TLC pulls ‘19 Kids and Counting’ amid molestation accusation
LOS ANGELES — TLC has pulled episodes of its reality hit “19 Kids and Counting” on the heels of revelations that the family’s oldest son was accused of molesting five underage girls 12 years ago when he was a teenager.
TLC confirmed in a statement that the series had been yanked “effective immediately,” though it is not clear if the series has been canceled outright.
“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,” TLC said.
Word of the allegations against Josh Duggar, now 27 and married with children of his own, surfaced earlier this week. The Arkansas-based family issued a lengthy statement to People magazine on Thursday acknowledging the past incidents.
“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 said in a statement to People. “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.”
The fact that the incidents apparently came to the attention of law enforcement officials raises questions about whether TLC or Discovery Communications executives were aware of Josh Duggar’s past when the series about the expansive Duggar clan was greenlighted in 2008 after the family was featured in a series of specials. It’s unclear if charges were ever filed against Josh Duggar.
The hasty shelving of the show echoes the situation last year that forced TLC to cancel another successful docu series, “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.” The mother of the pre-teen beauty pageant contestant at the center of that show was accused of dating a man who had been convicted on child molestation charges.
See More:TLC Cancels ‘Here Comes Honey Boo Boo,’ Citing Concern for ‘Health and Welfare’ of Kids
“19 Kids,” which bowed as “17 Kids and Counting,” revolves around the extended family of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, parents of Josh, who also issued a statement to People.
“Back 12 years ago our family went through one of the most difficult times of our lives,” the pair said in a statement. “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.”
“19 Kids” has a been a staple of TLC’s schedule and a source of numerous specials as the older kids in the clan grow up and have children of their own. TLC most recently scored with the May 5 two-hour special featuring the birth of another grandchild for Jim Bob and Michelle.