Even before 19 Kids and Counting was canceled by TLC, it was difficult as a fan to keep tabs on all of the kids matriarch Michelle and Jim Bob had produced over the years. Some names like Jill, Jessa, Jinger, the now-incarcerated Josh, and Jana always stood above the fray, but it was hard enough to keep tabs on then-littles like Josie and Jordyn. Now, however, grandchildren have started entering the picture and middle sister Jinger Duggar Vuolo is the one having a really hard time with it.

There Are A Lot More Than 19 Kids And Counting Now

Jinger’s been sharing some behind-the-scenes information about growing up Duggar on her YouTube page while she's away from the reality TV circuit. Though she's admitted in the past it's a bit "hard and scary" to talk about her famous family, she worked through that during a recent Q&A with sister Joy-Anna Duggar Forsyth and opened up about how family dynamics are years after Counting On ended and she moved on to new things.

The two spoke about how it’s hard to really find time to connect when you have so many siblings, many of whom also are already partnered up and have kids. When Joy-Anna mentioned “39 grandkids” running around these days, Jinger admitted remembering everyone's name, much less little details, can be hard.

Both Joy-Anna and Jinger are away from their family home base right now and are currently living in California. (Joy-Anna and her husband are reportedly away for work. For her part, Jinger and her partner Jeremy have lived in California since 2019.) So, the two sisters are currently a little closer in location than they normally might be, which is likely how this interview came about in the first place.

Why Jinger Feels So Much 'Pressure' With The Big Duggar Family

It’s clear the two siblings are making an effort to spend a bit more time together and reflect on their family dynamics, but Jinger also said during their Q&A that family time is precious.

She also admitted to Joy-Anna that when she, her husband and the kids, do get back to Arkansas it's incredibly hectic and she feels like she is constantly dropping balls. Part of this has to do with the fact her parents are still in Arkansas and a slew of her siblings are still in that state. Plus, many of them have families of their own now. There's a lot to see and do.

She'll hop from brunch with one family, to an afternoon meet-up, then to another activity and to dinner. In short, she ends up exhausted, whether she goes home for three days or a full week. Full family reunions are rare, so there are a lot of micro interactions she ends up having to set up.

Honestly, there's a lot about having a big family we got to see during the Duggar years on TLC, but as they've expanded their families, life has gotten more fractured for the Duggar siblings. Still, I'd never thought about how much work it would be to not only foster relationships with 19 siblings, but to also remember details about their 2, or 3, or in Jessa's case, soon-to-be six children. Having a lot of family is a good problem to have, but I can totally see how this gets to be intense.

For years, fans of 19 Kids and Counting watched the Duggar daughters grow up. During this time it was clear they dressed conservatively, and favored long skirts as part of that look. As it turns out, due to growing up under the strict rules of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), daughters like Jinger Vuolo (nee Duggar) were actually tasked with avoiding pants.

This became a topic of interest years later, but at the time 19 Kids and Counting was still filming (the TLC show was ultimately canceled in 2015), not everyone had the same memo. In fact, Jinger Duggar recently recounted how photoshoots for the TLC series were always "challenging," particularly given even some of the people adjacent to the show didn't know exactly what the girls could and couldn't wear.

Speaking in the January 22 episode of their podcast, Jeremy and Jinger Vuolo spoke about how weird it was to be on a reality show, particularly when it came to going to photoshoots, which were "fun" but chaotic. Sometimes there would be a "surprise" and Jinger would be able to take home an outfit (Jeremy also once nabbed a great pair of Cole Haan boots), but other times the clothes were "too big" and needed to be pinned on.

The whole thing sounds like it was a big challenge.

Of all of the Duggar defining characteristics that have been discussed over the years, the pants thing has been a public source of fascination. But Jinger Duggar previously said she’d given her parents a heads up when she decided to wear trousers mostly because she was worried there might be a “paparazzi photo” while she was out.

In a separate interview, Jinger also spoke about why her perspective about her wardrobe changed, noting it took a re-reading of The Bible in order to realize that some stuff is subjective.

In the same YouTube episode, her husband Jeremy also spoke out about other IBLP principles he just was not aware of before diving into a courtship with Jinger. He, for example, didn't realize there were rules in place like he wasn't even supposed to go to the "gym." It was eye-opening for him to realize that so many people who'd grown up in the system she did had to "find a new identity" once they moved away from the structures of the church.

Which leads us to the Duggars relaxing some of the rules.

Jinger Isn’t The Only Duggar To Relax The Pants Rules

Over the last several years, most of the Duggar daughters have debuted moments where they have preferred sweatpants, jeans, or even the occasional shorts while out in public. Jessa Duggar was an early adopter of the trend, and Jinger was the first Duggar to publicly throw shorts on in an Instagram post. It’s clear as they have started their own families and moved away from the realm of reality TV the leading ladies are figuring out their own fashion do’s and don’ts.

These days, though we've even seen a photo of matriarch Michelle in pants. Suffice to say, I think the “no pants” rule has officially been relaxed.

In recent years, Jinger has been open about her upbringing. Though she credits Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar as giving her a relatively happy childhood, she said the world she grew up in had so many requirements and expectations she felt her entire life had already been mapped out. Then, she met husband Jeremy Vuolo and they made changes, including shifting their lives to the Los Angeles area, where Jinger subsequently wrote the books Growing Up Duggar and the more recent People Pleaser, both of which she called “hard” and “scary” because she was putting herself out there.

Jinger Duggar Vuolo of 19 Kids and Counting fame started on reality television more than two decades ago with her family's first documentary, and spent many years in front of the cameras. That changed after charges were filed against her brother, Josh Duggar, for child pornography. Now, nearly four years after Counting On was cancelled as the 19 Kids and Counting spinoff, Jinger weighed in on whether she'd want to return to reality television, and I can't say I blame her for her response.

Vuolo, now 31, spent many years of her youth in front of a camera along with much of the rest of her family. She has since moved on from the lifestyle of 19 Kids and Counting, which involved literally moving to California and starting to wear pants. A mom of two, she revealed on The Jinger and Jeremy Podcast where she stands on a return to reality TV:

Jinger's last regular appearances on reality television were as part of the eleven seasons of Counting On, which launched in late 2015 after 19 Kids and Counting was cancelled earlier that year in the wake of the allegations against Josh Duggar for child molestation. Counting On was then cancelled in 2021 ahead of Josh Duggar's trial, with TLC releasing a statement that the network felt "it is important to give the Duggar family the opportunity to address their situation privately."

With how much of her life that she spent in the spotlight, what her family went through with Josh's eventual conviction, and her later comments on the "disturbing" religious environment of her youth, I can't say that I blame Jinger for wanting to stay away from aspects of reality television that she doesn't miss. That's not to say that she only had bad memories of her TLC years, though, as she went on to say:

Even if Jinger did want to return to reality television with her family, they wouldn't be able to just pick up where they left off with the same team behind the scenes. Her sister Jessa has debunked rumors of a falling out, but the siblings just live different lives now. Plus, it wasn't that long ago that Jinger shared that it was "hard and scary" to speak up about her life in the 19 Kids and Counting household.

All in all, Jinger Duggar Vuolo seems content with the life she's built with husband Jeremy and their two kids without having it broadcast as a reality show. If she does ever come back to the sphere of reality TV, fans just shouldn't count on a repeat of 19 Kids and Counting or Counting On.

Jinger Duggar Vuolo was a teenager when her family gained fame on the TLC reality series 19 Kids and Counting. You won’t find any Duggars on the 2025 TV schedule these days, but plenty of people are still keeping up with them, after molestation allegations against Josh Duggar — the oldest of Jim Bob and Michelle’s children — ended in his arrest on child pornography charges and a 151-month prison sentence. His sisters have since been inspired to speak out about their upbringing, and Vuolo has been among the most vocal, which she said was “hard and scary” but also necessary.

In her new book People Pleaser: Breaking Free from the Burden of Imaginary Expectations, Jinger Duggar Vuolo dives into how she discovered her true identity after a lifetime of seeking approval from others. In an interview on CBS Mornings, she said she had to fight the people-pleasing urge when writing her previous book, saying:

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar raised their children under the teachings of disgraced religious leader Bill Gothard and the Institute in Basic Life Principles, which prioritizes male dominance, large families and modest dress. (Even Jinger Duggar Vuolo’s decision to break the no-pants tenet that had been instilled took years to admit to her parents.)

The author said although it made her uncomfortable and she was met with plenty of pushback, she felt she had to say something after she realized how harmful some of the teachings of their religion were. Jinger continued:

She said she saw friends who were being “harmed” by the IBLP way of life, and that gave her the courage to speak out. In Becoming Free Indeed, Jinger Duggar Vuolo also felt the need to speak out about her brother Josh, and she suggested that there’s still some tension between some of the Duggar siblings, telling CBS:

It sounds like navigating those evolving relationships may still be a struggle, especially growing up with such strict guidelines as to what was expected of her, and People Pleaser likely delves into more of that. The new book by Jinger Duggar Vuolo is available now, and you can also check out the docuseries Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets, which can be streamed with an Amazon Prime subscription.

After 19 Kids And Counting’s eldest son, Josh Duggar was found guilty of child pornography charges back in 2021. The reality star remains in federal prison for his third Thanksgiving this year, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be without a turkey dinner (again), a new report states. He’ll have to settle for this new Thanksgiving tradition away from home for years to come too, considering he is set to be an inmate until at least 2032.

Josh Duggar’s third Thanksgiving is taking place in the Federal Correctional Institution Seagoville in Dallas, Texas. InTouch Weekly revealed the alleged dinner menu which includes a roasted turkey, glazed ham, along with veggie lasagna as an option for vegetarians. The sides include cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and dinner rolls. Duggar will additionally get to indulge in assorted pies with his other inmates. (As previously reported, the Texas prison also provides a Christmas meal and recreation).

It certainly sounds appetizing and like Duggar’s third Thanksgiving in prison will mirror some of our own dishes on the American holiday. However, Duggar has been facing some serious charges for child pornography, and surely would rather take part in his family’s large gatherings.

Duggar’s run-in with the law first occurred while 19 Kids And Counting was on its 10th season when a police report from 2006 was revealed to the public regarding sexual molestation allegations against Josh Duggar. It led to the cancellation of the TLC series, the network to pull reruns and tons of advertisers to pull from the network. The allegations suggested that when Josh was 14 and 15 he had fondled five girls, including four of his own sisters, while they were both asleep and awake.

Josh’s 2021 charges saw the reality star guilty for possession of child pornography. He was then sentenced to 12 years and seven months with his release not possible until at least 2032. After he leaves prison, he’ll have 20 years of supervised release where he’ll have to be registered as a sex offender, and not be allowed to have unsupervised contact with minors (including his own children and family).

Duggar is the eldest sibling in the TLC series’ famous family, but he also has seven children with his wife Anna Renée Keller. Since all of their kids are minors (with the eldest being presumably 15, Josh Duggar reportedly can only visit with them under supervision.

Josh Duggar had hoped for a new trial and requested as such, but was denied this in September of 2023. Following that, Duggar filed a petition with the Supreme Court of the United States to appeal his case, but the Supreme Court rejected it in June of this year.

If you’re curious about the latest show about the Duggars, you can check out the 2023 docu-series Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets with an Amazon Prime subscription.

Jana Duggar is the eldest daughter in the Duggar family and, until recently, she was also the oldest unmarried sibling. This weekend she married former beau Stephen Wissman, 31, whom she’d dated previously. While the reconnection allowed the two to mature before getting married, Duggar did reveal waiting until 34 to tie the knot has led to some challenges.

Opening up after her nuptials, the eldest Duggar sibling (she’s three minutes older than her twin John-David, who was married in 2018) explained how she’s seen many of her siblings marry again and again. Yet there’s one big difference between their journeys and the one she is embarking on: time.

Speaking with People after she wed Wissman on August 15th in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, Jana also said the two are planning to relocate to Nebraska, where her husband is from. They’ve been working on a home they’ll move in together, marking what is presumably the second time Jana has moved following reports revealing she’d left Jim Bob and Michele’s home just a few years ago after her child endangerment incident reached its conclusion.

