Josh Duggar’s sister and brother-in-law,Jessa (Duggar) SeewaldandBen Seewald, are speaking out following news of hisarrest.
On Saturday, Jessa and Ben both posted thesamestatementon their respective Instagram Stories to share their reaction to the news of Josh’s arrest onchild pornography charges.
“We are saddened to hear of the charges against Josh,” their joint statement began. “As Christians, we stand against any form of pornography or abuse and we desire for the truth to be exposed, whatever that may be.”
“Our prayers are with their family as they walk through this difficult time,” the couple concluded.
Jessa Seewald/Instagram; Patsy Lynch/Shutterstock
Jessa Seewald/Instagram
Joshpleaded not guilty to the chargeson Friday while appearing in court virtually via Zoom. The reality star’s attorneys opted to forgo having the judge read out the charges he’s facing. If Josh is granted bail, U.S Chief Magistrate Judge Erin L. Wiedemann ordered that he will have to be “in a residence where there’s no minor in the home.”
“Josh Duggar has been charged in a two-count indictment. He has pled not guilty to both charges and we intend to defend this case aggressively and thoroughly. In this country, no one can stop prosecutors from charging a crime. But when you’re accused, you can fight back in the courtroom — and that is exactly what Josh intends to do,” his attorneys, Justin Gelfand, Travis W. Story and Greg Payne, said in a statement.
Josh will remain in an Arkansas detention center as he awaits a bond hearing.
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Josh Duggar.courtesy Washington county arkansas
The former19 Kids and Countingreality star has previously garnered headlines for multiple scandals. Beginning in 2015, he resigned from his position at the Family Research Council as he apologized for a 2006 police report that indicatedhe was investigated for molesting five underage girls. Two of the victims who came forward were Josh’s sisters,Jill (Duggar) Dillardand Jessa, both of whomclaimed to have “moved on” from the situation.
“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,” he exclusively told PEOPLE at the time. “I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation.”
Later that year, Josh also admitted to cheating on his wife, Anna Duggar, and having a pornography addiction after Gawker reported that he had active accounts on Ashley Madison — a website known for helping their members cheat.
The social media statement from Jessa and Ben comes shortly after Jillspoke out alongside her husband,Derick Dillard.
“We just found out this information yesterday,” the couple, who previously revealed that they’ve distanced themselves from the famous family, said in a statement to PEOPLE on Friday. “It is very sad.”
Similarly,Jim BobandMichelle Duggarbroke their silence after their eldest son’s arrest, saying in ajoint statement, “We appreciate your continued prayers for our family at this time. The accusations brought against Joshua today are very serious.”
“It is our prayer that the truth, no matter what it is, will come to light, and that this will all be resolved in a timely manner,” they added. “We love Josh and Anna and continue to pray for their family.”
source: people.com
