After 10 seasons, TLC is canceling the reality show “19 Kids and Counting,” which features the Duggar family of northwest Arkansas. It comes after reports surfaced that Josh Duggar molested four of his sisters and one other child in 2002.
TLC says in a statement that recent revelations about 27-year old Josh Duggar have given rise to a “critical and important conversation around child protection.” With the help of two child advocacy groups, RAINN and Darkness to Light, the cable network says it will produce an hour-length documentary on child abuse, that will include victims, as well as two of the Duggar children.
Michelle Duggar and her husband former Republican State Representative Jim Bob Duggar also addressed the cancelation in a statement. They said “they look forward to the special documentary and hope it is an encouragement to many.” And, “With God's grace and help, Josh, our daughters and our entire family overcame a terrible situation, found heeling and a way forward. We are so pleased with the wonderful adults they have all become.”
Josh Duggar resigned his post as a lobbyist from the conservative Family Research Council earlier this year, amidst the revelations.
According to In Touch Weekly, the magazine which first publicly revealed abuse in the Springdale-based family, the Duggars may have to testify in court again as they face a lawsuit from a non-family molestation victim.
The Arkansas Times reports that a judicial discipline investigation of Circuit Judge Stacy Zimmeran, who earlier this year ordered the erasure of records of a police investigation, is also facing a judicial discipline investigation that is currently underway.
Below is TLC's statement:
After thoughtful consideration, TLC and the Duggar family have decided to not move forward with 19 Kids and Counting. The show will no longer appear on the air.
The recent attention around the Duggars has sparked a critical and important conversation about child protection.
Over these past weeks, TLC has consulted regularly with leading victims’ rights and advocacy organizations in the U.S., including RAINN and Darkness to Light, to discuss how to use this moment to address the issue and make a positive impact. Unfortunately, child sexual abuse is not an isolated issue; it affects many children and families around the world. To that end, we are partnering with both organizations on a multi-platform campaign to raise awareness and educate parents and families about the issue. In the first phase of this initiative, TLC will work closely with both groups and with the Duggar family on a one-hour documentary that will include Jill and Jessa and other survivors and families that have been affected by abuse.
TLC has been especially concerned for the victims in this situation, including the Duggar family, and it is our hope that this effort will help those in need learn where to turn for information and help. The documentary will be commercial free, and we anticipate it will air later this summer.