Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar have spoken out regarding their son Joseph Duggar’s arrest in connection with allegations of child sexual abuse. The 19 Kids and Counting alums shared a statement that addressed the news less than two weeks after Joseph's arrest.
"Jim Bob and Michelle are heartbroken over this entire situation," a spokesperson for the family told Us Weekly. "Right now, they are focused on loving their family and helping Kendra and her children during this difficult time. They are praying for the victim. They ask for privacy and appreciate the kind words and prayers offered by so many."
Joseph was arrested on March 19 in Arkansas, on an alleged child molestation charge. The following day, Joseph's wife Kendra Duggar was charged with four counts of alleged endangerment of the welfare of a child in the second degree, as well as four counts of alleged false imprisonment in the second degree along with her husband.
© FilmMagicFamily reactions
Jim and Michelle’s statement comes after their other children publicly addressed their sibling's arrest. Joseph's sister Jessa Duggar Seewald initially shared a post on social media: "We learned of this saddening news along with the rest of the world on Wednesday, and we are in complete shock. Our hearts are grieving for this innocent young girl, and we know this is deeply grievous to God, who cares tenderly for children and the vulnerable. We are keeping her in our prayers."
© InstagramShe added: "As a family, we are pulling together to support Kendra and her kids during this difficult time." Jessa deleted the message of support shortly after she shared it.
Joseph's sister, Jill Duggar Dillard, shared in a blog post online: "We strongly condemn abuse. We support the rule of law and hope that justice will be achieved. Our hearts go out to the innocent juvenile victim of this unspeakable crime and her family. We pray God gives her strength, comfort and hope, and that she is able to get all the help and support she needs and deserves in the days ahead."
She added: "We love our sister-in-law, Kendra, and our four nieces and nephews and pray that they feel loved and supported during this time as we cannot imagine the indescribable pain they feel as they process and grieve everything."
© Getty"Josh Duggar does not know the details of the claims that have been made against his brother, Joseph. But, he knows the media frenzy that any incident regarding his family creates," shared Josh's attorney to Us Weekly.
The lawyer added: "He feels for his brother because everything is amplified out of proportion by the media interest in his family. This makes the pain of the criminal justice process exponentially worse."
He confirmed: "Josh prays for his brother and he hopes that he can stay strong. He too has felt the crushing wave of accusation that is powered by the media spectacle to which his family is subjected."
