Josh Duggar Cancels Appearances, Treated By Bible-Based ‘Shadow World’ Center After Child Molestation Claims

Josh Duggar cancels his appearances amid reports that event organizers felt he would distract the other speakers and attendees after the reports of his child molestation as a teenager surfaced. Known as a reality TV star from his years on 19 Kids and Counting, Duggar was scheduled to offer his views at a home schooling convention, reported Us Weekly.

However, although Josh stepped down from his scheduled speaking engagement, those heading up the home schooling event praised Duggar for the way in which the child molestation scandal was managed.

Turning to social media to share his views, Josh posted a long explanation of the events surrounding the child abuse charges.

“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. 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.”

As the Inquisitr reported, since news of the child molestation began to circulate, Duggar also resigned from his job at the Family Research Council (FRC). The network on which 19 Kids and Counting was broadcast, TLC, pulled the plug on the reality show.

Talk show host Montel Williams posted his views on the situation, referring to Tony Perkins, who is the FRC president.

“Those of you on Twitter know where I stand on 19 Kids and Counting star Josh Duggar. Josh chose his path – he chose to work for a bigot – Tony Perkins and his organization. He chose to make bigoted comments about #lgbt individuals being dangers to kids – he chose to do ALL OF THOSE THINGS while hiding the fact his father had essentially covered up Josh having, by his own admission, molested his sisters as a teenager. So yes, that renders him a bigot, and yes, it is appropriate to call him a hypocrite, and yes, a scumbag. Turns out the ‘danger’ to kids is Duggar himself.”

But precisely what treatment did Josh receive after his parents learned about the child abuse claims? It took 16 months from family patriarch Jim Bob Duggar’s discovery that his oldest son had molested five underage girls to the time when Josh officially confessed to Arkansas state trooper Cpl. Hutchins, according to People.

Hutchins reportedly talked sternly to Josh without officially pressing charges. During the 16 months that lapsed, the then-teenager sought help from Institute in Basic Life Principles Training Center in Arkansas.

“Our goals are to strengthen individuals and families through sound Biblical teachings and character development opportunities and to demonstrate Christ’s love through serving,” according to the Institute’s website.

Josh attended the program from March 17, 2003 to July 17, 2003.

However, that organization has been criticized.

“[It is an] appalling…shadow world, where these kids almost disappear,” said John Krull, Executive Director of the Indiana Civil Liberties Union.

In addition, the center was the target of a local Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation. However, Rodger Gergeni, who is the principal, denied maltreatment charges.

[Photo by Stefan Postles/Getty Images]