
Condemnation of the Family System
Amy also expressed her shock at the allegations but noted that she is not surprised that “another alleged predator has emerged from this toxic system.” She has long spoken out about the importance of truth, accountability, and protecting children, even when it meant going against her own family.
In her 2015 memoir, “Holy Disruptor: Shattering the Shiny Facade by Getting Louder with the Truth,” Amy discussed the dynamics of the Duggar family and described them as manipulative. She emphasized that family ties should never equal automatic trust or access, especially when it comes to the safety of children.
“When an image is protected over truth, and silence is chosen over accountability, it creates an environment where abuse can thrive,” she added.
Prayers for the Victim and Family
Amy concluded her statement by praying for the victim and her family, as well as for Joseph’s wife, Kendra, and their children. She expressed hope that justice will be served fully.
“I am also praying for Joseph’s wife, Kendra, as she begins to process this, and for the protection of their children. I’m praying for eyes to be opened and above all, I pray that justice will be served to the fullest.”
Response from the Duggar Family
Joseph’s sister, Jill, and her family also issued a statement about his arrest on the Dillard Family Blog. They strongly condemned abuse and supported the rule of law, hoping that justice would be achieved. They expressed their support for the victim and her family, praying for strength, comfort, and help.
Legal Proceedings
Joseph made his first court appearance via Zoom, where he waived his right to an extradition hearing in Arkansas. He will now be transferred to Bay County, Florida, to face the molestation charge.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office mentioned that a 14-year-old victim participated in a forensic interview, where she disclosed several incidents involving Joseph that occurred when she was nine. The girl’s father confronted Joseph, leading to his confession to detectives in Tontitown, according to the sheriff’s office.
A History of Controversy
This arrest comes five years after Joseph’s older brother, Josh Duggar, was convicted in federal court of receiving and possessing child sex abuse materials, resulting in a 12-year prison sentence. The family’s hit TLC show, “19 Kids and Counting,” which documented their close-knit Christian lifestyle, was canceled in 2015 after a police report revealed that Josh had been investigated for molesting underage girls, including his sisters. After the allegations surfaced, Josh’s parents said he had privately apologized for his behavior.
