The Duggar family is viewing the arrests of Joseph Duggar and his wife, Kendra Duggar, through a very different lens.
On March 18, the “19 Kids and Counting” alum was arrested on charges related to alleged lewd and lascivious behavior involving a minor under 12. Days later, Kendra was reportedly booked at an Arkansas detention center on unrelated charges.
Since then, members of the large family have spoken out. Now, an insider claims that some relatives believe the situation goes beyond legal trouble, seeing it instead as a targeted assault on their spirituality.
Duggar Relatives Feel Joseph And Kendra’s Arrest Is ‘Persecution’ For ‘Following Christ’
According to the insider, certain members believe the arrests are rooted in hostility toward their Christian beliefs. “Some of the family feels like this is straight-up persecution,” the source close to the brood told The Daily Mail. “It’s an attack from people who want to see them struggle.”
While the source said some relatives understand why Joseph was taken into custody, they remain puzzled as to why Kendra suffered the same fate.
“That feels like a step further,” the insider added before noting that their patriarch Jim Bob Duggar had long warned that being devout Christians could bring opposition.
“He’s always said the world would be hostile to them. That following Christ means the enemy will try to attack,” they said. “That’s how this feels to some – like a witch hunt.”
How Jinger, Jill, Jessa, and Their Husbands Responded To The Incident
While some relatives have framed the situation as persecution, others within the family have taken a different stance.
Jinger Duggar and her husband, Jeremy Vuolo, addressed the incident on their podcast, describing it as emotionally overwhelming and deeply upsetting.
According to The Blast, Jinger noted that the scandal resurfaced painful memories tied to her older brother, Josh Duggar. The couple also expressed concern for the alleged victim, emphasizing that they are praying for everyone affected.
Meanwhile, sisters Jill Duggar and Jessa Duggar, who were reportedly victims in Josh’s past case, condemned Joseph’s alleged actions. Jessa, in a now-deleted post, added that it was “deeply grievous to God.”
Amy Duggar Said She Would Stand For The Truth Even At Her Family’s Expense
Another family member who made it known she was not on Josh’s side was Amy Duggar. Amy expressed that she was “sickened” by the news and commended the victim for speaking up. She added that she would continue to stand for children no matter what.
“For years, I have spoken out about the importance of truth, accountability, and protecting children, even when it meant going against my own family,” Amy wrote in her statement, per The Blast.
While condemning the behavior, she disclosed that she was not “surprised that another predator” has emerged from within their system, seemingly referring to Josh.
Josh Duggar Broke His Silence On The Allegations Against His Brother
On the other hand, Josh, who is currently serving a prison sentence, has defended his brother in a statement through his attorney.
Per The Blast, Josh believes the situation has been misrepresented, drawing from his own legal experience and the stigma that comes with being accused.
“He understands how the targeting of a person for publicity can twist the truth into sensationalized fiction,” the attorney said. The inmate also expressed concern for Joseph and prayed for his well-being as he navigates the situation.
More Disturbing Details Emerge In Joseph Duggar Case
As reactions continue to surface, new details are adding further weight to the case against Joseph, with the minor’s account now at the center of the investigation.
As The Blast reported, in an affidavit deposed by the victim, now 14, she alleged that the inappropriate behavior began when she was 9 years old during a family trip to Panama City Beach.
She recalled being asked to sit on his lap, with the situation allegedly escalating over time to inappropriate contact, including unwanted touching of her thighs under a blanket.
Following a forensic interview, investigators moved to gather additional evidence and arranged a call involving the former reality TV star.
Authorities claim he admitted to inappropriate contact during that conversation and acknowledged that his intentions were not pure, which was fundamental in obtaining a warrant for his arrest.
