Amy Duggar King says 'protecting the children' matters most after Joseph and Kendra Duggar's arrests
TONITOWN, ARKANSAS: Amy Duggar King has now shifted her focus completely to the children after the arrest of her cousin Joseph Duggar and his wife, Kendra Duggar. Instead of supporting any adults, Amy says she is standing only with the children during this situation.
Amy spoke to TMZ after Kendra was arrested for child endangerment and false imprisonment on Friday, March 20. Earlier, she had reacted strongly to the news of Joseph's arrest over alleged unlawful activity, saying she felt “sickened, heartbroken, and deeply angry.” Her remarks centered on support, protection, and ensuring that such allegations are taken seriously.
Amy Duggar King talks about Joseph and Kendra Duggar's children
In an interview with TMZ, Amy opened up about the situation involving her cousin Joseph, his wife, Kendra, and the children. Amy has decided to shift her focus completely. She said there are still many unanswered questions, but what matters most is "protecting the children."
She shared that her heart is with the victim, her family, and the four children in the home. “That’s what matters right now... the kids’ safety,” she said. Amy also admitted she is still trying to "understand everything."
She said she has been following updates and searching for answers, just like everyone else. The situation has been very hard, not only for those directly involved but also for people who care about the family. She pointed out that the involvement of child protective services shows how serious the situation is. For her, that alone makes it clear how important it is to focus on the children.
Amy also spoke about the alleged incident involving Joseph and the victim, saying she feels deeply upset about what happened. She shared that she believed the victim should have been safe and cared for. “She should have been safe... she should have been loved,” she said.
Although she once cared deeply for both Joseph and Kendra, Amy said she cannot ignore the situation now. She stressed the need for accountability and justice. “I will hold him accountable, and I want justice to be served to the fullest,” she said.
Amy Duggar King reacts to Joseph Duggar's arrest, demands justice
Amy, the niece of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, who raised 19 children on the TLC show '19 Kids and Counting', previously said in an Instagram statement that she was reflecting on Joseph’s arrest. She highlighted the bravery it took for the alleged victim to come forward, saying it “cannot be overstated.”
“My first thoughts are with the victim... who deserved to be safe, protected, and surrounded by people she could trust,” Amy said. She added that 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,” pointing to the Duggar family’s history of scandals.
Amy showed strong support for the child involved and stressed the importance of accountability. She said, “For years, I have spoken out about the importance of truth, accountability, and protecting children, even when it meant going against my own family.”
The 39-year-old added that she is “praying for the victim and her family” but doesn’t “yet know the full picture,” and also sent a message to Joseph's loved ones.
