Amy Duggar King ‘deeply angry’ over cousin Joseph Duggar's arrest, says 'I am sickened'
TONITOWN, ARKANSAS: Amy Duggar King said she was "sickened, heartbroken, and deeply angry" when her cousin Joseph Duggar, who used to be on ‘19 Kids and Counting’, was arrested for alleged unlawful activity involving a child.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office said Joseph, 31, was taken into custody on March 18 after a detective in Tontitown, Arkansas, approached him over an alleged 2020 incident in Florida.
Amy’s comments came on March 20, Friday before a further development in the case, as authorities later announced that Joseph’s wife, Kendra Duggar, had also been arrested and charged.
Amy Duggar King reacts, calls for accountability
Amy, the niece of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, who were raising 19 children on the TLC television show, referred to Joseph’s arrest, sharing a statement with her followers on Instagram on Friday.
She emphasized the courage required for Joseph's alleged victim to come forward as she said it “cannot be overstated.”
Her remarks centered on support, protection, and ensuring that such allegations are taken seriously.
“In light of the recent allegations involving my cousin, Joseph Duggar, I am sickened, heartbroken and deeply angry,” the 39-year-old said.
“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.”
She said she was “utterly shocked” by the allegations and her cousin’s arrest, but not surprised that “another” alleged offender had “emerged from this toxic system” as she pointed to the Duggar family's history of scandals
Amy Duggar King asks for truth and accountability
Amy Duggar King expressed strong support for the individual involved and emphasized the need for accountability.
“For years, I have spoken out about the importance of truth, accountability, and protecting children, even when it meant going against my own family,” added Amy.
After stating that she’s “praying for the victim and her family,” she noted that she doesn’t “yet know the full picture" and event sent a message to Joseph’s loved ones.
“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,” she concluded.
Joseph’s sister, Jill, and her family also issued a statement about his arrest on the Dillard Family Blog on Thursday, March 19
“We strongly condemn abuse. We support the rule of law and hope that justice will be achieved,” the post reads.
“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.”
Joseph, 31, rose to prominence through the TLC reality series ‘19 Kids and Counting’, which followed the Duggar family for several years. The show was later canceled, but members of the family have remained in the public eye.
