Jana Duggar is certainly not the most outspoken member of the 19 Kids and Counting clan, so it’s no great surprise that she has yet to speak out on the Josh Duggar molestation scandal . Like most of her family, Jana has not only refrained from speaking publicly about her brother’s misdeeds, she’s remained completely silent – refusing requests to talk to the media and disappearing from social media altogether. While Jill and Jessa Duggar confirmed that they were molested by Josh in an interview that aired on Fox News, Jana has remained at home, helping to care for her many siblings, as usual. It’s unknown whether or not Jana was victimized by her brother, but there have been rumors that while her younger sisters married and got pregnant, Jana stayed home to protect her siblings from Josh’s abusive behavior. In accordance with Duggar family courtship rules , Jana isn’t even allowed to have a social media account until she’s engaged, but she occasionally communicates with fans via her family’s official Facebook page. Earlier today Jana posted the above photo of herself and her mother with a caption reading: “Love spending time with this sweet lady. So thankful to have her as a role model, a friend and a mom! Always love my time with her.” While Jana doesn’t directly address the scandal that’s embroiled her entire family, the message seems to be her simple yet significant way of saying that she stands by her mother’s controversial decisions and will continue to support her regardless of public opinion. View Slideshow: Jana Duggar Photos: So Beautiful, So Maligned
Yesterday, it was rumored that Derick Dillard had been fired from his job as a tax accountant at Wal Mart. Radar Online confirmed that Derick was no longer with the company, and as the 26-year-old is newly married and just became a father, it was widely assumed that he did not leave the job of his own accord. Some went so far as to speculate that Derick was fired (or was forced to resign) as a result of the fallout from the Josh Duggar molestation scandal . Yesterday, the retail giant would offer no information regarding the end of Derick’s tenure. Today, they issued a brief, vague statement, confirming that he did indeed quit. From the sound of things, however, it seems that Josh’s superiors may not even know why he left: “Mr. Dillard did leave the company on his own, made that decision,” said a Wal-Mart spokesperson in a statement issued this morning. Some fans have speculated that Derick and Jill might be planning to leave the country for missionary work, though that would certainly be an odd choice for new parents. Others have suggested that Derick may be preparing for a starring role the long-rumored Duggar sisters spinoff series. Whatever the case, it’s clear that Josh’s highly-publicized misdeeds aren’t the only source of upheaval in this once-stable family of twenty-one. View Slideshow: Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard Photos!
Earlier tonight, Jill and Jessa Duggar were interviewed by Megyn Kelly in a one-hour Fox News special. The sisters had previously confirmed that they were molested by Josh Duggar , but this was the first time they were given the opportunity to offer their full account of the abuse they endured in 2002 and 2003. Jill and Jessa Duggar Interview, Part I Surprisingly, the sisters seem to bear no ill will toward the older brother who sexually assaulted them on several occasions. In fact, in the Kelly interview, they stated more than once that they’ve forgiven Josh for his actions, and they even dismissed his abuse as nothing more than “inappropriate touching” from a young man who was “curious about girls.” At one point, the sisters reminded viewers that they were unaware they were being molested, even when it occurred while they were awake. “We didn’t even know about it,” Jill said when asked about Josh’s abuse. She added that her brother was “very sly” in his actions. As for the media’s release of the police report that named Josh as a child molester , both sisters said they were shocked and outraged and believe themselves to be the victims of a conspiracy against their family. Asked about the police report that was released to In Touch Weekly in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, Jessa stated: “People that already don’t like our family would be the ones to spread this around, and maliciously do so, slanderously do so.” She went on to say that the media should “respect [the family’s] wish for things to remain private.” Jill built upon her sister’s accusations of slander by stating her belief that parents who have witnessed the Duggars PR nightmare might now stay silent. Victims might “take a pause before they do something to report … maybe these other victims will just not even have their situation dealt with.” The sisters then made the argument that the company that owns In Touch – Bauer Media Group – treated them like sex workers : View Slideshow: 21 Controversial Duggar Family Quotes “The tabloids who released this, they’re used to exploiting women,” Jill said. “Bauer,” Jessa added. “They’re a major porn provider. Maybe [that’s] their mindset. They’re just used to making objects out of women. Maybe we just didn’t seem any different.” The Bauer corporation is best known as the publisher of more than 400 magazine titles, most of which are mainstream periodicals, such as In Touch, Grazia and Empire. In both tonight’s interview and Jim Bob and Michelle’s earlier conversation with Kelly , the Duggars made the point that they feel more victimized by the media’s handling of their situation than by Josh’s abusive behavior. It’s a confusing argument, as the family goes from minimizing Josh’s actions as “mild