Family Research Council Addresses Josh Duggar’s Infidelity

Though Josh Duggar left his position at the Family Research Council — a conservative political lobbying organization — after the initial revelations about his decade-old crimes, it seems the FRC feels the need to distance itself further from him after his latest problems. The Family Research Council’s President, Tony Perkins, posted a message on the organization’s website Friday, condemning and disavowing his actions and calling for prayer for the Duggar family.

Josh Duggar has been embroiled in controversy and public relations problems since May, when In Touch magazine published a police report, showing that at age 15, Josh had molested several young girls, one only 5-years-old, and that the family had covered it up.

Since then, the scandals have kept rolling in: there have been rumors of a lawsuit from one of the victims, the FCC has received complaints, there has been at least one new investigation into the family by child protective services, and so on.

In the last few days, what may be the worst for Josh has come out (though there’s no guarantee of that — after all, the reporter who broke the initial story said there was more to come, and there’s no sign he knew of this one): the extramarital affair website, Ashley Madison, was hacked, and when customer information was leaked online, it included Josh’s name and credit card information.

An official statement from Josh was released on his mother’s blog, admitting to unfaithfulness to his wife and other unspecified indiscretions.

On Friday, the Family Research Council distanced itself further from Josh by releasing the following statement.

“Last night we learned from online reports about allegations concerning Josh Duggar and then read his confession today. We are grieved by Josh’s conduct and the devastating impact of his pornography addiction and marital unfaithfulness. Our hearts hurt for his family, and all those affected by Josh’s actions. His deceitful behavior harms his family, his friends, his former coworkers, and the cause he has publicly espoused. Those of us who advocate for family values in the public square are held to a higher standard, and Josh’s failures serve as a painful reminder of the destructive effects of not living with integrity. We are praying for the family. – Family Research Council President Tony Perkins.”

If he was hoping to return to his political career after this all blew over, it looks as though it may be time for Josh Duggar to consider backup plans.

[Photo via: TLC Screengrab]