Duggar Family Scandal Deepens: Jill Dillard Speaks Out After Brother's Arrest

A statement from the family expresses shock and condemnation of the alleged abuse, as another sibling faces serious charges

Introduction to the Allegations

Jill Duggar Dillard, a former star of the TLC reality show "19 Kids and Counting," has spoken out for the first time since the arrest of her younger brother, Joseph Duggar. In a family statement, they expressed their support for the alleged victim, saying "Our hearts go out to the innocent juvenile victim of this unspeakable crime and her family." Joseph Duggar, 31, was arrested and is accused of molesting a 9-year-old girl six years ago during a vacation in Florida.

The Charges and Investigation

Duggar has been charged with molestation of a victim less than 12 years old and lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older, according to the Bay County Sheriff's Office in Florida. The alleged victim, now 14 years old, reported to law enforcement that Duggar touched her inappropriately on several occasions during a family vacation in Panama City Beach in 2020. The girl stated that Duggar repeatedly asked her to sit on his lap, sit next to him on a couch, and used a blanket to cover both of them. He allegedly rubbed his hands on her thighs, manipulated her underwear, and grazed her genitals. Duggar apologized at a later date, and the incidents stopped.

Family Response and Condemnation

The Duggar family has expressed their shock and heartbreak over the accusations, stating that they were informed through media reports. In a statement on their website, they added, "We strongly condemn abuse. We support the rule of law and hope that justice will be achieved." The family also prayed for the victim, saying, "We pray God gives her strength, comfort and hope, and that she is able to get all the help and support she needs and deserves in the days ahead." Authorities reported that the girl's father confronted Duggar about the alleged abuse on Tuesday, and Duggar admitted his actions to the victim's father and to Tontitown Detectives.

Background and Previous Scandals

The Duggar family rose to fame with their reality show "19 Kids and Counting," which aired for 10 seasons from 2008 to 2015. However, the show was canceled after revelations surfaced that the eldest son, Josh Duggar, molested five children, including four of his sisters. In 2022, Josh Duggar was sentenced to 12 1/2 years in federal prison for receiving and possessing child sex abuse images. The latest allegations against Joseph Duggar have brought renewed attention to the family and their history of scandals. TLC has not commented on the latest developments.

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