The whole thing sounds like it has been a whirlwind. Stephen Wissman’s sister Hannah is married to Jana’s own sibling, 25-year-old Jeremiah, and the two have known each other for a long time. Still, they just reconnected earlier this year, meaning they’d only been dating for a few months before Wissman popped the question in June. Now, in August, they're officially married.

Given Jana has seen a slew of her siblings wed (and her sister Jessa's in-laws even divorced) while they were still in their twenties, she seems ready to move into the next chapter of her life. She admitted in the interview, however, that it hasn’t always been easy to be the Duggar sibling who has been on a different journey for years, mentioning it's been "disheartening" and at times she wondered if she "had a problem" in terms of not being able to find the right person.

But at the end of the day she seems at peace with her journey.

Jana looked lovely in a slightly off shoulder white dress at the event, showing some shoulder but otherwise fitting into her family’s dress code expectations. Many of her sisters – though not her semi-estranged sister Jill – were also a part of her wedding party.

Her sister Jessa, 31, served as her Matron of Honor and called the wedding "sweet" on Instagram later. Other siblings who celebrated as part of the wedding party included Joy-Anna Forsyth, Johannah Duggar, Jinger Duggar Vuolo and Jordyn Duggar. John's wife Abbie was also involved.

Jinger Duggar Vuolo has been more and more candid about growing up in the Duggar family since her book Becoming Free Indeed became a bestseller. As part of telling her story, she’s opened up on topics as varied as her upbringing with Jim Bob and Michelle and even her thoughts on brother Josh Duggar’s arrest and subsequent incarceration. Now someone’s asked her the really hard-hitting question: What happened when she decided to wear pants? 

Seriously, though, the Duggar daughters were seen in skirts through the entirety of their notable reality show 19 Kids and Counting. Not wearing pants was a modesty tenet they lived by, and while seemingly even Michelle Duggar has changed her mind about pants in more recent years, when Jinger Duggar made the change, she admitted it was a big deal for her family. 

While it may not be something that fans can easily identify with, the change was a huge deal for her. Speaking on The Unplanned Podcast, Jinger Duggar Vuolo and her husband Jeremy spoke out about what living life in the public eye has in general been like when it comes to changes in their personal lives. For example, when Jinger decided to switch up the types of bottoms she allowed herself to wear, she knew paparazzi would catch them in action, and she wanted to give her parents the benefit of understanding where she was coming from.

Jinger and Jeremy both said they have a “great community” where they live after their big move to California and they sometimes ask advice of “other people” they know in their church. But they still want to loop in her parents, even if they aren’t always asking for permission. 

So while she maybe isn’t taking advice from her parents as often these days, she wanted to make it clear she is in a "healthy" place with Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. Her goal is to show them she’s still a caring daughter, “even if [they] have differences.” But on that note, she did want to point out:

Jinger has even worn shorts as part of her journey, and her sister, Jill, previously spoke out about switching to pants, too. Though in her case she said she had a tough time making the swap, as she’d been conditioned to wear skirts. She said pants “felt wrong” at first, but ultimately she came around, and now has more choice when it comes to her own wardrobe, as well. The times, they are a'changing for the Duggar daughters.

If you know much about the Duggar family, you may already know the clan generally sticks to a strict set of rules about expected norms and behaviors. These rules come from the "harmful" (per Jinger) IBLP teachings and standards set by Jim Bob and Michelle themselves, which is why it was surprising when eagle-eyed fans recently caught two Duggars seemingly drinking tiki cocktails. 

Recently, Duggar sibling John and his wife Abbie took a sweet-looking trip to Cabo San Lucas. The two were seen doing a lot of activities you’d expect from such a trip, and that includes engaging in some tiki drinks. In a pic in thread, you can see them drinking the cocktails. 

Of course, John Duggar did not mention what was in the drinks, so there’s a chance they were mocktails, but the pic is interesting given the stance the famous 19 Kids and Counting family have had on alcohol in the past, and what’s been changing in terms of beliefs in recent years. 

In Growing Up Duggar, several anecdotes are shared about drinking, including a young man who got into a rolling car accident after a night out partying and ended up with brain damage and a second young man who tried to avoid drinking before succumbing to peer pressure and ultimately getting into drugs. The Duggar book says: 

In fact, Michelle Duggar once campaigned against beer sales being allowed at a mart near their house, saying alcohol shouldn’t “be convenient.” So drinking was definitely on the outs just a few years ago. However, it’s not outside of the realm of reason that there’s a little extra kick in the tiki drinks in question, as some other Duggars have admitted they’ve relaxed their stance on alcohol more recently. Here’s what we know. 

Duggar Rules Have Changed Over Time

A few scant years ago, it was big news when Jessa Duggar was seen in a pair of pants in a YouTube video. However, the no-pants rule, which was explained in the book Growing Up Duggar, came from general feelings about modesty and about “not draw[ing] attention to the wrong places.” Over time, clearly those feelings have relaxed, as last year we even saw Mom Michelle Duggar in pants in a family photo. 

While the pants rule has seemingly changed across the board, feelings on alcohol have definitely softened as well, and several of the Duggar sisters either occasionally indulge or are seemingly less stressed out about the idea of indulging.  

How Jill And Jinger Duggar Feel About Drinking

Jill was the latest to publish a book on the Duggars, and she’s been speaking out a lot about her family life and beliefs post TLC. Jill said she has “boundaries” when it comes to alcohol, and also mentioned her family would likely disapprove of she and husband Derick’s choices, but also said no one had straight up “said anything” to them about it. 

It's an interesting comment, given Jill has also said dad Jim Bob got "combative" when she wasn't falling in line in regards to other family ideals. So it's surprising to hear she hasn't taken flak for alcohol use.

Meanwhile, her sister Jinger is a non-drinker, but she no longer agrees with the teachings her famous parents shared with her, either, also opening up in an interview with People to say: 

So it seems like the kids’ takes on drinking completely run the gamut these days, and whether or not there was a bit of alcohol in John and his wife’s drinks, it is clear they were indulging in a meal responsibly at a resort.

While the large Duggar family often gathers together for major holidays, at least one family member will be conspicuously absent this year. Despite 2023 appeals going through the court system earlier this year, Josh Duggar is currently serving a sentence at FCI Seagoville after being found guilty on charges related to child abuse materials.  While he won’t be able to celebrate with his wife Anna, their children, and his 19 famous siblings, there will be food and recreation for him in prison. 

Inmates get three meals on holidays, though the big meal on Christmas Day seems to be lunch. This year, the former 19 Kids and Counting star and other inmates will be able to partake in baked cornish hen, pork ham, mashed potatoes, corn casserole, dinner rolls. A holiday pie will also be served, though a flavor was not specified, per In Touch. 

Two separate meals will also be served but will be on the lighter side, including a breakfast cake, bread, coffee and the like. Dinner will feature a sandwich and chips, as well as accoutrements, including a "beverage." 

This won’t be the first holiday season Josh Duggar spent in prison, and the menus from year to year are strikingly similar. Last year, reports indicate Duggar’s Christmas meal consisted of glazed ham and herbed cornish hen for meat options, as well as broccoli cheese and rice casserole, corn on the cob with butter, and mashed potatoes, gravy and rolls.

Alongside the food, activities have been set up for inmates, as well. Unlike the food, the activities will be very different from the "board games" and "holiday music" set up last year, however. In fact, FCI Seagoville has set up something called “Reindeer Recreation Games,” which sounds akin to a variety of carnival games. Reports indicate activities such as “basketball free throws” and “can knockdown” will be available for fun. 

Duggar is currently serving a lengthy sentence in Texas, though he may be out of prison in time for Christmas 2032. After that, it's worth noting he'll be on probation for an additional 20 years, and it’s unclear what his days or his family relations will look like then. In fact, Duggar will only be able to spend time with his kids in the presence of approved individuals once he is on probation and will face other restrictions, including but not limited to the internet. 

Insofar as his extended family, Jill Duggar said she reached out to Josh a while back and never heard back. Meanwhile, there have been grumblings about issues between Anna Duggar and some of the other siblings. We'll keep you updated if any more information related to the former reality family breaks. 

The story goes like this. When Derick Dillard met Jill he had come to the family home as part of a Christmas caroling group. It was Christmas 2011 and she was 20 years old. The couple got engaged in 2013 and married in 2014; their first child was born in 2015. They have three sons together. These are the major beats that make up their journey, but the part of the story that I find most interesting has to do with Derick, a prayer chain, and none other than Jim Bob Duggar.  

As part of the podcast “Reality Life With Kate Casey” the couple spoke out about how it was the famous Duggar family connection that led them to a life together, also noting how Jim Bob was a key piece in their meet-cute and early romance. Yes, Jim Bob Duggar, who reportedly doesn’t get along with Derick, first encouraged him to date his daughter. Per the former missionary:

While the Christmas carol story is a topic both Jill and Derick have spoken about in the past, I had no idea that it was really Jim Bob who had spurred a connection between the reality couple. Derick confirmed it in his interview with Kate Casey’s podcast and he also explained that the connection with Jim Bob was really spurred when he decided to go to Nepal for a few years. Initially, he expected the prayer chain would be the extent of their relationship, but that didn’t turn out to be the case.

How Jim Bob Duggar Encouraged A Romance Between Jill and Derick

Jill also said it was her dad who “kind of introduced us or set us up.” Sure, they’d met at this infamous Christmas carol event, but it actually took Derick going thousands of miles away for a romance to spark. While he was away in Nepal (and traveling to various other places such as Japan), Derdick noted it was Jim Bob who really seemed to care what he was doing and check in, but there seems to perhaps have been a secondary agenda as well.

He took Jim Bob’s advice. They ended up Skyping several times while he was still living abroad, and those calls went so well they ended up on video for about five and a half hours apiece.

Jim Bob’s Relationship With Jill And Derick Dillard

Unfortunately, while there was support from Jim Bob early on, the couple’s relationship with the family patriarch took a downtick years later when the two were filming Counting On. They had a dispute over reality pay from TLC, which strained relations at first. In the time since, Jill has worn pants and taken other steps to be more of an independent person. The last straw may have been when Jill ultimately decided to publish Counting The Cost, a tell-all about her experiences growing up Duggar.  

She recently revealed she has basically been estranged from the Duggar family for the most part, though she does attend major family events and has good relationships with some of her siblings. (Not her brother Josh, who is currently incarcerated and shunning Jill from prison.) It's unclear if time will heal these struggles within the family, but from now on it at least sounds like Jill and her husband plan to be publicly open about their past experiences and the path forward.

Jill Duggar Dillard has made no bones about the rift between herself and other members of the Duggar family. The former reality star made notable allegations against Jim Bob about Counting On and other reality TV finances in recent months, and has made herself fairly scarce outside of major family events. She most recently revealed even her brother Josh is shunning her from prison, but apparently it’s not all bad news. 

Jill Sent Josh A Card In Prison That Was Rejected 

In a bombshell interview that touched on myriad topics, one small nugget of information didn’t stand out a ton in the conversation, but seems hugely germane in retrospect. Jill told GMA that she had reached out to her brother after he began his prison stint in 2022. She didn’t know what she was expecting. But it didn’t play out in a way that left room for much forward momentum. 

She theorized her brother isn’t accepting mail from her, per CNN. To note, Josh Duggar is currently serving a decade-long plus sentence at FCI Seagoville after being found guilty on charges of possessing and receiving child abuse materials. The former TV star has been in prison for over a year, and Duggar was recently denied a request for a new trial. The arrest and subsequent brouhaha came only a few years after a bombshell report that Josh had molested young women as a teenager, including some of his sisters, including Jill. 

Interestingly, Duggar’s legal fees were allegedly paid for by Jim Bob and Michelle and many members of his family -- his wife Anna counts among them -- stayed by his side throughout the trial. Jill Duggar is seemingly not getting the same treatment for having written a book about the family. 

In fact, some family members have flat out told her if she’s “trying to reconcile” she hasn’t been going about it in the correct way, writing a book and speaking openly about family business. Reportedly, her brother Jed even liked negative comments fans had about Jill. Jill herself has said she’s “estranged” from her family, though she meets with her mom on major occasions and she didn’t keep her parents away after the birth of her third boy in 2022. 

How Do Other Duggar Family Members Feel After Jill’s Book?

