19 Kids And Counting Canceled In Wake Of Josh Duggar Molestation Scandal
Posted on Thu Jul 16th, 2015 9:00am PDT By X17 Staff
The hits just keep on coming!
19 Kids and Counting just got canceled by TLC after ten seasons on the network, the Associated Press reports. The abrupt ending comes on the heels of Duggar son Josh's molestation scandal that dominated headlines for the past several months.
"After thoughtful consideration, TLC and the Duggar family have decided to not move forward with 19 Kids and Counting. The show will no longer appear on the air. The recent attention around the Duggars has sparked a critical and important conversation about child protection," the network said in an official statement. Jim Bob and Michelle's famously large brood first hit the small screen back in 2008.
Not only is TLC pulling the program, but they're planning an hour long documentary about child abuse with the help of two prominent abuse organizations.
"Over these past weeks, TLC has consulted regularly with leading victims' rights and advocacy organizations in the U.S., including RAINN and Darkness to Light, to discuss how to use this moment to address the issue and make a positive impact. Unfortunately, child sexual abuse is not an isolated issue; it affects many children and families around the world. To that end, we are partnering with both organizations on a multi-platform campaign to raise awareness and educate parents and families about the issue. In the first phase of this initiative, TLC will work closely with both groups and with the Duggar family on a one-hour documentary that will include Jill and Jessa and other survivors and families that have been affected by abuse," the statement continued.
Reports surfaced in late May that 27-year-old Josh Duggar had been accused of inappropriate touching five girls, four of which were his siblings! Sisters Jill and Jessa came forward as the victims, and revealed they had forgiven their brother for his actions, but that did little to calm the controversy.
The Duggars have released this statement:
- "With God's grace and help Josh, our daughters and our entire family overcame a terrible situation, found healing and a way forward. We are so pleased with the wonderful adults they have all become. It is our prayer that the painful situation our family went through many years ago can point people toward faith in God and help others who also have lived through similar dark situations to find help, hope and healing, as well."
We're not sorry to see them go!
Poll
Did TLC Make The Right Decision Canceling 19 Kids And Counting?
Yes - there was too much scandal surrounding the Duggars. | |
No - they deserved a second chance. |