touching” (that had been “dealt with” years before the Duggars rose to fame), to describing it as the darkest of family secrets that’s tragically been brought to light. Twitter is already abuzz with media figures bristling at the accusations, as generally when a case of child abuse is reported by a news outlet, the intent is not to shame the victims, but to help in some small way to ensure that justice is served and that the parties responsible are unable to claim further victims. By making sure the truth – however ugly it may be – is made public, responsible journalists can help to prevent abuse against children from being hidden and hushed-up, as happens far too often in our society. The Duggar girls stated that they are uncertain whether their family will pursue legal charges against the tabloids they feel are responsible for publicizing Josh’s past. Josh himself has yet to be interviewed account the scandal. View Slideshow: 23 Biggest Duggar Family Scandals
Most of the Internet reacted swiftly and negatively to the interview Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar gave Megyn Kelly on Wednesday night. But not Sarah Palin. Not in the way most people responded, at least, as the former Vice Presidential candidate dragged Lena Dunham into the Josh Duggar controversy by wondering why the media is so fast to castigate Duggar… … yet gave Dunham a pass for what Palin deems to be comparable behavior. In Dunham’s memoir, she writes about looking into her sister’s vagina when Lena was seven and her sibling was one. She also writes about bribing her young sister with candy back in the day to snuggle with her and kiss her and admits to masturbating in a bed she shared with her sister. “The media’s hell-bent mission to go after the entire Duggar family for one member’s wrongdoing, while giving a total pass to perverted actions of someone like Lena Dunham,” Palin wrote on Facebook this week. Do you agree? Dunham satisfied her sexual curiosity as a child by looking at her sister’s private parts and sharing a few intimate moments with her sibling. Josh Duggar has admitted to inappropriately touching five young girls when he was 14 and 15 years of age; two of those victims were his sisters, Jessa and Jill Duggar . Is one action worse than the other? Are they the same? Should critics be looking at Dunham the same they look at Duggar? View Slideshow: 21 Controversial Duggar Family Quotes Back in November, Dunham responded to those who claim she molested her sister by labeling the allegation “really f-cking upsetting and disgusting,” adding: “Usually this is stuff I can ignore but don’t demean sufferers, don’t twist words. I told a story about being a weird seven year old. I bet you have some too.” Jim Bob Duggar, meanwhile, says technically his son is not a pedophile because he was not 16 years old when his heinous acts took place. So now it’s your turn to weigh in, THGers: You know the facts on both sides. You know the opinions. Compare the situations of Lena Dunham and Josh Duggar and decide: Who’s worse? View Slideshow: 29 WTF Quotes From Lena Dunham’s New Book
The celebrity gossip world never stops turning, that’s for certain. But the past few days have provided us with more scoops, scandals and shocking pieces of news than usual. Did you miss any of it? Do you need to go over it again to make sure? Have no fear, THG is here! It all started late SUNDAY NIGHT when Kim Kardashian announced her second pregnancy via a teaser for Keeping Up with the Kardashian Season 10: Kim Kardashian Pregnant Announcement Then, on MONDAY, Bruce Jenner blew his step-daughter out of the spotlight, revealing himself to now officially be known as Caitlyn Jenner . Over the course of the week, more and more photos from her gorgeous Vanity Fair spread hit the Web: View Slideshow: Caitlyn Jenner Photos: So Long, Bruce! On TUESDAY, it was confirmed that Kim Richards is back in rehab , as she recently returned from a drunken trip to Mexico. A couple days later, E! would report that Richards will not be featured as a series regular on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills next season. Also on Tuesday, Sepp Blatter resigned as FIFA President; Nicholas Brendan also checked into rehab; and ESPN announced it would honor Caitlyn Jenner at the 2015 ESPYs. On WEDNESDAY Megyn Kelly conducted the first interview with Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar since their son admitted to molesting a number of girls as a teenager. The parents defended their handling of Josh Duggar’s ordeal by saying they were not required by law to turn him in; by saying his victims were asleep and unaware he was touching them; and by saying God a lot of times. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar Interview, Part I Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar Interview, Part II On THURSDAY, everyone woke up stunned and appalled by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. We also watched in awe as Amy Schumer said she weighs 160 pounds, yet can “catch a d-ck” any time she wants; Ted Cruz apologized for an ill-timed Joe Biden joke; and this five-year old explained to her mom how a cow ended up in their home: 5-Year Old Explains to Mom How Cow Got Into the House Finally, on FRIDAY, Amanda Bynes actually emerged in Los Angeles after many months of hiding, while America celebrated National Donut Day and Jessa and Jill Duggar said they forgive their brother: Jill and Jessa Duggar Interview Sneak Peek So, to reiterate the major stories: There will be another spawn of Kim Kardashian in the world. The Duggar family is all kinds of effed up. A major step forward was taken in the LGBT community. One out of three ain’t bad we guess!