Oppositely, Jill said that Jinger Duggar and Jeremy Vuolo have been supportive. Plus, some Duggar family members have openly stayed by Jill and Derick Dillard’s side. Cousin Amy and her mom Deanna were really helpful and watched the couple’s three kids so they could go out for a night on the town and have a ‘few uninterrupted moments’ amidst the whirlwind of the book release. (Counting the Cost has been on the NY Times Bestseller list for a few weeks now, and Jill has been doing press for the book.) 

And the best news? Jill says there are even more family members who are supportive of the cause she and her husband Derick have taken up, but that she respects their need to "be careful" in the communities they live in. 

Obviously, Jill has been more outspoken about her famous family than many other members of the clan. Though she wrote a book like her sister Jinger, she's been more outspoken about clashes with Jim Bob, while Jinger has focused more on IBLP issues and reminisced fondly of her Duggar childhood. We'll have to wait and see what's next for Jill, but given her book is still dominating the charts, there will doubtless continue to be interest in the coming weeks.

Jill Duggar has opened up about how she’s been “counting the cost” after choosing to come forward with her feelings about the famous Duggar family. Her debut autobiography, in fact, chose Counting The Cost as the main component of its title, and in it and subsequent interviews Jill has gotten candid about the limited money she made even while becoming a household name. 

The paltry amount? $175k. 

Let’s address the elephant in the room. At the outset $175K may sound like a lot, but Duggar writes in her book that the money was split across 10 seasons of reality TV. She filmed nearly 200 episodes and two dozen specials for TLC during her time as a reality TV star --including filming her own wedding -- and in all that time, the money she made was $175K.

In comparison, her father Jim Bob Duggar has been alleged to have been making upwards of $850k per year for work on Counting On and TLC’s previous series 19 Kids and Counting, though sources reported at the time he was handing at least a chunk of that money out to family members. Jill claims in her book her dad pocketed at least $8 million from the show.

The exact figures are murky, however, given the numbers for TLC shows are often guesstimates. For example, an agent told Business Insider a few years ago that reality TV salaries range from $1,500-$3,000 per episode on the low end and $7,000-$10,000 on the high end – unless you end up at the “Kardashian Level” and are able to negotiate a better deal. In the case of the Duggars, Jim Bob was in charge of the money and was allegedly doling it out as he saw fit. 

Jill Duggar recently said in her book that she thought that’s just how things were done in the TV business. It actually took her friends looking out for her to figure out that what was happening with her TV situation was not normal. She told People: 

But why would Jill have just bought into this narrative that Jim Bob could hand her whatever he wanted and there wouldn’t be a deal? She’d said in another interview that her dad had given her a reality TV contract that was incomplete and she really hadn’t known any better. In her ignorance, she’d signed whatever her father put in front of her, and she’d actually thought he was doing a good thing for her, noting:

A lot of the stuff that might have seemed obvious to her friend was not obvious to Jill at the time. In fact, a lot of the relationships she had with her family revolved around what her husband Derick terms "toxic patriarchy," or the idea that adult parents should still have control over their grown children, as he also mentioned to GMA. Jill said in that interview she now feels she was "tricked" into her Counting On contract, and Derick took that assertion a step further.

Obviously there’s been a big dent in the family’s income as a whole after Counting On was cancelled by TLC following Josh Duggar’s arrest by federal agents. But perhaps the worst thing for Jill? Her standing up for what she feels is the right thing to do has cost her dearly.

You can order your own copy of Counting the Cost on Amazon or at other retailers. 

The conservative lifestyle portrayed by the Duggar family on their TLC reality show 19 Kids and Counting has always been a fascinating aspect for their fans. It’s been particularly interesting over the past couple of years to see Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar’s daughters start to branch out and shed some of the rules they had growing up in regards to their hair and clothes. Jill Duggar Dillard’s decision to start wearing pants — as opposed to the long skirts she had worn all of her life — was highly publicized, and she has opened up about how “wrong” it felt at first. 

Jill Duggar Dillard and some of her family members, including sisters Jinger, Jessa, and Joy-Anna and even their mom Michelle, have relaxed their views on what is considered “modest” dress in recent years, but that doesn’t mean making the change was easy. In her new tell-all memoir Counting the Cost, Jill opened up about the day she chose to wear leggings to a theme park, writing (via HollywoodLife): 

It’s hard for some to imagine why wearing pants is such a big deal — especially since some family members have since integrated shorts and even swimwear into their wardrobes — but with 32-year-old Jill Duggar Dillard and her siblings growing up under the teachings of the Institute in Basic Life Principles, they were accustomed to avoiding “low-cut, cleavage showing” tops and wearing skirts that fell “below the knee.” in Growing Up Duggar, Jill and her sisters wrote that they, “try to be careful not to wear clothes that are too tight or draw attention to the wrong places.”

Jill Duggar Dillard also knew that her fashion choice that day at the park would not go over well with Jim Bob Duggar, and in Counting the Cost she divulged that her father had made her feel guilty about wearing pants and not discussing it with her parents first. After the meeting with her dad, Jill said: 

That sounds like a really hard decision that Jill Duggar Dillard made for herself, and in previously speaking about why she chose to start wearing pants, she insists she wasn’t being reactionary, but rather her actions resulted from a re-evaluation of her teachings. Jill said she believed she could still dress modestly while wearing pants. 

Joy-Anna Duggar came to the same conclusion earlier this year, as she followed in some of her sisters’ footsteps by adding pants to her wardrobe. The 25-year-old said that she and her husband had prayed about the issue for a long time, and after reading about “modesty” in the Bible, rather than a black-and-white edict about what one should wear, Joy-Anna decided that she could maintain a modest style even while wearing pants.

Jill Duggar Dillard’s memoir Counting the Cost — which the family has been uncharacteristically quiet about — is now available, and it comes just after the release of the Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets, which looks at the IBLP teachings followed by the family, as well as Josh Duggar’s troubling past of molestation and child pornography, for which he was sentenced to 151 months in prison. The docuseries can be streamed with an Amazon Prime subscription. 

It’s been more than a year since Josh Duggar officially surrendered to a federal prison after being found guilty and sentenced on counts of receiving and possessing child abuse materials. The former 19 Kids and Counting star’s team had vowed to appeal at the time his court case finished playing out, and that’s exactly what happened. Though he was denied a request for a new trial, it sounds like the Duggar family is not giving up. 

What Happened With Josh Duggar’s Team’s Denied Trial Request

It was just a short while ago that Josh Duggar’s legal team saw a setback in the form of being denied a request for a new trial. While the former TV star’s lawyers argued some evidence that had been brought up during the course of his trial should have been inadmissible due to circumstances –those being that Josh allegedly was denied legal representation when the used car lot was initially investigated before his arrest – the court that wrote the opinion seemingly disagreed.

The opinion that was ultimately filed about the reality star’s request for a new trial mentioned that some of the arguments that Duggar’s legal team had made did not necessarily corroborate with the evidence. For example, his legal team had argued counsel should have been present, but the opinion stated the government had taken steps to explain his rights to him.

The court's decision to deny a new trial hinged on the following: 

In addition, reports about the incident mentioned that Josh had "voluntarily acquiesced" to questioning and that he was the person who had reportedly kicked off the interview portion of the conversation when he himself asked the officers who were present: 'Has somebody been downloading child pornography?'

Even though the bid to attempt to get him a new trial did not work, his legal team isn't finished yet. 

What Duggar’s Legal Team Is Reportedly Planning Next

In the days after the trial request, Josh Duggar’s lawyer filed for an “extension,” citing at the time that he has had struggles with working with his client. His reported reasoning, per the paperwork (via The Sun), mentions the difficulties between communicating across state lines. 

While Josh Duggar’s trial occurred in Arkansas, he was ultimately incarcerated at FCI Seagoville, which is located in Texas. His legal team reportedly wants to file a “petition for rehearing,” but there have allegedly been difficulties in communication in order to make this happen. The legal team wrote: 

Duggar’s lawyer requested an additional 14 days, which was reportedly granted.

Interestingly, while Duggars' legal team is still being funded, there have been separate rumors swirling about the Duggar family having some monetary problems now that the (reported) cash cow that was TLC shows such as Counting On and 19 Kids and Counting are over. While some of the family members have shifted to sponsored posts on social media and writing Duggar-related books in order to make money, it has been alleged that patriarch Jim Bob was pocketing a significant amount of the reality TV money. While none of this has been confirmed and Jim Bob has other business, it’s certainly true the reality TV windfall is now over. 

In the face of this, how long the family will continue to pursue legal avenues remains a question. If nothing to the contrary happens, Josh Duggar is already expected to be released from prison in the fall of 2032, and will begin serving 20 years of probation at that time. 

Jinger Duggar Vuolo has been very vocal in recent months about her upbringing, both from a TLC reality TV perspective and as a former believer of Bill Gothard’s IBLP principles. A formerly “devout” member of the community, Vuolo has spread her wings in recent years, moving to Los Angeles with her husband Jeremy Vuolo and their two kids and even becoming one Duggar lady who will wear shorts on occasion. Now, she’s opening up about growing up in the Duggar Family with all of its good stuff and bad stuff. 

Jinger Duggar Vuolo has been doing press for a while after her book Becoming Free Indeed was published in early 2023. The mom of two recently met with Mayim Bialik for a podcast interview. In it, the Jeopardy! host made some comparisons between her own Judaism upbringing and the faith that Jinger followed. The two got into a discussion about the IBLP, her upbringing and her memories with Jim Bob and Michelle.

The 'Sad' Part Of Growing Up Duggar

Jinger said she currently sees ideals that Gothard taught – like not going into debt to buy a house and not believing in family planning, including natural family planning – to be destructive.

But there was a time she was very “devout.” She mentioned an incident in which her journal had been stolen from her room while 19 Kids and Counting was filming and how it led her to believe she couldn’t be “so raw” or honest about her feelings. But she says she bought into the IBLP in her teens, hook, line and sinker, noting.

It took a toll, however. In a separate portion of her conversation, Duggar Vuolo admitted that while her parents always made an effort with their kids, there was a part of her that struggled because she couldn’t name or identify why she was feeling “anxiety” and other emotions related to her upbringing. She’s previously identified the IBLP as bringing “fear” to her growing up experience.

Still, it wasn’t all so bad. 

Sweet Memories Jinger Remembers Having With Jim Bob And Michelle 

A lot of the discourse surrounding the Duggars over the last few years has dealt with pain and trauma. The Duggar women were thrust into the limelight after Josh Duggar’s molestation report broke, and Cousin Amy only recently shared her feelings over learning about Josh’s actions. He’s currently set to get out of prison on separate child abuse material charges in 2032, a prison release statistic Cousin Amy isn’t happy about either. His wife and seven children are also reportedly struggling as they no longer have financial support. 

Meanwhile, Jill went on record about the “disturbing” religious environment the Counting On kids grew up in as part of her contribution to the Shiny Happy People documentary. Jinger didn't participate in Shiny Happy People, but she's spotlighted her experiences with her parents and the teachings the family followed in this interview and elsewhere.

Regardless, while there was bad stuff, the Duggar daughter says not everything was bad or painful about her childhood. In fact, she recounted one of many positive memories she had about growing up in Arkansas with the family. 

Counting On has been off the air now since shortly after Josh Duggar's arrest in 2021, but the family has lived on in popularity through various YouTube and Instagram shares from the family. Interest in growing up Duggar is still at a high, and I'd be surprised if we didn't get to learn more from Jinger in particular about her upbringing in the coming months.

While members of the Duggar family have been varying amounts of open with their feelings after the arrest and subsequent prosecution of Josh Duggar on counts of receiving and possessing child pornography, in recent months, cousin Amy King has been among the most outspoken. The former reality star now says that while her cousin is expected to get out of prison in 2032, she doesn’t feel like that’s the appropriate amount of time. 

Cousin Amy Got Honest About Josh's Conviction

In fact, she feels as if the eldest Duggar son should remain in prison much longer. She knows his release will be coming sooner or later and also told The Daily Mail she is “dreading” the day FCI Seagoville relinquishes her cousin and sends him back into the population.

In the past, Amy Duggar King has been blunt about how she felt when she found out about Josh Duggar’s previous molestation charges (“I was pissed”). She’s also opened up about reaching out to her cousin’s wife, Anna, about helping her out, as well as how she had been hoping to welcome her and the couple’s seven kids into her home. She said at the time that Anna has been reticent for help. Now, however, she's spoken out again about the situation with Anna, who stood by her husband’s side as he went through the court proceedings and was eventually convicted and sent to prison. 

