Josh Duggar Scandal News Update: 2008 Clip Reveals Duggar made an Incest Joke on the TLC Family Show

By Cheri Cheng - 26 May '15 10:34AM

An old clip of Josh Duggar joking about incest on the TLC's family show has resurfaced just days after allegations were made that the eldest Duggar had sexually molested five minors when he was a teenager.

In the video, which aired back when the show was titled, "17 Kids and Counting" in 2008, Duggar was recalling the time when he wanted to go on a date with his then fiancée Anna. In order to go on the date, however, they needed a chaperone.

Duggar said, "So, we chose Jana and John David - we thought why not have a double date....We are from Arkansas!"

Duggar's molestation claims surfaced last week. Since then, Duggar, his parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and his wife Anna have released statements about the sexual molestation claims.

Duggar said, "Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends. I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation. We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling. I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life."

A part of his parents' statement read, ""Back 12 years ago our family went through one of the most difficult times of our lives. When Josh was a young teenager, he made some very bad mistakes, and we were shocked. We had tried to teach him right from wrong."

Anna wrote, "When my family and I first visited the Duggar Home, Josh shared his past teenage mistakes. I was surprised at his openness and humility and at the same time didn't know why he was sharing it. For Josh he wanted not just me but my parents to know who he really was -- even every difficult past mistakes. At that point and over the next two years, Josh shared how the counseling he received changed his life as he continued to do what he was taught. And when you, our sweet fans, first met me when Josh asked me to marry him... I was able to say, 'Yes' knowing who Josh really is - someone who had gone down a wrong path and had humbled himself before God and those whom he had offended."

TLC has temporarily suspended the show.

The network said in a statement, "TLC has pulled all episodes of 19 Kids and Counting currently from the air. We are deeply saddened and troubled by this heartbreaking situation, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and victims at this difficult time."

The network has not canceled the show.

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