Duggar Family Reacts to Joseph Duggar's Arrest

Relatives express shock, heartbreak, and anger over allegations of child abuse

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:35am

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Members of the Duggar family, including Jill Duggar Dillard, Jason Duggar, Joy-Anna Duggar Forsyth, Jinger Duggar Vuolo, and cousin Amy Duggar King, have spoken out about the recent arrest of Joseph Duggar on charges related to the alleged molestation of a juvenile female in 2020. The family has expressed shock, heartbreak, and anger over the disturbing allegations, with many condemning the abuse and offering support for the victim.

Why it matters

The Duggar family has long been in the public eye, with their reality TV show '19 Kids and Counting' bringing them widespread fame. This latest scandal involving allegations of child abuse against one of the family members has rocked the family and raised questions about their handling of such issues in the past.

The details

According to reports, Joseph Duggar was arrested on charges related to the alleged molestation of a juvenile female in 2020. His relatives have expressed their shock and horror over the news, with many condemning the alleged abuse and offering support for the victim. Jill Duggar Dillard and her husband Derick said they were 'shocked and heartbroken' to learn of the charges, while Jason Duggar and his wife Maddie described the actions as 'unthinkable' and 'vile.' Joy-Anna Duggar Forsyth said the news had left her a 'wreck' and that she would be taking time to process it with her family. Jinger Duggar Vuolo and her husband Jeremy also expressed their deep pain and anguish over the situation.

  • Joseph Duggar was arrested on charges related to the alleged molestation of a juvenile female in 2020.
  • The Duggar family members spoke out about the arrest in statements released between March 19 and March 26, 2026.

The players

Jill Duggar Dillard

Jill Duggar Dillard is the daughter of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and the sister of Joseph Duggar. She and her husband Derick Dillard spoke out against the family in a 2023 book and condemned the alleged abuse.

Jason Duggar

Jason Duggar is the brother of Joseph Duggar. He and his wife Maddie expressed their anger and disgust over the 'unthinkable' actions of Joseph.

Joy-Anna Duggar Forsyth

Joy-Anna Duggar Forsyth is the sister of Joseph Duggar. She said the news had left her a 'wreck' and that she would be taking time to process it with her family.

Jinger Duggar Vuolo

Jinger Duggar Vuolo is the sister of Joseph Duggar. She and her husband Jeremy Vuolo expressed their deep pain and anguish over the situation.

Amy Duggar King

Amy Duggar King is the cousin of Joseph Duggar. She said she was 'sickened, heartbroken and deeply angry' over the allegations and has spoken out about the importance of truth, accountability, and protecting children.

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What they’re saying

“We were shocked yesterday evening to learn of Jill's brother (Joseph Duggar's) arrest. We first learned of anything related to his charges yesterday via a text from a friend who messaged us about the recent media reports of Joseph's arrest and his alleged confession to molesting a juvenile female in 2020. We are shocked and heartbroken.”

— Jill Duggar Dillard & Derick Dillard

“We, like many, have spent the week completely shocked, confused, and grieved to list a few emotions. We are disgusted to hear the news about my brother, however, this isn't about how it's impacted our lives. Our hearts are burdened because a child's life has been turned upside down due to evil actions of someone who should have never hurt the vulnerable.”

— Jason Duggar & Maddie Duggar

“What has come out about my brother is heartbreaking and deeply disturbing. My heart is with the victim, and I am grieved by the pain and harm caused. I have been a wreck this week and am taking time to process.”

— Joy-Anna Duggar Forsyth

“It's been a really difficult week for us to process and think through and pray through this with the podcast. I did not think my heart could break like it has this week. The pain and heartbreak that we've had over this and just thinking of how it's affected so many. It's just unthinkable. It's so hard and painful on many levels.”

— Jinger Duggar Vuolo & Jeremy Vuolo

“I am sickened, heartbroken and deeply angry. My first thoughts are with the victim, a child who deserved to be safe, protected and surrounded by people she could trust. 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 Duggar King

The takeaway

This scandal has shaken the Duggar family to its core, with relatives expressing profound shock, heartbreak, and anger over the disturbing allegations against Joseph Duggar. The family's public response highlights the ongoing challenges they face in addressing issues of abuse and accountability, even within their own close-knit circle.