Cousin Amy Also Spoke Out About Where Anna Duggar's Head Is At

According to Cousin Amy, Anna is still very much on Team Josh, though she told the outlet she tries to have some grace and understanding with the mother of those seven children, noting it’s easy to judge when you aren’t in that situation yourself.

In recent months, it had been alleged that Anna Dugggar may have moved to Texas after tensions had been reported between her and factions of the family, including Jim Bob and Michelle. Those rumors haven’t been confirmed, though the tension between Anna and Jim Bob is reportedly very real. 

Meanwhile, in recent news on this same topic, Josh Duggar and his legal team had been trying to appeal his conviction. However, last week, the the 8th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals affirmed the first court’s sentencing of Josh Duggar on the matter, and Duggar will remain in prison for the time being. Duggar’s lawyers appealed on the basis of evidence being including that featured statements from the former 19 Kids and Counting star that they argued should not have been available to a jury given he did not have a lawyer present at the time. The appeals court said the information had been given voluntarily. 

Once he is ultimately released from prison, Josh Duggar is set to remain on probation for 20 years. But if Amy Duggar had her way, that's a future that would never come to fruition.

Amy King is a cousin in the Duggar family. Her mother Deanna Jordan is the sister of famous patriarch Jim Bob Duggar and the two would appear on 19 Kids and Counting during its original TLC run. But Deanna is a divorcée and Amy has been known for more normalized behaviors like wearing pants, even during the original run of the series. Now she’s speaking out and calling her role in the show “a distraction.”

In a longer interview where Amy also touched on her cousin Josh’s molestation report and current prison sentence, she admitted her time on TLC was uncomfortable. She told Vanity Fair she was “was a fish out of water all the time” during the tenure of that series (she later appeared on Counting On too, though in a lesser capacity). Looking back on her time as a reality TV star, she said she now believes she was used by the series to cover some of the more cringe-worthy things going on with the Duggars. 

In her interview, she specifically cited wearing pants and giving normal hugs (rather than side hugs) as things that separated her from her famous cousins, and that were highlighted as part of the show avoiding some of the IBLP and Josh Duggar stuff that was really happening off camera. 

To be honest with you, I’m more prone to remembering some of the odd courting moments on 19 Kids and Counting and its previous iterations than I am Amy Duggar King doing things like wearing pants. However, it is worth noting the daughters of Jim Bob and Michelle have made headlines in recent years for stepping out of their comfort zones. It was a big deal when Jessa and others tried pants for the first time, for example, 

These small rebellions may not seem to be a big deal but they definitely separate the Duggar daughters from the IBLP principles they grew up with. A Duggar book years ago mentioned the rules for dressing the women in the family were supposed to follow – and it distinctly mentioned skirts below the knee. It was only four months ago that Joy-Anna Duggar opened herself up to wearing pants. So these freedoms for the women in the Duggar family to wear shorts and more  are still fairly new.  

Now, however, daughters like Jill and Jinger are taking their lives into their own hands. They are still believers in Jesus, but they have spoken out about the practices of the IBLP in new interviews. Jinger Duggar Vuolo has also published a book, with Jill Duggar Dillard set to follow. 

As for Amy King, she also spoke out about the IBLP in the recent streaming documentary Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets. She said she did so despite the fact it may have ramifications with her familial relationships.

She and Jill both appeared in the doc to speak about their experiences, which bleeds into some of what TLC aired as part of 19 Kids’ run up until its cancellation in 2015 after Josh’s molestation report came to light. Jill remembered being a part of the IBLP “as early as [she] can remember” but her tell-all book should get more into detail about the experiences she was involved in as a church member and a reality TV star. 

The recent release of Amazon’s Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets has shone a spotlight on the Duggar family, the famous clan that popularized 19 Kids and Counting on TLC just a few years ago. This extends to parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, and some family members, including Jill Duggar Dillard, who spoke out for the doc. But there are other associated family members who spoke out too, including Amy Duggar King, who is now opening up about learning about Josh’s previous molestation allegations and why the family might have covered up his behaviors. Her response was blunt: ‘I was pissed.’

Josh Duggar is currently serving a 10+ year prison sentence at FCI Seagoville in Texas, though Duggar’s release date has been somewhat fluid. He was sentenced on the greater of the two counts related to receiving and possessing child pornography he was  on trial over. The fallout of this trial is looked at in Duggar Family Secrets, but now Cousin Amy is speaking out about the ILBP religion the family subscribes too, and the earlier molestation charges that broke years before her cousin’s arrest. 

Amy King Recalls Learning About Josh Duggar’s Molestation Report

When In Touch uncovered a report about Josh Duggar allegedly having touched some young ladies, including his own younger sisters, when he was a teenager, the report had wide-ranging ramifications. 19 Kids and Counting was canceled. Jessa and some of her siblings tried to do damage control in a famous Megyn Kelly interview, which Jill at least regrets. Josh Duggar left reality TV completely. 

In a wide-ranging interview with Vanity Fair, Amy King spoke out about how she felt when she learned of the molestation report back in 2015. She said she actually found out like everyone else – on the news – and had a blunt initial reaction to learning what her female cousins had gone through.

She also said she once actually spoke to Josh about his behaviors before his recent legal troubles. According to her, he allegedly told her he “knew better” than to try and prey on her. She called herself “bold” for having stood up to Josh years before his arrest by federal  agents in April of 2021. 

So, Where Does Cousin Amy Feel Josh Duggar Went Wrong?  

First and foremost, from what Cousin Amy said in the interview, she feels it was the attitude of the IBLP that ultimately led Josh to become the way he is. She said “absolutely” Josh knew what he was doing at the time and that he was enabled by those around him to engage in molestation behavior. Her full comment? 

Amy Duggar’s comments echo something that Jinger Duggar said about her brother Josh previously. As her own book on her experiences growing up Duggar hit shelves, the former reality star noted how her sibling had “two faces” and how that prompted them to speak out. Amy and Jinger both lived through the tumult of the incident in 2015, but it was the latter who was a victim of her brother’s actions and who called the news breaking in 2015 a “nightmare” in her book, noting she was “living in a nightmare that I wished with all my heart wasn't real.”

If you aren't caught up on the latest, Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets is currently streaming for those with an Amazon Prime subscription. And with other sister Jill Duggar Dillard writing a tell-all, there will doubtless be more learned about the family in the coming months. 

The Duggar family effectively left the TV landscape when Counting On was canceled in the wake of Josh’s arrest on child pornography-related charges. Now, however, they are the subject of a new streaming TV series Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets. The doc dropped earlier this month, and now its producers are touching on the fandom surrounding the family and what viewers were essentially doing when 19 Kids and Counting initially hit the TV schedule back in 2008.

Cori Shepherd, who produced the IBLP documentary that is currently streaming for those of you with an Amazon Prime subscription, opened up about the current landscape surrounding the show and the fans who tuned in for years. The producer noted there’s specifically been a major change in the way the family and their lifestyle is perceived now compared to in previous years, noting what fans were watching was essentially "misogyny as entertainment" before. 

Speaking to People, the producer opened up about how an “entire generation” followed the Duggars on the small screen during their TLC run, growing up on them in particular during the 19 Kids and Counting run but also watching them on the subsequent spinoff Counting On. Now that generation is “starting to deconstruct their own upbringing” and what happened to the Duggar daughters in particular can be seen in a different light. 

Meanwhile, family matriarch and patriarch Jim Bob and Michelle have not remained quiet after the release of Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets. The Duggar heads released a statement a few days ago calling the documentary “sad” and “sensationalized.” 

These days, many Duggar family members are off doing their own thing. Some of them, including Jill and Jinger, have been outspoken about the teachings they grew up with, with the latter even writing a book about the “harmful” impacts of the IBLP. Others, like Jessa or Jana, have been quieter about their upbringing. What the Duggar daughters all have in common though? They are building their brands on their own terms away from the TLC spotlight on social media in places like YouTube and Instagram. They are praying about choices in the past and trying new things, like wearing pants. They are building their own families on their own terms. 

It’s unclear if eventually any of them will deign to share their lives on the small screen in the future, but if what the Shiny Happy People producer is saying continue to hold true, the bent would likely need to continue to evolve if it did. 

The children who appeared on the TLC reality show 19 Kids and Counting have started speaking out more in recent years about their conservative upbringing under the teachings of the Institute in Basic Life Principles. They’ve also shared their experiences and opinions regarding Josh Duggar, who is serving a 12.5-year prison sentence for possession of child pornography. As the docuseries Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets aims to shed even more light on these issues, Josh’s parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have released a statement, calling the claims made on the series “derogatory” and “sensationalized.”

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar’s show was popular on TLC when it premiered in 2008. However, it all came crashing down when allegations came to light that their oldest child Josh Duggar had molested several of his younger sisters as a teenager, leading to the cancellation of the series. Prime Video’s four-part documentary dives into the controversial teachings of the IBLP and its disgraced founder Bill Gothard, as well as the Duggar family scandals. Upon the series’ June 2 premiere, the parents released a statement on their website that read:  

Their daughter Jill Duggar Dillard — the fourth child of Jim Bob and Michelle, and one of Josh Duggar’s victims — participated in the documentary, along with her husband Derick Dillard. One of the things she spoke about was her 2015 interview with Megyn Kelly, in which she and her sister Jessa defended their brother amidst the molestation accusations. Derick called the interview “a suicide mission” in Shiny Happy People, while Jill said it isn’t something she’s proud of, but at the time she felt an obligation to the family’s show and to her parents.

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar made no specific references to any of their children or claims made in the docuseries in their statement, but they did acknowledge damaged relationships. The statement continued:

It shouldn't be all that surprising that the Duggars chose to speak out on the documentary. On that same token, we should've also expected that some individuals would respond to their own comments. Amy Duggar King -- Jim Bob and Michelle's niece -- countered their sentiments. While talking to ET, Duggar King accused the couple of "gaslighting" among other things: 

Amy Duggar King, who helped spearhead the doc, also stated that she still loves her family and that she's "not trying to bash them." However, she also feels a responsibility to "protect" her relatives, including her son and her "peace."

In addition to Jill Duggar Dillard’s revelations in the Prime Video series about the 2015 interview, Jinger Duggar Vuolo has previously said she feels the need to speak out about the “disturbing” religious environment she and her siblings grew up in and has spoken candidly about her feelings regarding her incarcerated brother. Time will tell if more relatives choose to speak out on Michelle and Jim Bob's statement.

Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets is available to stream now with an Amazon Prime subscription, and be sure to check out our 2023 TV schedule to see what other premieres are headed our way soon. 

Updated with video.

Jinger Duggar Vuolo and her husband Jeremy have been in the news a lot lately, namely for being the biggest names in the 19 Kids and Counting family to speak out against the upbringing. That growing up experience led Jinger to feel a pervasive sense of “shame” and led her brother Josh Duggar to ultimately end up in jail after being found guilty on child pornography charges. It wasn’t easy writing a book about her experiences. It wasn’t easy speaking out against her brother, but now the married couple is being honest about exactly why they felt it was the right thing to do. 

In a lengthy interview touching on a variety of topics, one thing Jinger and Jeremy honed in on over and over again was speaking out even though it was difficult. Growing up, Jinger said her parents pushed having a good heart, but she also noted, “I think you see even within that setting the performance-based thing.” She and her husband candidly informed Allie Beth Stuckey  that you can see this with Josh. How outwardly he looked like a follower of Christ but that there was a whole other side to her eldest brother that made him two-faced. 

Why Josh Duggar Has Two Sides, The 'Outward' And The Inward

It was Josh's behavior -- from the molestation report to his Ashley Madison cheating scandal and ultimate arrest on possessing and receiving child abuse materials -- that led Jinger Vuolo to write her new memoir. She said she finds it hard to “talk about” what she’s seen with her brother, but that she wants to make it clear that Christian belief is not what has been manifested in her brother after a lifetime of “shame” and “purity” teachings.

Josh Duggar and his wife Anna seemingly had a perfect Christian relationship. Their courtship followed the rules their beliefs had laid out for them. They had a bunch of Duggar babies and for a time he worked for the Family Research Council, a nonprofit Christian organization that focuses on "pro-life" and "pro-marriage" education and that Duggar reportedly used to help him "live a lie." He was a bit of a pillar in his religious community, all while maintaining a habit of downloading child abuse materials.  