Maligned pop star and wannabe bad boy Justin Bieber pleaded guilty in a Canadian courtroom today to riding dirty with Selena Gomez. On an ATV that he crashed into a minivan, that is. The 21-year-old appeared in a court via Skype. TMZ reports that the alleged musician was with Howard Weitzman, his lawyer, in his office as he pleaded guilty to assault and careless driving. The incident went down in Ontario last year. Justin crashed his ATV into the minivan of a celebrity news photographer, who was taking some hot pics of Bieber and Selena Gomez riding. The judge warned Bieber , as countless others have in recent years: “The lesson in all of this is to think before you act in the future.” Don’t hold your breath, judge. The plea deal was a win for Justin, who was slapped with a $750 fine and no jail or probation. One step closer to that clean slate he talks about. His mom, Pattie Mallette , must be thrilled … not because of the sweet plea deal, but because it will remind her of those happier Jelena times. Those happy, grinding times. View Slideshow: Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez GRINDING
Last night, Megyn Kelly interviewed Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar for a Fox News special that’s left many outraged by what they consider to be the desperate rationalization of some criminally negligent parenting. Jim Bob defended his failure to report Josh Duggar’s molestation in part by claiming that parents are “not mandatory reporters,” and thus, are under no legal obligation to turn in their children, even when they suspect of them being guilty of sexual abuse. “The law allows for parents to do what they think is best for the children,” said Jim Bob. We sent him down to this [counseling center]. It’s the best decision we made.” As Radar Online reports today, however, under federal and Arkansas state law, parents who homeschool their kids are legally obligated to report instances of sexual abuse to the proper legal authorities. Homeschooling is popular in Arkansas, and as such, the Arkansas Child Maltreatment Act specifically cites homeschool teachers on the list of adults who are required to report “abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, sexual exploitation or abandonment of a child.” By not doing so, the Duggars were in direct violation of the same law that they attempted to hide behind during last night’s interview. Of course, millions on the Internet have already reacted in horror to the Duggar interview and accused the famously fundamentalist parents of downplaying and ignoring the ongoing abuse that took place under their roof for over a year. The revelation that Michelle and Jim Bob were themselves in violation of state and federal laws is unlikely change the minds of the Duggars’ millions of supporters, or even convince TLC execs to cancel 19 Kids and Counting . View Slideshow: 21 Controversial Duggar Family Quotes
The most surprising and perhaps even noteworthy part of the Duggars' interview with Fox News Wednesday night came at the tail end: A sneak preview of Jill and Jessa Duggar speaking with Megyn Kelly about how Josh Duggar molested them when they were younger. For a brief but powerful moment, Jessa Seewald and Jill Dillard (both Duggar girls married in 2014) spoke out last night about Josh. They were two of the five underage girls molested by the eldest of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's 19 Kids & Counting as a teenager. The sisters told Kelly that they were overwhelmed when they learned that their story – long kept confidential by police had gone viral. “We are victims, they can't do this to us,” Jill, 24, said through tears of the attention focused on her and her family amid the scandal. Jessa, 22, added that “the system that was set up to protect kids” failed to do so, and they are paying a far, far greater price now. “Both those who make stupid mistakes or have problems like this and the ones that are affected by those choices. It's greatly failed.” Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar also told Fox News that the police were bribed to leak the scandal in a plot to expose and ruin the family. Clearly, it was their strategy going into the interview to reframe the discussion, but it is very much unclear how and why the file leaked. It has since been destroyed, but to Jessa and Jill, that's little consolation now, as they've had to “relive the horror” like never before. While Jessa admitted that what their brother did was “very wrong,” she decried people calling Josh a child molester, pedophile or rapist. “I'm like, that is so overboard and a lie really,” she said, emotionally. “I mean, people get mad at me for saying that but I can say this.” “Because,” she says, “I was one of the victims.”
