Josh Duggar has reportedly accused his mother, Michelle Duggar, of playing a “role” in his 2022 conviction for possession of child sex abuse material.
“I feel like you just don’t receive criticism or take admission for your own actions THAT HAVE DIRECTLY AFFECTED [sic] MY LIFE, including in this situation,” Josh, 38, allegedly wrote to Michelle, according to text messages obtained by People on Tuesday, May 5.
The exchange reportedly occurred nearly a week after Josh was sentenced to 151 months in prison for receiving and possessing child pornography. Josh claimed in several messages to his mother that despite his conviction he is “innocent.” He claimed that another man who worked with him downloaded the images and videos to the reality star’s computer.
Josh told Michelle, 59, he was not “blaming” her for the situation but that he felt she was blaming him for his actions.
“I just think you don’t get it,” he wrote. “You don’t understand how you have hurt me and you keep trying to make yourselves ‘look good’ instead of trying to be concerned about your responses to my charges or anything else in my life.”
Josh reportedly told his mom that he felt like the Duggar’s “public statements and pr work to save shows and public images” were “placed above family relationships.” He also asked her to “consider your role and change so that other children are not in the same situations later.”
According to the outlet, Michelle didn’t directly respond to Josh’s texts. Michelle did, however, tell her son that she loves him and shares messages of support she’s received from others on his behalf.
Josh also previously sent his mother a message sharing his frustration about being judged by fellow family members amid his legal woes, according to text messages obtained by People earlier this month. The 19 Kids and Counting alum claimed that he received “more compassion and love from strangers” compared to members of his own family and “close friends.”
Josh was found guilty of receiving and possessing child pornography in December 2021. He was sentenced to 12 years and seven months behind bars the following year. Since reporting to prison, Josh has filed multiple appeals, which have all been denied.
Us Weekly confirmed in April that Josh’s prison release date was pushed back for a third time. He is now scheduled to be released on February 2, 2033, nearly three months after his previous December 23, 2032, release date.
Earlier this year, Josh appeared in court virtually from prison for an appeal hearing. According to local outlet KHBS News, the April hearing was focused on whether or not Josh filed the necessary paperwork by the required deadline. A decision is expected in the coming weeks.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. Parents, teachers, and guardians interested in learning more about protecting children from exploitation can find useful tools and information at Know2Protect.