Vuolo went on to note:

She's been open about Josh Duggar being a "phony" in the past, but her latest comments really make the connection to her upbringing and how it leads to falseness clear. 

Why Jinger Duggar Vuolo Spoke Up About Josh And The Bill Gothard Teachings She’d Grown Up With

Jinger said she made the choice to write her new book Becoming Free Indeed even though she straight up says she knew there would be pushback. She and Jeremy Vuolo talked about the environment she'd grown up in, an environment that was so into "purity" she says her parents couldn't even have candid conversations with her about what would happen if she were married. 

Since she was part of the 19 Kids and Counting clan and this growing up experience was documented throughout most of her life on TV, she says she knew there would be pushback to writing her book. 

While some of it has been positive, she does feel some detractors have made assumptions about her motivations and the direction of her life that just aren't true, or kind even. 

While Josh Duggar's actions and arrest didn't push her away from God and Christianity, she and Jeremy Vuolo were very clear that they no longer prescribe to Bill Gothard's teachings. She and her husband prescribe to a gentler, more open version of Christianity. She said she wants to have candid conversations with her children about sex and marriage, so they don't "feel guilty" when they catch feelings as she did. Per the former reality star, "that was totally missing from Bill Gothard’s teaching and that whole setting," and ultimately that's why she and Jeremy left to start a new life in Los Angeles. 

A lot of the ladies in the Duggar family have started wearing pants in public and on social media over the last couple of years. This was very notable when it first happened, as the 19 Kids and Counting kids always wore over-the-knee skirts growing up. Now, Joy-Anna Duggar Forsyth is the latest Duggar sibling to speak out about bucking the skirt-wearing rules. So, what prompted her to shift her fashion sensibilities? 

The ninth child and fifth daughter of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar is 25 and a mother of two (with one more on the way). She, her partner Austin Forsyth and their children live in Arkansas, but recently a pregnant Joy-Anna shared a post in pants with her sister Jinger in California. (Jinger is also a noted Duggar pants and shorts afficionado.)

Now, Joy-Anna Duggar Forsyth has answered some questions from her fans, and was asked about the fashion shift, opening up about why she ultimately decided pants were fine to wear. In fact, it sounds as if her switching from the allegedly more modest skirts to pants looks was something she discussed with her husband really early on in their marriage. Ultimately, they came to the same conclusion on the matter. She said: 

Eventually she did follow in the footsteps some of her sisters took before her. Jessa and Jinger, for example, were seen in pants a couple of years ago. While it took Austin and Joy-Anna a little longer to come to the same conclusion, she ultimately says pants made sense for her and her family, and still fit into her family's belief system.

She notes she does consciously avoid things that are “too tight” or “too short,” but she’s confident in pants these days. In the YouTube video, Joy-Anna is wearing pants. 

It’s worth noting that Joy-Anna and Austin are big fans of camping. She said in the same Q&A that she and the family had a camping trip planned in a couple of weeks with "all of Austin's family." They camp in the RV and want to do more of it this summer so “the kids can run off energy.” 

Camping is awesome, but I can’t imagine doing that sort of activity without having the option of pants, so in some ways it’s surprising it took Joy-Anna Duggar Forsyth as long as it did to come to her pants-wearing conclusion. Though, again, she did straight up say she “wasn’t in a rush" before she made the decision. Now, she's joined the ranks of Duggar daughters who are stepping away from the rules their stricter parents laid out for them -- even if Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar are allegedly not so happy about it. Just don't expect her to jump on the pants-free Hollywood trend.

Josh Duggar turned 35 earlier this month, but the occasion wasn't the large family celebration the Duggar family has been known for. The father of seven is currently in prison after being found guilty on charges of receiving and possessing child pornography, and he actually spent his birthday in solitary confinement. Days later, his prison release date was pushed back as well. But how are the two connected? 

How Josh Duggar Spent His 35th Birthday In Prison

The TLC personality turned 35 at FCI Seagoville on March 3. At the time, the former 19 Kids and Counting star was listed as staying in the SHU, otherwise known as the solitary housing unit. He’d been thrown in there after reportedly sneaking in a cell phone. This wouldn't mark the first big occasion the star spent in solitary confinement; previously Duggar spent Christmas of 2021 in solitary confinement as well. 

Unfortunately for those living in the SHU, visitation is not allowed, so the eldest Duggar son likely spent his birthday alone, a far cry from the visitation he had been used to early on in his prison tenure as his wife Anna would come by and reportedly bring the kids. 

An insider revealed to The Sun that things have been even more dismal in the SHU this month as communication systems have been down. Inmates have been receiving letters rather than getting phone calls and it’s allegedly led to complaints, though it’s worth noting those in solitary confinement are reportedly only allowed one call per month anyway.

Not only has the cell phone smuggling had ramifications on Josh Duggar’s stay in the Dallas-based prison, but it will also have an impact on his release date. 

Josh Duggar Will Also Be Released From Prison Later Than Expected

According to a new report, not only has Duggar lost inmate privileges while at FCI Seagoville, the former reality star also was told his release date will be later than was previously announced. Originally, he was set to be released on August 12, 2032. However, that date has been pushed back 10 days to August 22, 2032 (via In Touch). 

It’s worth noting that when he was sentenced, Duggar was actually told he would be in prison for 151 months, or roughly 12.5 years in prison. However, when the Federal Bureau of Prisons released Duggar’s initial information, some of that time had seemingly been shaved off, as he’ll be released after around 10 years in the system, having been incarcerated in June of 2022. While Duggar is not eligible for parole, the federal agency does not a prisoner has to serve 85% or more of their sentence before they can be released. 

A release in late August of 2032 would mark 10 years and a couple of additional months since Josh Duggar first stepped behind bars. However, it would still be much shorter than the 151 months he was originally sentenced to in court. 

Also worth mentioning is the fact he will still be under scrutiny once he exits prison. The former 19 Kids and Counting star will actually be on probation for an extremely lengthy duration: 20 years. During that time, he will be unable to do a variety of activities, including accessing pornography (adult porn was also stipulated). Duggar will reportedly also only be able to spend time with his children in the presence of specifically listed individuals, among other probation rules. 

Duggar’s 35th birthday marks his first birthday behind bars, but it will not be his last. While the prison doesn’t really do much for birthdays, if he is out of solitary confinement next year, an insider notes that sometimes “fellow inmates do try to get a cake” to mark the occasion. 

Jinger Duggar Vuolo has done some major unpacking when it comes to her faith, being raised under the teachings of disgraced religious leader Bill Gothard, and her thoughts on religion following her brother Josh Duggar being sentenced to federal prison on child pornography charges. In her most recent book, Becoming Free Indeed, the sixth child in the family made famous on the TLC reality show 19 Kids and Counting explores her journey, as she distances herself from the Institute in Basic Life Principles, calling out the “disturbing” environment and expressing understanding for those who have given up Christianity altogether.

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar raised their children under the IBLP teachings, a conservative lifestyle that promotes male dominance over women, having large families and dressing conservatively, as ET described — which made it a big deal when some of their daughters started wearing shorts — among other things. Jinger Duggar Vuolo said in Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear that she realized Bill Gothard was preaching the false teachings the Bible had warned about, and she explained how unsettling the IBLP founder’s behavior was. She wrote (per Christianity Today): 

She also pointed out that he hired young women as office assistants in an organization that thought women shouldn’t have jobs outside of the home. 

Bill Gothard resigned from the institute in 2014, following dozens of sexual harassment claims from former employees, and Jinger Duggar said she understood why people were distancing themselves from IBLP and in some cases leaving religion altogether. Even before she stepped away, she said she’d noticed that people she’d loved had stopped showing up at conferences, and she explained in the book:

Jinger Duggar said she, herself, grew up constantly worried that God wanted to punish her for minor disobediences, including not eating enough fiber in her bread. Bill Gothard taught that things including “immodest dress” were reasons God may allow victims to be abused.

The Counting On star’s views on Bill Gothard’s negative effect on people’s faith is similar to thoughts she had regarding Josh Duggar -- who Jinger Duggar Vuolo has said was “living a lie” -- whose arrest was possibly made more prominent by the public knowledge that he had molested his sisters at a young age. Vuolo argued that her brother would be in prison for his actions either way, but because he is a public figure, “his sin gives Christ a bad name,” and fuel for those who wish to oppose Christianity. 

Josh Duggar was sentenced in 2022 to 151 months in prison, before his release date was shifted to 10 years out. Now Duggar is expected to be released on August 12, 2032, at which time the former 19 Kids and Counting star will be on probation for an additional 20 years. As for Jinger, her book Becoming Free Indeed is currently available at Amazon and other retailers.  

While the Duggar siblings have occasionally spoken out about eldest brother Josh Duggar during his arrest, trial and ultimate conviction on several counts of child abuse materials, most of the time those comments have been about how ‘difficult emotionally’ Josh’s situation has been for the family or reactions about how the families of Duggar’s victims must feel. That changed a bit when his sister Jinger Duggar Vuolo published a book, and now she’s opened up about how it’s so much worse that her brother was a 19 Kids and Counting star before his arrest. 

In a new excerpt from her book, Becoming Free Indeed, Jinger Duggar Vuolo opened up about how Josh Duggar’s fame impacted how his arrest and subsequent incarceration were seen by “millions” of people who followed the case. She explained how if he hadn’t been famous he would still be in jail. However, since he was famous, his actions don’t just reflect on her brother as a person but on Christianity as a whole.

She's not wrong to note there was a spotlight on the 19 Kids and Counting star after his arrest. This was possibly more prominent because the public was already generally aware of previous reports Duggar had molested his sisters at a young age, which ultimately led to the cancellation of the TLC show. Also, his arrest over a computer that had child abuse materials on it led to TLC also ending the spinoff Counting On.  While he had not appeared on the latter show, his wife Anna had. So fame and the court case itself did heavily tie together. 

Along with Jinger's feelings on how her brother's fame reflected poorly on Christianity, in an interview with Insider, the former reality star discussed her deeper feelings on the matter. Though she’s taken pains to distance herself from her parents Jim Bob and Duggar’s conservative views (including how women in the family shouldn't wear pants), she is still deeply religious and feels her brother will have to account for his actions. 

A while back we reported on how Jinger had written more about her brother’s situation. At the time she noted Josh Duggar “was living a lie” and revealed that she hasn’t spoken to her brother in two years. Depending on how accurate that estimate is, she either hadn’t spoken to him since before the TLC star’s arrest by federal agents in April of 2021or she stopped around the time that event happened. 

This might seem odd for a family who gets together seemingly so often, but Jinger Duggar Vuolo and her husband Jeremy Vuolo actually moved quite far away from the family compound in 2019. The two currently live in Los Angeles, where Jinger has become somewhat of a social media figure, and has now written a book. Her husband recently praised her coming out of her shell to talk about this hard stuff on Instagram, noting: 

Jinger Duggar's book Becoming Free Indeed is currently available at Amazon and other retailers. 

It’s been a turbulent few years for the Duggar family, who were made famous on the TLC reality show 19 Kids and Counting. Rifts have been formed since Josh Duggar, the oldest son of Jim Bob and Michelle, began serving his prison sentence after being found guilty on two child pornography charges in late 2021. Now, sibling Jinger Duggar is sharing her thoughts on her brother’s incarceration in a new book, Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear, in which she wrote candidly about their conservative Christian upbringing and how Josh was “living a lie.”

JInger Duggar, the sixth child of the reality family, was featured on TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting, as well as Counting On, which she starred in with her sisters Jessa, Jill and Joy-Anna, at least before the reality show was axed amid Josh Duggar’s legal battle. In her newest book, Jinger Duggar Vuolo compared her brother’s actions to those of disgraced pastor Bill Gothard, the founder of the Institute in Basic Life Principles, writing (via ET): 

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar raised their children under the teachings of Bill Gothard, which included the modest dress code that some of their daughters have espoused over the years, to the apparent dismay of their parents. The IBLP also promotes having large families and male dominance over women. However, Gothard resigned from the institute in 2014, following more than 30 sexual harassment claims from former employees.

