Everything Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar Have Said About Son Josh’s Child Pornography Scandal and Arrest

Dealing with the fallout. Amid Josh Duggar’s child pornography scandal, parents Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar have frequently spoken out about their feelings on the matter.

“We appreciate your continued prayers for our family at this time,” the 19 Kids and Counting parents said in a statement to Us Weekly in April 2021. “The accusations brought against Joshua today are very serious. It is our prayer that the truth, no matter what it is, will come to light, and that this will all be resolved in a timely manner. We love Josh and Anna and continue to pray for their family.”

Josh — who shares seven children with wife Anna Duggar — was arrested without bail earlier that month on charges of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material. After a trial in his home state of Arkansas, Josh was found guilty and convicted in December 2021.

“This entire ordeal has been very grievous,” Jim Bob and Michelle told Us in a statement after the verdict. “Today, God’s grace, through the love and prayers of so many, have sustained us. Our hearts and prayers are with anyone who has ever been harmed through [child sexual abuse material].”

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The political activist’s sentencing was scheduled for April 2022, however, a judge granted his motion filed that March to delay the proceedings until May due to COVID-19 precautions and delays. He faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines for each count.

Josh is the eldest child of Jim Bob and Michelle. The twosome also share twins Jana Duggar and John-David Duggar, Jill Duggar, Jessa Duggar, Jinger Duggar, Joseph Duggar, Josiah Duggar, Joy-Anna Duggar, twins Jedidiah Duggar and Jeremiah Duggar, Jason Duggar, James Duggar, Justin Duggar, Jackson Duggar, Johannah Duggar, Jennifer Duggar, Jordyn Duggar and Josie Duggar. They also have custody of Michelle’s nephew, Tyler.

Ahead of his arrest, Josh was previously accused in 2015 of molesting multiple girls — including several of his sisters — when he was a teenager. Josh later admitted his actions, apologizing to his victims before completing a stint in a rehab facility.

“We are so thankful for everyone who worked with Josh in this program. It was a crucial first step in recovery and healing for Josh,” his parents wrote in a statement after his departure from the facility in March 2016. “Josh has now returned to Arkansas, where he will continue professional counseling and focus on rebuilding relationships with his family. We look to God for help and guidance and place all of our trust in Him. We are forever grateful for the love and prayers offered by so many and hope you will continue to pray in the days ahead.”

Scroll below for Michelle and Jim Bob’s candid quotes on Josh’s struggles through the years:

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Before Josh’s sentencing, Michelle wrote a May 2022 letter to the judge on behalf of her son’s character. According to a Daily Mail excerpt, she noted: “Joshua has always been a positive and upbeat person. He is wise financially — saving money for the future and purposing not to go into debt. He is a good provider for his family, working diligently and thinking of creative ways to support and care of his wife and children.”

“In the days ahead, we will do all we can to surround our daughter-in-law Anna and their children with love and support,” Jim Bob and Michelle wrote via their website after Josh’s conviction in December 2021. “As parents, we will never stop praying for Joshua, and loving him, as we do all of our children. In each of life’s circumstances, we place our trust in God. He is our source of strength and refuge. Thank you for your prayers.”

Amid Josh’s scandal, the family’s Counting On series was canceled by TLC.

“It is hard to believe that more than 17 years have passed since we were first contacted by a production company wanting to do a one-hour documentary about the logistics of raising 14 children,” the parents wrote in a statement on their website in July 2021. “Our family has grown (and grown up!) before our eyes and on national television, and the journey has been miraculous—following God is an exciting adventure!”

They added: “We are full of deep gratitude for the love shown to us and the prayers of so many who have sustained us both now and through the years. We look forward to all the new adventures and endeavors that may come our way, and with so many grown children and wonderful grandchildren, we know our love will only continue to multiply!”

“It is our prayer that the truth, no matter what it is, will come to light, and that this will all be resolved in a timely manner,” they told Us in an April 2021 statement. "We love Josh and Anna and continue to pray for their family.”

Amid Josh’s earlier struggles, he resided at a faith-based treatment facility in Rockford, Illinois, for six months.

“Josh has completed his residential rehabilitation program,” a statement from his folks read in March 2016. “We are so thankful for everyone who worked with Josh in this program. It was a crucial first step in recovery and healing for Josh. … We look to God for help and guidance and place all of our trust in Him. We are forever grateful for the love and prayers offered by so many and hope you will continue to pray in the days ahead.”

“Today is our son Josh’s birthday. The heartache of the past year cannot surpass the joy 28 years ago on this day when we first became parents,” Michelle and Jim Bob wrote via Facebook in March 2016. “We love you Josh and believe your best days can be ahead of you. We continue to pray for you every day.”