Josh Duggar: TLC Pulls ’19 Kids And Counting’ From Schedule
With the recent scandal involving Josh Duggar and his admission to sexually molesting numerous girls, TLC has officially pulled 19 Kids and Counting from its schedule. It’s not yet known, however, if the show will return at a later date.
Although 19 Kids and Counting is a hit reality show that provided exceptional ratings for the television station TLC, Josh Duggar’s recent admissions of sexually molesting at least five girls during his teen years sparked so much outrage from the public that the station decided to pull all episodes of the popular show, effective immediately.
“Effective immediately, TLC has pulled all episodes of 19 Kids and Counting currently from the air. We are deeply saddened and troubled by this heartbreaking situation, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and victims at this difficult time.”
In addition to public outrage, reality star Mama June also joined in the fight to remove the show from the schedule. New York Daily News reports that after Mama June’s show, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo was canceled due to molestation accusations, she was irate that Josh Duggar’s show wasn’t given the same treatment.
But I wasn't dating one and no they r going to not cancel them it's f****ed up @TLC
— Mama June (@MamaJune_BooBoo) May 22, 2015
The investigation into Duggar went on for nearly 10 years, according to Arkansas authorities. In 2006, Arkansas’ Springdale Police Department began investigating Duggar after an employee of Oprah Winfrey’s network, Harpo Studios, was tipped off via email regarding his past actions. The employee faxed a copy of the email to the police, which warned producers about Duggar’s past before the premiere episode of the reality show was aired.
The show was released regardless in 2008, and steadily climbed the ratings charts. After nearly a decade, the records of the investigation against Duggar were expunged. Scott Lewis, spokesperson for the Springdale Police, indicates that the records were destroyed only a day before Duggar admitted to sexually molesting several girls.
“The judge ordered us yesterday to expunge that record. As far as the Springdale Police Department is concerned this report doesn’t exist.”
Duggar, however, fully admits to his illegal activities, which includes fondling female family members while they slept. So far, there is no indication yet as to whether the investigation will be re-opened.
“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.”
Meanwhile, 19 Kids and Counting has yet to be officially canceled, but for now, Josh Dugger and family will not be on air until further notice.
[Photo Courtesy of D Dipasupil/ Getty Images]