While Jinger Duggar is open about her feelings concerning Josh Duggar’s mistakes, she said in Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear that the book isn’t a tell-all about her family, but rather an exploration of her own journey, as she continues to distance herself from Bill Gothard’s teachings.

We've seen some of the steps Jinger Duggar has taken to that end in the past few years. In addition to moving from Arkansas to Los Angeles with her husband Jeremy Vuolo and their two children, Jinger has added pants — and even shorts — to her wardrobe. 

In her book Jinger Duggar revealed how she felt about Josh Duggar, despite not having spoken to him for almost two years. She wrote: 

Josh Duggar was sentenced in 2022 to 151 months in prison, before his release date was shifted to 10 years out. Now Duggar is expected to be released August 12, 2032, if what is currently on the books holds up. That won’t be the end of the matter, however, as the former 19 Kids and Counting star will still be on probation for 20 years.

Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear, which is available now, is Jinger Duggar’s third book. She previously co-wrote Growing Up Duggar with her sisters Jana, Jill, and Jessa, which was published in 2014, as well as 2021’s The Hope We Hold: Finding Peace with the Promises of God, which she co-wrote with her husband Jeremy Vuolo. 

Duggar holidays have looked a little different over the past several months as the former 19 Kids and Counting clan has adjusted to life with Josh in prison. Josh Duggar already spent Thanksgiving in prison this year, and he’ll be spending quite a few more holidays incarcerated in Seagoville. In terms of the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s holidays, we know a little bit about what that will look like for the reality star. 

While his wife Anna and the kids may see Jim Bob and Michelle over the holidays (TBD), there has been an alleged rift between varying factions of the family in the months since Josh Duggar went on trial on charges related to child abuse materials. The at-home Christmas may be missing a few family members who are starting new traditions and more, but even if the Duggar family holiday looks a little different this year, it will pale in comparison to the changes Josh Duggar has faced since his incarceration. So what do Christmas and New Year’s look like in prison? 

What Christmas In Prison Will Look Like For Josh Duggar

The Federal Bureau of Prisons previously decided the menu at varying incarceration locations across the country. When it comes to FCI Seagoville, inmates will be treated to two meats during a Christmas dinner: glazed ham and herbed cornish hen. For those inmates who eat vegetarian, a vegetarian lasagna and stuffed peppers will be served. 

According to the menu (obtained via Radar Online), there will be a slew of sides also served during the holiday dinner. Cranberry sauce (which apparently isn’t an exclusive-to-Thanksgiving dish) will be on the sides menu as will broccoli cheese and rice casserole, corn on the cob with butter, and mashed potatoes. Chicken gravy will also be served. Finally, inmates will receive two dinner rolls.

But the festivities don’t end with the food. Prisoners will also receive a holiday gift with “various consumables.” In addition to the typical holiday fare, a band will be on hand playing “holiday music.” Board games will also be available for those who wish to participate. 

The festivities should be very different for Josh Duggar, who actually spent last Christmas in solitary confinement. The former reality star was in jail between his trial in Arkansas and his sentencing on child pornography-related charges in May of 2022. That Christmas, he received a meal featuring turkey and mashed potatoes, just not in the communal setting he will enjoy this year. And Christmas isn’t the only holiday coming up. 

What New Year’s Day In Prison Will Look Like For Josh Duggar

In fact, inmates will have another special day just a few short days later. New Year’s is also a special time. The prison system outside of Dallas, Texas allows visitation on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day and special festivities are planned, as well. 

A special breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served on New Year’s Day. Per the outlet, breakfast will consist of “hot oatmeal, breakfast cake, whole wheat bread, and fresh fruit, as well as assorted jelly and margarine," per The Sun. A large lunch will also be served including steak, broccoli garden salad with cheese, beverages, a baked potato with assorted topping options, vegetable lasagna, holiday pies and garlic bread. 

Dinner will be lighter with the inmates being given the option of a chicken or peanut butter sandwich to decide between. The prison will also be playing the 2022 movie release The Invitation, a horror thriller starring Game of Thrones’ Nathalie Emmanuel.

These won’t be the only holidays Josh Duggar spends behind bars. After being sentenced to 151 months in prison, his release date has been shifted to 10 years out. Duggar is expected to be released from prison on August 12. 2032 if what is currently on the books holds up. That won’t be the end of the matter, however, as the former 19 Kids and Counting star will still be on probation for 20 years. Duggar’s probation details have already been released. 

Back in June, Josh Duggar was finally moved from the Washington County Detention Center into the Federal prison system at Seagoville. In the time since, his legal team has begun moving forward with the appeals process, having maintained their clients’ innocence through the entire case and even following Duggar’s guilty verdict. The appeals process is currently dealing with a third delay, but that delay is actually coming from his own legal team. 

It seems there has been some trouble with members of the former 19 Kids and Counting star’s legal team actually gaining access to their client. The team has been trying to put together an opening brief for an appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit; however, it’s been difficult for Justin Gelfand and other members of the legal team to meet with Duggar in prison. 

In fact, as part of the appeal, Gelfand wrote that he was not attempting to “hinder or delay” the proceedings. Regardless, he wrote an appeal was necessary after spending considerable time in “significant coordination with the Bureau of Prisons.” He also wrote (via KNWA Fox 24) that a meeting was “necessary” in order to move forward with the appeal. 

This will allegedly be the last time a delay is asked for. 

To note, delays in the appeal have already come down the pipeline twice before, so this marks the third delay; it came in unopposed. The first and second delays came on July 28th and August 19th. 

After being found guilty on one count of receiving and one count of possessing child pornography, Duggar was ultimately sentenced on the more severe of the two counts. Josh Duggar’s legal team vowed to appeal at the time and followed through on that intent. 

Meanwhile, the eldest Duggar son has already began his prison sentence at Seagoville. Originally expected to last for 151 months, newer reports have indicated the former 19 Kids and Counting star has a prison release date of August 12, 2032 seemingly on the books already. If that is true, he will be out earlier than anticipated, though obviously his legal team is pursuing any and all angles to try to get the verdict rendered obsolete as a whole. 

If they do not succeed, Duggar will also be on probation for 20 years and will be forced to register as a sex offender. Duggar family members will need to be approved and in the room with the star if he would like to see the children he shares with his wife, Anna; they welcomed their seventh child while he was out on bail. 

Josh Duggar was initially arrested on charges of possessing and receiving child pornography in April of 2021. There was a long road to bring his case to trial and at the tail end of last year Duggar was found guilty on both counts, though the 19 Kids and Counting star was only sentenced on one count. Now new information reveals he’s been billed by the state for thousands in restitution. 

A new report indicates that Josh Duggar was ordered to pay a lump sum of $50,100 dollars as part of his guilty verdict. That number isn’t new and was a part of Duggar’s sentencing back in May of this year. However, what’s new is the lien that has been placed on the money Josh Duggar owes, according to a new report over at The Sun. 

If Duggar can’t pay up – and reports have indicated Anna even sold their “dream home” unrenovated and she and the kids have reportedly been living on Jim Bob and Michelle’s property in lieu of other options –- there are severe penalties for not paying. When the money was initially listed as the restitution Josh Duggar owed, a report noted: 

The Inmate Financial Responsibility Program, per the Federal Bureau of Prisons, was created so that inmates could pay their court-ordered restitution, even while incarcerated. You can read up on it, but inmates can use the program to pay varying debts, including fines, court costs and special assessments imposed by the court, like this Duggar bill, but also things like child support. A lot of times the money comes from “inmates' trust fund accounts and earnings from prison work assignments.” 

In Duggar’s case, ahead of sentencing, the TV personality faced up to $250,000 in fines, so like his actual prison sentence, he did not get the max number here. Previous reports have indicated that jobs in Seagoville include

There have been several updates since Josh Duggar entered the Federal Prison System at Seagoville. Most recently, we learned the former reality star’s sentence term has reportedly changed. Originally he was expected to stay in Seagoville for 151 months, but Duggar’s release date has been set for August 12, 2032. This means he’ll be out in about 10 years instead of roughly 12.5. His probation duration is expected to last for another 20 years. 

New details have been trickling down in recent weeks regarding Josh Duggar and what his prison term will look like. After the 19 Kids and Counting star was found guilty on child pornography-related charges, Duggar was sentenced to roughly 12.5 years in prison. Now, however, it seem the eldest son of Jim Bob and Michelle may have shaved a little time off that sentence. 

Josh Duggar was recently transferred from the Washington County Detention Center in Arkansas to Seagoville Prison, located in Texas, where he will spend his tenure in the system. Ahead of his transfer, it was reported the time spent in the county center allegedly did not count toward his sentence, which would be carried out in full in federal prison. It was also reported that Josh Duggar would not be eligible for parole after being charged.

Yet a new report from In Touch indicates the former TV personality is actually only going to spend about 10 years in total in prison. The report notes he already has a release date of August 12, 2032 on the books. That date, of course, is far fewer than the 151 months that Judge Timothy L Brooks handed down in court. 

Why Is Josh Duggar’s Prison Release Date Earlier Than Expected?

The current reason the 151-month sentence did not stand in full has not been shared by Seagoville or those connected to the case. However, while Josh Duggar is allegedly not eligible for parole, it was determined that those in the Federal Prison system only have to serve 85% or more of their full sentence in order to be eligible for release, which sheds light on the matter.

Two other points to note: While the prosecution asked for 20 years in prison, Duggar's legal team had requested a much lighter sentence. In turn, his mother Michelle Duggar and other spoke in his defense, also requesting a lighter tenure. Then, after sentencing came down, the defense also made good on its vow to appeal the ultimate result. 

Secondly, after Josh Duggar is released from prison, he will spend 20 years on probation. He will need to register as a sex offender and check in regularly with a parole officer; this also means he will be subject to lie detector tests. He won’t be able to view porn of any kind or hold a medical marijuana card. Perhaps most notable, he won't be allowed alone in a room with his then non-adult children (in 2032, his seven children with Anna Duggar will all still be underage). Another approved individual will need to be around. 

For now, Duggar is still in Seagoville where he has a strict set of rules to abide by each day. We'll let you know if there are any other updates related to his release.  

The Josh Duggar was found guilty on child pornography-related charges toward the end of last year, but it took some time to get him into the federal prison system. Instead, the former 19 Kids and Counting star spent time in the Washington County Detention Center ahead of sentencing and then again while the powers-that-be determined which of two prison systems he would land in. He ultimately ended up at Seagoville and a new report has shared details about what Duggar’s life behind bars has been like. 

First and foremost, Seagoville is a Federal Correctional System located in Texas; it was also the prison option that was further away from Josh Duggar’s family. However, it’s also a prison system with a sex offender treatment program the other system, Texarkana, did not have. Though news of Duggar’s transfer broke the day it occurred, it took a few days to determine where the reality personality had landed. Now, we’ve learned more details about what Duggar’s 151-month stint in prison will be like. 

We already knew Josh Duggar would not be allowed any conjugal visits with his wife Anna during his time behind bars, but a new report over at TMZ indicates Seagoville requires a “military”-like attention to detail from its inmates. Per the outlet, the list of rules Duggar must abide by includes but is not limited to: 

• Making his bed military-style by 7:30 a.m. every morning.
• Committing to a daily list of chores including sweeping, mopping and taking out the trash.
• Stopping all loud talking and noise by 9:15 p.m. at night; noise must cease by midnight.

The article notes the prison Josh Duggar is serving his time at is low-security and that work and other options are offered to inmates. Other reports about Seagoville have indicated that men live in “pods” in the prison and that calls are limited to 15 minutes at a time and are recorded by the facility. Interestingly, a Without A Crystal Ball Report came from the mother of another inmate at Seagoville, who noted time spent outside of the Federal system did not count toward her kid’s sentence. 

If that part is true, Josh Duggar was only transferred to Seagoville a little over a week ago, so that lengthy amount of time he spent in the detention center between the end of his trial and his shift to the Federal Correctional Facility might have been moot. He will serve roughly 12.5 years in prison before he is released, which is less time than the prosecution wanted him to serve but is far more time than Duggar’s own lawyers were pushing for. 

Once he is out of prison, Josh Duggar will still face 20 years of restrictive probation. This includes the possibility of being asked to take a lie detector test at any time. He will need to get permission to use any kind of device that is able to story photos. He also will not be able to be alone in a room with his children and will lose other freedoms, including the ability to obtain a medical marijuana card. He will not be able to access porn of any kind. 

