With fans like these…
The Duggars have received a lot of support since an American magazine outed their son Josh, 27, as a teen sex offender, who molested five under-age girls over 10 years ago (you can read more about the case here).
The family made three statements on their Facebook page – one from parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar, one from Josh Duggar and one from Josh’s wife, Anna. The statements are a fascinating study in spin, but it is the public’s response which really shows where the public’s hearts and minds are (hint: it’s not on the victims of the abuse).
Here are just a few of the extraordinary ways in which fans are justifying Josh Duggar’s crimes and the family’s decision to cover it up.
1. It was Satan’s fault…
“Prayers for your family. Satan isn’t picky when it comes to seeking whom he may devour. We support and love your family. Your family is a beacon of Gods love. You have encouraged me over the years to be a better wife and mother and now I hope to encourage you in knowing that your family is being lifted in prayer. Thank you for serving the Lord as you do!”
“Praying for your family!! My heart breaks for you & the storm the devil is trying to unleash on you. I, sadly, am all to familiar with this issue.”
“You guys are a light in this dark world. Satan hates to see us do good and he will do whatever he can to bring us down. You guys are a strong family and an example of graces. Praying for your family as you walk through the journey ahead.”
“When Satan reminds you of your past remind him of his future. Love you guys very much.”
Top Comments
As a victim who was molested by another minor I can tell you that there was a lot more they could have done then of which they are not doing still and that is protecting the victims. Not one word has been mentioned by the parents or the perpetrators on what they did to protect and heal the victims. The scant iota of remorse is completely self-serving about how *he* would have messed up *his*future, not because what he'd done was indefensible or reprehensible. No mention of counseling for the victims, what steps were taken in the home to prevent him from having opportunities to repeat his behavior only about him and his mistakes in judgment (S) PLURAL that took place over a couple of years! He took it to the church? How about taking the girls to be checked by a doctor for physical trauma then to a therapist for the emotional trauma. Also his victims weren't just siblings, so how did the other parents handle the situation. Did they even know? Yes, kids explore. Yes, kids are curious. That behavior usually takes place at a much younger age and once you have the answer there shouldn't be the need to continue multiple times over the course of a few years! They didn't take him "to the police", they sought counsel from a family friend who opted to do nothing. Understand there is a gross difference between not having enough to proceed with a case or to take to the DA, but this guy didn't even handle it in a professional capacity. As it is he is currently in prison for child pornography so clearly a great friend and someone awesome to have around your kids. This was all about the image and still is.
Sorry but this kid was 15 when this happened. He himself was a minor. And it was never covered up. Sure, it wasn't reported to the MEDIA but it was reported to the police at the time. The police and the parents dealt with it. He admitted his crimes and those in authority in his life helped him AND the victims get help. I think the parents dealt with it extremely responsibly, perhaps because of their faith and their recognition of the seriousness of the situation. He told his future wife about it. How was this covered up? Just coz WE didn't know? This is how it works if the perpetrator is a minor, and so it should. I am appalled that these police reports were released to the media. Sure, this family are conservative Christians but I don't think it's a bad thing to realise they have the same struggles as everyone else in the world. I don't think they have ever said they didn't.
I've kind of changed my mind after seeing the actual police report...and yes I know that makes me hypocritical. It does seem that they didn't go to the police straight away but only when it came to light a few years afterwards. It also appears many of the victims were his sisters sadly. I'm not sure how I feel now. I understand the desire to keep things in the family or the church to some extent, I do believe the parents really felt they handled things the best way for the sake of all concerned. I guess my problem is the way they have continued to portray themselves through their TV show....continued to advise others on parenting....etc. etc. Sad really. Here is a link to the actual report for anyone wanting factual information. All names blacked out. http://imgur.com/a/zqPMi#31
It wasn't reported to the police at the time. It was reported to the police by someone uninvolved three and a half years later. But since the statute of limitations in Arkansas at that time was three years, the police couldn't charge him.