Anna Duggar Addresses Cheating Josh Duggar As TLC Hypes ‘Jill & Jessa’: Does New Show Exploit Duggar Scandals?
Anna Duggar has suffered through multiple scandals as a result of her husband, Josh Duggar, this year. Although she had known about the first scandal that broke this year, which dealt with the fact that Josh had molested five underage girls, four of whom were his sisters, the subsequent scandals were revelations as Josh confessed he had cheated on Anna and was addicted to porn.
Although TLC cancelled 19 Kids And Counting after advertisers fled in droves when the news of what the 27-year-old reality TV star had done spread, the network has since unveiled plans for a three-part special, Jill & Jessa: Counting On, starring Jill Dillard and Jessa Seewald. A new promo reveals that among the highlights of the 19 Kids spin-off is that Anna addresses the cheating and humiliation to which Duggar subjected her, reported Entertainment Tonight.
“It was heartbreaking to hear, what had happened,” admitted Anna.
“I cried a lot of tears,” said Jill. “My first thoughts were for Anna.”
But, 23-year-old Jessa shared her confusion over how her brother could commit such acts.
“Someone who you love, how could this happen?” asked the new mom.
Both Jill and Jessa expressed their determination to move past the scandals generated by Josh.
“We’re getting through,” declared Jessa, joined by Jill adding, “We will come out of this fire.”
Where does that leave Anna? The promo of Jill and Jessa’s show is the first public discussion that Anna has released about Josh. Rebel Duggar cousin Amy King, however, has spoken out about her views.
“Doing well,” summed up Amy of Anna.”There is a reason God gives you family. It’s for moments like this. We encourage her as much as we can.”
However, Josh is reportedly not sorry for what he did, a source told ET.
“No remorse,” revealed that insider of Duggar. “He is not the person everyone thought they knew. Anna didn’t check up on Josh because she trusted him. When she found out about the cheating, she just cried.”
After the scandals, including being linked to the Ashley Madison site for infidelity, broke, Josh checked into a religious treatment center for sex addiction. That was in August. Since then, a plane with Jim Bob Duggar and one Duggar son was seen landing at an airport near that location, causing reports ranging from Josh’s early exit from rehab to a visit home for the holidays.
And while some family members are seeking to forgive Josh, others are still unable to do so.
Danica Dillon, whose real name is Ashley Stamm-Northup, described how Josh came up to her at a strip club in Philadelphia. Duggar gave her $600 for lap dances and then propositioned her with an offer of $1,500 for intimate relations at a hotel.
The consensual sex act turned into a physical assault that caused a variety of injuries, according to the adult film star. Dillon also recounts how Josh went to a strip club where she was performing. He attempted to express his regret but then assaulted her again. As a result of those acts of violence, Danica wants $500,000 in damages from Duggar.
Despite all the scandals generated by Josh, Jill & Jessa: Counting On, is described by TLC as focusing on the two Duggar sisters, pointed out E News.
However, although newly married Jill and Derick Dillard as well as Jessa and Ben Seewald have lots of upbeat news, from ministry to babies, TLC is featuring the scandals in its descriptions.
“For the first time, we’ll hear from several family members, including Anna Duggar in emotional and candid interviews about the trying summer the family faced and how they are continuing to move forward from a time of turmoil to a time of celebration,” reveals TLC.
Some potential viewers feel that the scandals generated by Josh are being exploited, discussing their dismay on the Facebook page for Counting On.
“Please stop exploiting your innocent little children for profit.Let the children have privacy and grow up away from a camera.This is no different than child abuse someone needs to report this,” criticized one follower.
“Interesting advertising tool. Anna’s tragedy is being exploited for ratings, money, and reality TV fame,” wrote another.
And some warned the network that they would boycott.
“Disgusting how TLC & the Duggars will use Anna to gain sympathy yet dissed her in Aug. for not being joyfully available to her husband. I am done with TLC,” chimed in another user.
Do you think TLC and the Duggars are exploiting the scandals to gain ratings and make money rather than sticking to the premise promised by the title? What are your views? Post your comments below.
[Image via Duggar Family/Facebook]