As for whether or not Josh Duggar will get into any kind of work while he is in the Seagoville facility, we'll keep you posted. The former 19 Kids and Counting star's legal team is in the middle of the process to appeal.  

It’s been over a year since Josh Duggar was arrested on two counts of possessing and receiving child pornography and more than six months since the former 19 Kids and Counting star was found guilty on the charges. A lot has happened in the time since, including sentencing and more, but through it all, Duggar had been housed at a Washington County Detention Center awaiting transfer. This weekend, that transfer finally went down, but there’s still a little bit of mystery surrounding his move. 

It’s been confirmed that Josh Duggar was transferred on Friday from the aforementioned detention center to the prison in which he will service his roughly 12 and a half-year sentence, having been handed down 151 months in prison by the presiding judge. At the time, he was referred to two potential possibilities for serving that sentence: Texarkana or Seagoville. 

But while it’s been confirmed the transfer occurred, his records have not been updated at this juncture to tell us where Duggar has landed. That process could take a number of days, per Us Weekly. 

This is significant. The two prison systems both had pros and cons for Duggar and his infamous family. One of them actually has a program to help convicted offenders rehabilitate. That sex offender treatment program would be at the Seagoville, Texas prison. However, that prison is further away from Duggar’s family than the Texarkana prison would be, so the Texarkana prison was also listed as a potential option for consideration. 

It was initially thought Duggar might face decades in prison after being found guilty on both counts. The prosecution on the Duggar case, for example, had argued for 20 years, while the reality star’s legal team had hoped for only five years. Ultimately, the lesser of the two counts was dropped and Duggar was only sentenced based upon the more severe of the two charges. 

Family members including his wife Anna and parents Jim Bob and Michelle  have stood by his side. Michelle Duggar even wrote a letter of leniency that was read ahead of the sentencing hearing, though not every Duggar family member agreed with this decision.

Once Duggar is released from prison after serving his sentence, he will also be under a tenure of probation, and this time “decades” will be accurate. He will face 20 years of probation after he is released, will be unable to watch pornography and will be under restrictions related to electronic device usage and more. He will also only be able to spend time with his seven children while supervised by another Duggar family member or other approved individual. 

We’ll be sure to keep you updated when it’s known where Josh Duggar has officially landed. Duggar’s legal team is also currently in the middle of the appeal process. 

Just a few weeks ago, Josh Duggar was sentenced to 151 months in prison after being found guilty on child pornography charges. Following the guilty verdict, his legal team had already stated they planned to appeal. This month, they made good on that vow with a document that went through the Western District of Arkansas Federal Court in Fayetteville.

According to reports, Josh Duggar’s legal team filed an official notice of intent in regards to the appeal process, stating the former 19 Kids and Counting star plans to appeal on one of the two counts he was initially charged on via the United States Court of Appeals in the 8th Circuit. The document itself mentions “Count Two [of possessing child pornography] was dismissed, which is something that happened before sentencing. In fact, Duggar was ultimately only sentenced on the more severe of the two child pornography charges he was found guilty on in court late last year.

According to KNWA Fox 24, a local news outlet covering the case, the motion to appeal also note the legal team will be pursuing any appeal angles that it can. Duggar’s legal team, including Justin K. Gelfand, Ian. T. Murphy, and Travis W. Story, filed the document on his behalf and will be pursuing legal action moving forward. The document read: 

Why Is Josh Duggar’s Intent To Appeal Notable? 

First and foremost, Duggar’s legal team even directly explained why filing for the appeal in June of 2022 was so important. They call the appeal notice “timely” given they had until fourteen days after sentencing to apply and they got the document filed during that timeline. The document was filed in the first week of June, on the third day of the month. 

Not only is the time sensitivity of beginning the appeals process notable, but it’s also worth pointing out that Duggar’s legal team has said from the beginning – or at least from the first moment the sentencing came down –that the legal team looked forward to continuing to fight for their high-profile client.  Justin Gelfand had spoken about Duggar not landing the full 240-month sentence the prosecution had asked for and had vowed to continue "the fight" in the appeals process. (The defense and prosecution had very different ideas of what sentencing should look like for Duggar.)  He noted in a statement (via USA Today):  

Ultimately, the former TV personality has been in jail since the guilty verdict came down in his child pornography-related trial, which means Duggar even spent Christmas in 2021 behind bars. He's set to be moved to a prison in either Texarkana or Seagoville in the near future and may begin a rehab program (depending on which prison Duggar lands at) while he works through the appeals process in the courts. 

If the sentencing stands, once he gets out of prison, he will be on probation for a period of 20 years and will also have to follow a strict set of rules. This includes Duggar only being able to see his children in the presence of approved individuals. 

Josh Duggar was sentenced to 151 months in prison with no possibility of parole and an additional 20 years of probation following his release from prison. As part of the sentencing, some of the expectations laid out for the former TV star after he gets out of prison were revealed. However, one thing we didn’t know a ton about would be how things work in regards to Duggar being allowed to spend time with his seven children. A new report has clarified that.

Josh Duggar has been married to Anna Keller Duggar since 2008 and the two share seven children together, one of whom was born following the former 19 Kids and Counting star’s arrest on child pornography-related charges. Once Duggar exits the prison system, he will be able to see his kids again, but he will not be able to be alone with them. Instead, the visits must be supervised by people on an approved list. 

One thing that was previously a bit more of a question mark was: Who is on the approved list? Well, TMZ obtained the official court documents, and as it turns out Josh will need to be supervised by his wife Anna Duggar, or his parents Jim Bob and Michelle anytime the kids are around. Any other adults that may count  as supervisors when the kids are around need to be approved by the U.S. Probation Office.  

One wrinkle to note is that Josh Duggar has been sentenced to 151 months in prison, which is around 12 and a half years. At that point his eldest child, Mackynzie, who is 12 now, will be in her mid twenties. Some of the other Duggar children will also be adults at that point, as Josh and Anna’s kids were born in 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and their last child, a girl, was born on October 23, 2021. 

The documents specifically note Duggar will be required to have supervised contact with minors, but his adult children may not fall under that purview. This and other restrictions will be a facet of his life for 20 years, so at some point all of his seven children will be grown during the tenure of his probation. 

Some of the other probational rules Josh Duggar will face were previously detailed, including the fact he will not be allowed to own a computer or watch pornography, with a clarification noting adult pornography is included. We also know Duggar will not be eligible to obtain a medical marijuana card and he could be asked by his probation officer to submit to a polygraph at any time. 

The news comes down the pipeline after Duggar had been in jail awaiting sentencing following his trial on two charges: receiving and possessing child pornography. After delays, a trial commenced that spanned a few weeks in Arkansas at the tail end of 2021, Duggar was found guilty on both counts but was ultimately only sentenced on the graver of the two charges. 

Now that the former reality star has been sentenced, the next thing to determine will be where he will spend the remainder of the sentence. There are two potential options, one with a treatment center and one without. The prison in Seagoville, Texas offers a”high-end treatment program” for sexual offenders, while the one in Texarkana does not. Other factors, including proximity to Josh Duggar’s family, may come into play. We’ll let you know wherever the reality star ends up being housed.  

This week, news broke that Josh Duggar will be spending 151 months in prison without the possibility of parole, following his trial on child pornography charges in Arkansas in late 2021. The eldest Duggar sibling will also deal with restrictions in the 20 years following his prison release. Outside of his sentencing, his family is coming to terms with what the judge decided and how the case as a whole panned out and the likes of Jill Duggar Dillard, Amy Duggar King and Jason Duggar all have had varying reactions to what happened. 

If you are up on Jill and her husband Derick Dillard, you may already know the two have been mostly estranged from certain family members and have spoken out about issues with Jim Bob Duggar and how they were paid for work on Counting On in the past. Yet, they’ve still been keeping tabs on what’s going on in the Duggar fold and are still emotionally tied to the events happening with Josh Duggar, writing: 

One important thing to note is that Josh Duggar has not acknowledged a role in any of the charges that have been levied against him. Duggar pled "not guilty" in court and his defensive legal team tried to argue that another person may have been the one to access the computer that had the child pornography downloaded onto it at the car dealership. Even back in 2015 when the Ashley Madison cheating scandal and molestation report rocked the Duggar family, Josh allegedly showed “no remorse” about the situation he’d put himself and his family in. 

Jill and Derick Dillard also noted in the message on their family’s site that  it’s “unfortunate” that it will take a prison tenure for “Josh to have any potential for rehabilitation.” 

Outside of the Dillards, cousin Amy Duggar King has been open about her feelings related to Josh Duggar in the past and  tweeted several times on the day of Josh Duggar’s sentencing. She has been clear with her messaging, telling The Sun she had reached out to Josh’s wife Anna and had not heard back, even reportedly offering a place to stay to their seven children. She also told the outlet that she is confident in the former reality star’s guilt.

She wasn’t the last Duggar clan member to speak out, but Josh Duggar’s sibling Jason spoke of forgiveness in his own post, sharing on Instagram Stories:

Jason also addressed in his post that he hopes the prison sentence will inspire “a true change” in Josh Duggar’s life. Meanwhile, Judge Timothy L. Brooks did recommend a prison with a rehabilitation program in Texas, though a second prison in Arkansas may also be on the table. 

Patriarch Jim Bob Duggar and Anna Duggar, who were both present at Josh’s sentencing, have not yet commented on the ultimate verdict. Jim Bob and Michelle previously wrote a statement after Josh was convicted late last year. 

Josh Duggar’s sentencing finally came down Wednesday, May 25th, but it’s taken some time to get to this moment. The former 19 Kids and Counting star was arrested in April of 2021 and faced one count of receiving and one count of possessing child pornography charges after evidence had been seized at a used car dealership the former reality star had worked at. After delays, Duggar’s trial kicked off late last year, but even after being found guilty, the case has seen more postponement ahead of sentencing. Until today, when Judge Timothy L. Brooks made the final call to send Duggar away for 151 months, which amounts to between 12 and 13 years.

Initially it seemed that Josh Duggar could face up to $250,000 in fines and 20 years in prison on each of the counts he was found guilty on, but more recent reports indicated that Duggar would only be facing sentencing on the more major of the two charges, so up to 20 years and $250,000 total in fines. Ahead of sentencing day, prosecutors had pushed for the maximum of the sentence to be doled out, citing the large number of images downloaded and the graphic nature of the images. In the end, he'll be going away for more than a dozen years, pending appeal.

• The Prosecution And Defense Have Very Different Ideas Of What Josh Duggar's Prison Time Should Look Like

On Wednesday morning a line had formed outside of the courthouse in Fayetteville, Arkansas, according to 4029 News. After the sentencing, it was reported by the U.S. Sun that Josh Duggar had "no reaction" when the sentencing was announced. He will either be sent to prison in Texarkana, Arkansas for his prison time, or he'll be shipped out to Seagoville, Texas.

Prior to the final outcome, the prosecution had maintained that Duggar’s past behavior, which includes molestation incidents that led to the cancellation of his TLC show in 2015 and his removal from reality television entirely, provided an “alarming window” into his interest in young children. The prosecution also noted in its filing ahead of sentencing (via CBS News):

Duggar’s mother, Michelle Duggar, had pleaded for “leniency” when it came to her eldest son. His wife, Anna, the mother of his seven children has also stood by his side over the past year plus, and reportedly has regularly communicated with her husband while has has been in prison. The Duggar couple welcomed their seventh child after his arrest. 

Yesterday was also a major day when it came to news related to Josh Duggar’s case. As we’ve waited for sentencing, his legal team had filed several motions, including one for acquittal. Yesterday, the aforementioned Judge Timothy L. Brooks also made a ruling on that front, denying both requests for either acquittal or a new trial following the Duggar case.  

Duggar was due in court in Arkansas on May 25th after a previous sentencing date had been scheduled in April of 2022. Both the prosecution and defense had “conferred” on the subject of a sentencing delay and seemed on the same page about a delay possibly going through, which is how sentencing ultimately got shifted to the end of May. 

Josh Duggar’s trial and the time subsequent has been a long and winding road. While the former reality TV star was found guilty on child pornography charges back in December of 2021, he’d actually been arrested the April prior. He spent a lot of time at a third party home while out on bail ahead of his trial and has been in jail since the guilty verdict came down. And yet he has yet to be sentenced. Now, however, we know more about what the prosecution is recommending in the Duggar case, and the amount of prison time they are asking for is very different than what the defense is suggesting. 

