Duggars Respond Differently to Josh and Joseph's Arrests

The family's statements highlight contrasting reactions to the high-profile legal troubles of two Duggar sons.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:33pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the legal troubles faced by the Duggar family.The Duggar family's contrasting responses to legal troubles highlight the complex toll of public scandals.Fayetteville Today

When eldest son Josh Duggar was arrested on child pornography charges in 2021, parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar released a statement expressing serious concern and a desire for the truth to come out. However, their response was markedly different when son Joseph Duggar was arrested in March 2023 on charges of lewd and lascivious behavior and endangering the welfare of a minor, with the family spokesperson saying the Duggars are 'heartbroken' and focused on 'loving their family' during this difficult time.

Why it matters

The Duggar family has faced a series of high-profile scandals over the years, with Josh's arrest being the most serious. The contrasting reactions from Jim Bob and Michelle to their sons' legal troubles shed light on the family's approach to addressing such sensitive issues publicly and the toll it has taken on the large, prominent clan.

The details

In 2021, Josh Duggar was arrested on charges of receipt and possession of child pornography. The Duggars released a statement at the time expressing the seriousness of the accusations and saying they were praying for the truth to come out. However, when son Joseph Duggar was arrested in March 2023 on charges of lewd and lascivious behavior and endangering the welfare of a minor, the family's spokesperson said the Duggars are 'heartbroken' and focused on 'loving their family' during this difficult time.

  • Josh Duggar was arrested on child pornography charges in 2021.
  • Joseph Duggar was arrested in March 2023 on charges of lewd and lascivious behavior and endangering the welfare of a minor.

The players

Jim Bob Duggar

The patriarch of the Duggar family, who rose to fame with his wife Michelle on the TLC reality shows '19 Kids and Counting' and 'Counting On'.

Michelle Duggar

The matriarch of the Duggar family, who rose to fame with her husband Jim Bob on the TLC reality shows '19 Kids and Counting' and 'Counting On'.

Josh Duggar

The eldest son of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, who was arrested in 2021 on charges of receipt and possession of child pornography.

Joseph Duggar

One of the Duggar sons, who was arrested in March 2023 on charges of lewd and lascivious behavior and endangering the welfare of a minor.

Kendra Duggar

The wife of Joseph Duggar, who was arrested on the same charges as her husband.

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What they’re saying

“We appreciate your continued prayers for our family at this time. The accusations brought against Joshua today are very serious. It is our prayer that the truth, no matter what it is, will come to light, and that this will all be resolved in a timely manner. We love Josh and Anna and continue to pray for their family.”

— Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar

“Jim Bob and Michelle are heartbroken over this entire situation. 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.”

— Duggar family spokesperson

The takeaway

The Duggar family's contrasting responses to the legal troubles of their sons Josh and Joseph highlight the family's complex approach to addressing sensitive issues publicly. While the family has faced a series of high-profile scandals, the differing reactions underscore the toll these events have taken on the prominent clan.