Josh Duggar Reacts Child Molestation Accusations — Duggars Release Statements
Josh, 27, revealed the following statement to PEOPLE:
“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.”
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Josh’s parents, Jim Bob, 49, and Michelle, 48, also released their own statement, declaring that they’ll continue to stand behind their son. They said:
“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.”
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“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.”
Josh finished by saying that he continues to regret his past mistakes. He added, “I would do anything to go back to those teen years and take different actions. I sought forgiveness from those I had wronged and asked Christ to forgive me and come into my life. In my life today, I am so very thankful for God’s grace, mercy and redemption.”
Josh Duggar Allegedly Molested 5 Minor Girls
As HollywoodLife.com previously reported, Josh was the subject of a police investigation in 2006. He was accused of molesting five underage girls, some of whom are his sisters, but he was never prosecuted.
A judge also ordered the incriminating documents to be destroyed after one of the alleged victims asked to keep her identity a secret.
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— Chris Rogers