The long-awaited Megyn Kelly interview of Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar aired on Fox News tonight, and the reality stars shared several shocking details. There was plenty to discuss regarding their son Josh’s sexual misconduct, and Kelly covered it from pretty much every conceivable angle Wednesday. The most surprising revelations, however, came from Jill and Jessa Duggar, both of whom confirmed that they were molested by their older brother . Jill and Jessa Duggar appeared only briefly, at the very end of the broadcast, as a preview for their own interview with Kelly that’s set to air on Friday. In the clip, the now-married Duggar daughters do not address their feelings regarding Josh’s crimes, but instead criticize “the system.” The system that they feel is responsible for failing to keep his file sealed as required by law and exposing the two of them as victims, that is. Jessa dismisses her brother’s actions as “stupid mistakes” and states that she believes that her family’s right to privacy was not protected. “We’re victims. It isn’t fair,” says a tearful Jill, presumably in response to a question about the story leaking to the Internet last month. While it’s true that Josh’s file was leaked illegally, and the family has been embroiled in scandal ever since, it’s an interesting angle to take. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar Interview, Part I Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar Interview, Part II Many on social media expressed surprise that Jill, Jessa, Jim Bob and Michelle seem more concerned with the leak than with the abuse that took place. Earlier in the interview, Jim Bob Duggar defended his failure to report Josh’s sexual abuse by claiming that Josh himself was only a child at the time. The Josh Duggar sexual molestation of four sisters and one babysitter was not investigated until a third party reported his crimes several years later. By that point, the statute of limitations on his crimes had expired. The Duggars also implied that their entire family is being victimized now more than they were before, as the kids do not even remember this happening. Nowadays, however, the story is everywhere – through no fault of their own – and they are being forced to relive this abject horror as it were. Fair point? Deflecting from the real issue? You decide. View Slideshow: 23 Biggest Duggar Family Scandals
In their bombshell interview with Fox News’ Megyn Kelly last night, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar made some surprising statements to say the least. Perhaps most controversially, the reality stars insinuated that police actually took bribes to leak Josh Duggar’s molestation file and sabotage their family. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar Interview, Part I Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar Interview, Part II Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar acknowledged the horrible actions of their first of their 19 children, Josh Duggar, who molested his sisters as a teenager. However, they also sought to downplay his behavior to an extent, insisting that he “improperly touched” Jessa and Jill Duggar for “just a few seconds.” Now married adults, Jessa and Jill Duggar were among the five molestation victims – four sisters and one babysitter – assaulted by Josh a decade ago. Awful and inexcusable as Michelle and Jim Bob admit this is, they insist that all of the girls either don’t remember it or didn’t understand it at the time. In turn, the backlash against them, or so they claim, has actually made this a whole lot worse for them than any pain Josh may have inflicted back then. Jim Bob defended his handling of the situation , and sought to turn the tables on the “public shame” instigated by someone with a “personal agenda.” “There’s an agenda,” Michelle told Megyn . “There’s people that are purposely trying to bring things out and twisting them to hurt and slander.” Taking that defense a step further, Jim Bob said the “attack” on the 19 Kids And Counting stars was led by Springdale, Ark., Police Chief Kathy O’Kelley. View Slideshow: 23 Biggest Duggar Family Scandals O’Kelley, he said, set out to “hurt” his family for a “bribe.” “She was getting ready to retire and said, ‘There’s a few things I want to do before I retire,’” he said, strongly implying she leaked the molestation file. “I think I was on her list.” The parents promise “justice will be served” because their girls “were victimized in these last couple of weeks more than they were 12 years ago.” Clearly, Michelle and Jim Bob came in with a strategy to cop to their actions (or inaction), but also to re-frame the Josh Duggar molestation scandal . Or as they might put it, the “improper touching” scandal. The Duggar patriarch maintains that the family “did the best that we could under the circumstances” and that Josh has long been a “changed person.” Moreover, they’re looking to shift the narrative to the fact that this file was illegally leaked a decade after the fact after all parties had moved on. Is it a fair argument? Will it work? Can it salvage their reputation and keep TLC from pulling the plug on 19 Kids and Counting? There’s a whole lot to discuss in the comments below … View Slideshow: 20 Controversial Duggar Family Quotes
