Duggar Family Breaks Silence on Joseph Duggar's Arrest

Kendra Duggar's family expresses support for alleged victim and grandchildren amid charges.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:49am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a worn, tattered stuffed animal against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of darkness and trauma.The disturbing allegations against a prominent reality TV family have shattered the illusion of a picture-perfect childhood.Tontitown Today

The Caldwell family, which includes Kendra Duggar's parents Paul and Christina and her eight siblings, has released a statement addressing the recent arrest of Kendra's husband Joseph Duggar on child molestation charges. The family says they are 'devastated' for the alleged 9-year-old victim and are praying for their grandchildren as well as Kendra during this 'difficult time'.

Why it matters

The Duggar family has long been a prominent conservative Christian reality TV family, and this arrest has rocked their community and raised concerns about the safety and wellbeing of the children involved. The Caldwell family's statement aims to show support for the victim while also standing by their daughter Kendra and her children.

The details

Joseph Duggar was arrested on March 18 on child molestation charges related to an alleged 2021 incident involving a 9-year-old victim. Two days later, Joseph and his wife Kendra were also charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of false imprisonment in an unrelated incident involving their own four young children. Kendra was briefly jailed before being released. The Caldwell family's statement expresses devastation for the alleged victim, support for their grandchildren, and an acknowledgment of the 'darkness' their family is facing.

  • Joseph Duggar was arrested on March 18, 2026.
  • Kendra Duggar was arrested on March 20, 2026 and released two hours later.
  • The Caldwell family released their statement on April 15, 2026, one month after Joseph's arrest.

The players

Joseph Duggar

Kendra Duggar's husband who was arrested on child molestation charges.

Kendra Duggar

The wife of Joseph Duggar who was also charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and false imprisonment in an unrelated incident involving their four young children.

The Caldwell Family

Kendra Duggar's family, including her parents Paul and Christina and her eight siblings, who released a statement addressing the charges against Joseph and Kendra.

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar

Joseph Duggar's parents, who previously released a statement expressing heartbreak over the situation.

The Alleged 9-Year-Old Victim

The child who was allegedly molested by Joseph Duggar in 2021, according to the charges.

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What they’re saying

“We are devastated for the young girl, a child who was courageous in every way to share her truth. We stand by her, both in support and prayer, and forever will. Our love for this child remains at the forefront of our family's priorities and minds. We are proud of her for being strong enough to share her story while also retaining her own identity and joy.”

— The Caldwell Family

“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.”

— Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar

What’s next

Joseph Duggar is expected back in court in Florida on April 20, 2026. Kendra and Joseph are both due in court in Arkansas on April 29, 2026 for the child endangerment and false imprisonment charges.

The takeaway

This case has shaken the Duggar family's conservative Christian community and raised serious concerns about the safety and wellbeing of the children involved. The Caldwell family's statement aims to show support for the alleged victim while also standing by their daughter Kendra and her children during this difficult time.