Josh Duggar has apologized following reports that he was investigated for allegedly sexually molesting five underage girls, some of whom are his sisters.
In an statement posted on Facebook on Thursday, the 27-year-old who appears on TLC’s “19 Kids and Counting,” wrote:
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.
According to police reports obtained by In Touch, family patriarch Jim Bob Duggar allegedly waited more than a year before he turned in his then-teenage son over to Arkansas State Police for sex offenses, including forcible fondling. Due to a strange turn of events, the magazine reported that police were unable to conclude their investigation of the case, and the three-year statute of limitations prevented them from further pursuing any charges.
Today, Josh Duggar is married with with three children and a fourth due in July. The Washington Post reports he has now resigned as executive director of Tony Perkins’ conservative and anti-gay group, Family Research Council Action.
Josh’s parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar also addressed the allegations on Facebook on Thursday:
Back 12 years ago our family went through one of the most difficult times of our lives. When Josh was a young teenager, he made some very bad mistakes and we were shocked. We had tried to teach him right from wrong. 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. We have challenges and struggles everyday. It is one of the reasons we treasure our faith so much because God’s kindness and goodness and forgiveness are extended to us — even though we are so undeserving. We hope somehow the story of our journey — the good times and the difficult times — cause you to see the kindness of God and learn that He can bring you through anything.
The Duggar family has starred on TLC’s “19 Kids and Counting” for 10 seasons.
TLC has not responded to request for comment at this time.
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