Josh Duggar Responds To Molestation Allegations, Admits Acting ‘Inexcusably’
Josh Duggar has addressed the explosive allegations that he was involved in several instances of molestation while underage, and has also resigned from his position at the Family Research Council as a result.
In a statement released to People magazine, Duggar responded to the allegations, acknowledging that he engaged in inappropriate conduct with several underage girls, some of whom were his sisters.
Josh Duggar Responds to Child Molestation Claims: ‘I Acted Inexcusably’ http://t.co/ghC3yQkKKx @TIME pic.twitter.com/38CmcoZk5M
— Tito Navarro (@titonavarroa) May 21, 2015
“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,” Duggar asserted. “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.”
Josh Duggar’s parents, Jim Bob and Michelle, also released a statement in which they described the incidents as one of the most difficult periods of their 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.”
Duggar family responds after Josh Duggar is accused of molestation: http://t.co/OQjPgQopbp pic.twitter.com/9aMzfNPYev
— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) May 21, 2015
After the incidents were brought to the attention of Duggar’s parents, his father was responsible for turning him in to police, as the Inquisitr previously reported, before an unusual chain of events resulted in the statute of limitations expiring. The molestations took place in 2002 and 2003, according to TMZ, when Josh Duggar was just 14-years-old. Duggar allegedly fondled the girls’ genitals and breasts, reportedly while some of them were unconscious.
Though the allegations against Duggar have proven shocking to fans of the TLC show 19 Kids And Counting, Josh’s wife Anna stated that he confessed his actions to her a full two years before the couple married.
“When my family and I first visited the Duggar home, Josh shared his past teenage mistakes. I was surprised at his openness and humility and at the same time didn’t know why he was sharing it. For Josh, he wanted not just me but my parents to know who he really was — even every difficult past mistakes.”
Anna also pointed to the counseling that Josh Duggar received, calling it a life changing experience for him.
[Photo via Twitter]
