Amy Duggar 'Emotionally Exhausted' After Cousin Joseph's Arrest

The Counting On alum was arrested for alleged child abuse and other charges.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:03pm

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Amy Duggar King, the niece of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, has expressed her emotional exhaustion and heartbreak over the news that her cousin Joseph Duggar was arrested on charges of child abuse and other related offenses. Joseph, 31, was arrested on March 18 for unlawful sexual activity with a minor and is currently being held in solitary confinement in Arkansas.

Why it matters

The Duggar family has faced numerous scandals and controversies over the years, and this latest arrest of one of Jim Bob and Michelle's 19 children has once again thrust the family into the public spotlight. Amy's emotional response highlights the personal toll these events can take on family members, even those not directly involved.

The details

According to police reports, Joseph Duggar was accused of molesting a 9-year-old child in Florida in 2020. The victim, now 14, claimed that Joseph eventually apologized for his actions and the incidents stopped. Joseph was also charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of second-degree false imprisonment. His wife, Kendra Duggar, was arrested on the same charges but released on bond. Joseph is currently awaiting extradition to Florida.

  • On March 18, Joseph Duggar was arrested for unlawful sexual activity with a minor.
  • Two days later, on March 20, news broke that Joseph is also facing additional charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and false imprisonment.

The players

Amy Duggar King

The 39-year-old niece of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, who has expressed her emotional exhaustion and heartbreak over her cousin Joseph's arrest.

Joseph Duggar

A 31-year-old member of the Duggar family, who was arrested on charges of child abuse and other related offenses.

Kendra Duggar

Joseph Duggar's wife, who was also arrested on charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and false imprisonment, but was released on bond.

Jim Bob Duggar

The patriarch of the Duggar family, who has yet to publicly address his son Joseph's arrest.

Michelle Duggar

The matriarch of the Duggar family, who has also not publicly addressed her son Joseph's arrest.

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What they’re saying

“Hey TikTok, it's been a minute. I've taken a minute from videos and whatnot because I literally don't even know what to say. I feel emotionally exhausted from all of this. It's not about me, I know it's not … but my heart hurts. I know I'm not the only one.”

— Amy Duggar King

“Joe was the last person that I expected. We're all wanting answers right now. … He's behind bars tonight. I cannot comprehend that.”

— Amy Duggar King

“I've been spending a lot of time reading, uh, reading the Bible, they got me a Bible in here. I'm in solitary. [I'm in a] pretty small area, but I've been able to read a lot actually, and resting some, but I'm not sleeping great through the night.”

— Joseph Duggar

What’s next

Joseph Duggar is currently awaiting extradition to Florida to face the charges against him. The Duggar family has not yet publicly addressed the situation, but Amy Duggar King has predicted how her uncle Jim Bob and aunt Michelle might respond, calling for the family to come together and show 'family loyalty' during this difficult time.

The takeaway

This latest scandal involving the Duggar family highlights the ongoing challenges they have faced, both publicly and privately, as a result of the controversies that have surrounded them over the years. Amy Duggar King's emotional response underscores the personal toll these events can take on family members, even those not directly involved.