Multiple members of the Duggar family have reacted to Joseph Duggar’s arrest on child molestation charges.
Joseph, who rose to fame alongside his family on the reality series 19 Kids and Counting, was taken into custody after being accused of molesting a 9-year-old girl while on a family vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida, in 2020. He was arrested by the Tonitown Police Department in Arkansas on March 18, 2026, after the Bay County Sheriff’s Department obtained a warrant.
“The victim reported Duggar repeatedly asked her to sit on his lap,” the Bay County Sheriff’s Office revealed in a press release at the time. “As the vacation continued, he also asked her to sit next to him on a couch and covered them with a blanket.”
The statement continued, “During this time, Duggar manipulated the victim’s underwear and grazed her genitals. Duggar would also continue to rub his hands on her thighs.”
Joseph Duggar Arrested on Child Molestation Charges: Everything We Know
Joseph was ultimately charged with one count of lewd and lascivious behavior involving molestation of a victim less than 12 years old and a second count of lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older.
Joseph appeared in court on March 20 and waived his right to an extradition hearing and ultimately agreed to be transferred to Florida to face the charges.
Days after his arrest, news broke that Joseph was also facing four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, second degree, and four counts of second degree false imprisonment alongside his wife, Kendra Duggar. Kendra was arrested on March 20, 2026, and released the same day on bond.
Many members of the Duggar family spoke out about Joseph’s arrest, including his siblings Jill and Josh. (Josh is currently in prison after being convicted for possession of child pornography.)
Keep scrolling to see what the Duggars have said about Joseph:
Jill Duggar
Jill Duggar released a statement on her family blog about Joseph Duggar’s arrest.
“We were shocked yesterday evening to learn of Jill’s brother (Joseph Duggar’s) arrest,” the post began. “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.”
Jill added that she and husband Derick Dillard are “shocked and heartbroken” over the allegations.
“We strongly condemn abuse. We support the rule of law and hope that justice will be achieved,” she continued. “Our hearts go out to the innocent juvenile victim of this unspeakable crime and her family. We pray God gives her strength, comfort and hope, and that she is able to get all the help and support she needs and deserves in the days ahead.”
Josh Duggar
Josh Duggar spoke out while behind bars about his brother’s arrest, sharing he was “deeply saddened” about the allegations against Joseph Duggar.
“Josh understands the stigma of being accused. He lives with the painful reality of how false accusations can destroy a life,” Josh’s lawyer said in a statement to The Daily Mail on the reality star’s behalf. “He understands how the targeting of a person for publicity can twist the truth into sensationalized fiction.”
The statement added that while “Josh and Joe are not in frequent communication” Josh “hopes and prays for his brother’s well being in this difficult time.”
Amy Duggar King
Joseph Duggar’s cousin, Amy Duggar King, broke her silence on his arrest.
“In light of the recent allegations involving my cousin, Joseph Duggar, I am sickened, heartbroken, and deeply angry,” Amy said in a statement to Us Weekly. “My first thoughts are with the victim, a child who deserved to be safe, protected, and surrounded by people she could trust. The courage it took for her to come forward, especially after years of carrying something so heavy, cannot be overstated. That bravery deserves to be honored above all else.”
Amy added that she was “utterly shocked” by the allegations against Joseph but also addressed the family’s “toxic system.”
“For years, I have spoken out about the importance of truth, accountability, and protecting children, even when it meant going against my own family,” she continued. “Family ties should never equal automatic trust or access, especially when it comes to the safety of children. When an image is protected over truth, and silence is chosen over accountability, it creates an environment where abuse can thrive.”
Amy shared that she has “worked hard to break cycles” in her family and has advocated “for the protection of children.”
“I am praying for the victim and her family as they walk through what is sure to be an incredibly difficult road ahead,” she shared. “Recognizing that we do not yet know the full picture, I am also praying for Joseph’s wife, Kendra, as she begins to process this, and for the protection of their children. I’m praying for eyes to be opened and above all, I pray that justice will be served to the fullest.”
Amy was later seen crying in a social media video after news broke that Kendra was also arrested that week.
Where Did Joseph Duggar Stand With Family Before Child Molestation Arrest?
Jessa Duggar
Jessa Duggar issued a statement on behalf of herself and her husband, Ben Seewald, on March 20, 2026.
“We learned of this saddening news along with the rest of the world on Wednesday, and we are in complete shock,” the statement read. “Our hearts are grieving for this innocent young girl, and we know this is deeply grievous to God, who cares tenderly for children and the vulnerable. We are keeping her in our prayers.”
Jessa later deleted her upload that same day.
Jinger Duggar and Jeremy Vuolo
Jinger spoke out about her brother’s arrest during the March 25 episode of her “Jinger & Jeremy” podcast.
“It’s been one of those weeks that feels like years. And I did not think my heart could break like it has this week,” she said. “The pain and heartbreak that we’ve had over this and just thinking of how it’s affected so many, yeah, it’s just unthinkable. So hard and painful on many levels.”
She added, “Even though we’ve experienced something very similar before with one of my other siblings who made unthinkable choices and decisions that have affected all of us. And yet, the pain and hurt that’s caused to us … it’s hard to know what to do sometimes, moving forward. You just feel the weight of it.”
Jeremy chimed in to add that he and his wife are “praying for the victim” that came forward.
“Thinking about the victim who was brave enough to share her story has been heartbreaking,” he added. “Just the effect on that young person’s life is unimaginable. And then to see the ripple effect of that horrific crime across the board.”
Joseph Duggar Arrest Footage Released After Child Molestation Charges
Jason Duggar and Maddie Grace Duggar
“We, like many, have spent the week completely shocked, confused, and grieved to list a few emotions,” Jason Duggar and his wife, Maddie Grace Duggar, wrote in a joint statement shared via Instagram on March 26, one week after Joseph Duggar was arrested. “We are disgusted to hear the news about my brother, however, this isn’t about how it’s impacted our lives.”
The pair shared, “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. This is something unthinkable.”
“We are angered by what has happened, and we pray [that] God’s righteous hand and the court system will serve justice in the situation as deserved,” the statement continued. “Maddie and I have always had a special place in our hearts for the vulnerable around us, and we will continue to do so. To fathom that someone would abuse their authority to harass the innocent is vile.”
They added: “We ask that you pray for the victim who has been brave enough to share what has happened. We also ask that you pray for his family at this time, as his children must face the reality of losing a father that should have been a spiritual leader in their lives,” referring to Joseph’s four children, whom he shares with wife Kendra Duggar.
“We stand with innocent children. Always,” Jason and Maddie concluded.
Joy-Anna Duggar
“What has come out about my brother is heartbreaking and deeply disturbing,” Joy-Anna Duggar said in a March 26 statement shared via social media. “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.”
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar broke their silence on Joseph’s arrest nearly two weeks after he was taken into custody in Arkansas.
“Jim Bob and Michelle are heartbroken over this entire situation,” a spokesperson for the Duggar family told Us Weekly in a statement. “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.”
Deanna Duggar
Speaking to Page Six, Joseph Duggar’s aunt Deanna said she feels Kendra Duggar “should divorce him.”
“She needs a new life. The best thing to do would be to divorce him and go on with her life,” added Deanna, who is the sister of Joseph’s dad, Jim Bob Duggar. “I don’t know what the charges are going to be for Kendra. I don’t know, we’re all waiting to see. While my heart goes out to her, I know there [have] been some wrong decisions. My prayers are for the victims. For Kendra, for Joseph, for the whole family, wake up and repent of their pride, their feeling of the world is against them, get things right in their family.”
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