The official recommendation from the prosecution notes a few things. First and foremost, it calls Josh Duggar’s efforts to access child pornography “exceptional.” If you can recall trial details, Duggar was found to have created a Linux partition on a computer at the used car dealership in which he worked in order to hide his actions from his wife, who had put tracking software on the computer. He has also been noted to not have taken an accountability for what happened and his legal team worked throughout the case to throw doubt on whether Duggar had downloaded the images at all, despite iPhone 8 evidence placing him at the car dealership on days child pornography was downloaded.

In the official government recommendation (via the Arkansas Democrat Gazette), the prosecution also mentioned the large amount of child pornography that was actually downloaded should factor in when U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks is determining sentencing. 

Due to these factors, they are asking for the full 20-year sentence, or as it was put in the filing, they are asking “the court impose a guideline term of imprisonment of 240 months.” Meanwhile, Josh Duggar’s legal team also filed its own recommendation for sentencing. 

From the point of view of the defense, Duggar is the sole provider for his wife Anna and their seven children, the last of whom was born after the former 19 Kids and Counting actor’s arrest. The argument from the reality star’s legal team also touches on the fact they feel the prosecution’s numbers were wrong in regards to the images found on the computer (they contend it was 127). His team would prefer their client's lock-up tenure to stick to 60 months, or 5 years. 

The outlet itself notes this case happens to be different than other child pornography cases that have gone to trial. In this case, child pornography was downloaded onto the work computer. It was then opened, viewed and deleted in a relatively short period of time for each of the images found. In addition, Duggar’s legal team has maintained another individual on the car lot may have accessed the images; however, he was found guilty on one count of receipt and one count of possession of child pornography in 2021. He will only be sentenced on the receiving child pornography charge, as it is the larger offense. 

Sentencing is expected to officially come down on May 25th of this year. This new date comes after previous delays led the original sentencing date of April 5th to be changed to later this month. At least one expert has stated they believe Josh Duggar will receive the maximum sentence. 

Josh Duggar is currently behind bars awaiting sentencing after being found guilty on two child pornography-related charges. The former 19 Kids and Counting star could face both jail time and hefty fines once sentenced, but depending on how his sentencing shakes out, a wrinkle that came up during his trial may have a direct impact on his family’s home life. This idea? Homeschooling. 

The Duggar family famously homeschools their children as part of adhering to their devout Christian beliefs. Jim Bob and Michelle homeschooled Josh, and even during his child pornography trial the homeschooling came into play. In fact, a transcript from the case (via Without A Crystal Ball) notes the former reality star’s legal team tried to argue his homeschooling meant that Duggar didn’t have the knowledge base to understand how to use “command codes” to get the child pornography onto the computer at the used car lot that was central to this case. In his opening statement, Justin Gelfand said:

Ultimately, following the events of the trial, including this homeschooling argument, Duggar was found guilty on two charges and was expected to be sentenced in April of this year; however, Duggar’s team successfully argued for a “continuance” and will now officially be sentenced in May. He could get up to 20 years in prison on both counts of possessing and receiving child pornography, but there’s another homeschooling wrinkle here. 

Like, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, Josh's wife Anna also homeschools their children. And Arkansas happens to be one of two states that does not allow registered sex offenders to be in homes where children are homeschooled. Per the Coalition For Responsible Home Education, the website notes that both Pennsylvania and Arkansas have protections in place where registered sex offenders are involved. 

So, how could this connect to Josh? The former TLC star will have to register as a sex offender, and depending on how his sentencing goes, he may not get the 20 years per count mentioned above, as varying Reddit users pointed out. If he were to get 10 years, for example, some of his children may still be at home and being homeschooled by the family when his tenure in prison ends, which could lead to a sticky situation. Though it is worth noting that other lawyers have speculated Duggar will receive the maximum sentence next month. 

Meanwhile, it’s still unclear what the end result of the sentencing will be. Josh Duggar's legal team had previously filed motions for acquittal trying to get the charges dropped, but the new sentencing date of May 25th is still on the books.

There are myriad Duggars in the limelight and while we often hear about Duggar patriarch Jim Bob, his wife Michelle and their 19 kids, spouses and grandchildren, there are some extended Duggar family members who occasionally pop into the limelight. This includes Cousin Amy Duggar King and her mother Deanna, the sister of Jim Bob Duggar. Recently, the TV personality’s sibling opened up about the “completely” different story she was told in regards to the family, then deleted the post. 

The original post put the 19 Kids and Counting family on blast, though Deanna remained vague about what specifically she had been lied to about before seeing “the truth” on a local news channel. She later changed her tune and deleted the post, but not before people caught the original text. On Instagram, Deanna had noted: 

While it’s unclear if Deanna Duggar was referring to information related to Josh’s trial and subsequent guilty verdict, her brother’s failed run for office or any of the other Duggar legal stuff that has been rolling around, the “family member” note combined with the fact the story would have made the local news made it pretty clear she was writing out about the TLC clan. She later reposted the image on Instagram and clarified a bit more about what she was hinting at, also writing in the comments of the new post:

This wouldn’t be the first time outside members of the Duggar family have spoken their minds. In fact, Deanna’s daughter Amy Duggar King has been among the more outspoken of the Duggars in relation to personal matters, even commenting after Jana Duggar’s misdemeanor snafu. Yet Amy Duggar King has also hinted at having signed an NDA as part of an overall TLC deal, which her mother seems to be confirming here. 

In fact, Deanna herself noted she’s usually more vocal “on Facebook” and said she only changed the Instagram post because she “decided to make it positive!” and that she thought she had the “freedom” to do that on Instagram. (Which she does, but it’s also a popular platform, so I’m not surprised people noticed.)

While Jim Bob and Deanna grew up together – reportedly living in a log cabin style home as kids! – the two don’t live the same lifestyles any longer. Jim Bob is known for his strict rules on modesty and more, whereas Deanna and Amy Duggar King are a little less strict with their rules and beliefs. (Honestly, even some of Jim Bob Duggar’s girls are distancing themselves from his fashion requirements at this point.)

Speaking of distancing, Amy Duggar King also previously spoke out about being estranged from the larger clan, which ties in with these comments her mother has made. But she's said they "doing things different" and that she's "happy for everybody." We'll have to wait and see if her mother writes out about anything else. 

One month from now, Josh Duggar’s fate will likely be known, as the former reality star is set to be sentenced April 5 after being found guilty on two counts of receiving and possessing child pornography. While Duggar was undergoing his trial following his April 2021 arrest, his sisters were fighting their own battle regarding the release of a previously sealed report in which molestation claims were made about their brother. Josh’s father, Jim Bob Duggar, was asked about that report during his son’s pre-trial hearing, and we now know how he addressed the situation to the court in November 2021. 

Back in 2015, In Touch used the Freedom of Information Act to acquire records involving four of the Duggar sisters (Jessa Duggar Seewald, Jill Duggar Dillard, Jinger Duggar Vuolo, and Joy-Anna Duggar Forsyth), who as minors, shared claims, about molestation related to Josh Duggar. The release of these reports led to the family's reality show 19 Kids and Counting getting canceled, and the four Duggar sisters filed a lawsuit in 2017 over the report they thought was sealed. They subsequently fought a years-long court battle until a judge dismissed their case on February 10. 

Jim Bob Duggar was questioned about the infamous molestation report at Josh's pre-trial hearing, according to unsealed transcripts obtained by The Sun. When prosecutor Carly Marshall asked him what home the family lived in when Josh Duggar had admitted his actions to his father, Jim Bob answered the question, but cut Marshall off twice to add his opinion: 

Carly Marshall reportedly told the Duggar patriarch at that time to stick to answering the questions. However, it seemed clear he didn’t agree with the information obtained by In Touch being used at all because the records had been sealed. He argued again: 

At that point, the judge apparently intervened and told Jim Bob Duggar that if an objection needed to be made, his lawyer would assert it, and he was again told to answer the questions. The famous father said Josh Duggar came to him two times in regards to “inappropriate touching,” in which his son said he touched four victims “when they were sleeping on the breast over their clothes.”

The older Duggar said he didn’t remember his son telling him that he’d touched the victims’ vaginal areas, which prompted Carly Marshall to show the failed politician the police report from the In Touch article to refresh his memory. He refused to read a paragraph aloud from the police report, saying “I’m not going to do that” and, after being asked to just read to himself, Jim Bob responded:

The unsealing of the 2015 molestation document was the subject of a four-year-long court battle for four of the Duggar sisters and, upon the lawsuit’s recent dismissal, Jill Duggar Dillard had some strong words to convey her disappointment with the ruling:

Jill Duggar had left the family’s show Counting On before it was canceled in the aftermath of Josh Duggar’s arrest and admitted that she had distanced herself from some members of her large family. 

Josh Duggar is officially set to be sentenced on April 5. The former 19 Kids and Counting star is facing a prison sentence of up to 20 years on each of the two counts he was convicted on. He could also face up to $250,000 in fines for each count. 

From the moment that Josh Dugger was found guilty on one count of receiving and one count of possessing child pornography, his legal team, led but Justin Gelfand, has vowed it would continue fighting for the former reality star. This happened the day the trial ended, it happened when they filed for an acquittal, and it’s happening again now that Duggar’s sentencing date is approaching. In fact, the team filed a brand new 27-page document asking for a new trial at the tail end of February, with a new argument.

On February 28th, the firm of Margulis Gelfand, LLC filed a new motion that basically argues “there was no evidence [Duggar] ‘personally’ viewed child sexual abuse material.” This part is an argument the team has tried in the past, but this time around they are looking for a “judgment of acquittal” on both counts Duggar was previously found guilty on. Furthermore, the legal team is requesting a new trial on the grounds Josh Duggar was allegedly “deprived of significant constitutional rights.”

The filing was obtained by local news channel KNWA NBC out of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Their report on the matter also notes that along with the arguments that Duggar may not have actually viewed the child pornography and also allegedly was “deprived” of rights during the investigation, the documents also argue that not getting to call Caleb Williams to the stand during the trial was not a fair shake.

Who is Caleb Williams? And How Does Her Relate To The Duggars? 

Caleb Williams was once rumored to be dating Jana Duggar, and lived near the famous Duggar compound. However, in September of last year, the 26-year-old was arrested on charges of “criminal sex abuse” after reportedly abusing a minor between 2015 and 2018. He was later sentenced to 62 days in jail on the charges. The argument from Josh Duggar’s team is that Williams was an “individual who had access to the car lot” and who allegedly, they argued, had access to the passwords on Josh Duggar’s computer. Though it’s worth noting the passwords accessing the child pornography on the computer matched the password Duggar had used for his family Instagram account and his bank account.

The legal team feels Caleb Williams should have “been more meaningfully investigated” before the events in the trial, which were held in December of 2021, with Jury selection happening at the very end of November. Reportedly, they say Williams may have been around the computer at the time child pornography was accessed, also admitting he did have access to passwords on the car lot (via In Touch). 

To note, reports have also indicated Josh Duggar’s iPhone 8 was in the car dealership at the same time child pornography was being downloaded. The prosecution’s use of geolocation data during the trial is being called into question by the lawyers along with the Caleb Williams argument. Per the filing (also via KNWA):

Even if the new trial does not happen, the legal team also noted in its lengthy filing that count 2 in the court case was seen as a “lesser offense” and that the team is hoping to get that count dismissed before Josh Duggar’s sentencing. If that argument plays in court, that could mean significant changes to the amount of fines and jail time the former 19 Kids and Counting star could be facing. His sentencing date has been set for April 5, so we should learn more in just a few weeks.

When Josh Duggar was investigated on child pornography charges, things had been going pretty well for the former 19 Kids and Counting star. He’d been working at a used car lot and had bought property with his wife Anna Duggar, a home the two had major plans to renovate and call their own. Only, months later, Anna Duggar was reported to be living with the couple’s now eight kids on patriarch Jim Bob and his wife Michelle’s property. So what happened?

First and foremost, evidence presented in a hearing ahead of Josh Duggar's child pornography trial mentioned the former reality star talking to federal agents about the renovation project in the works. Audio presented included this comment Josh made about the home, made as part of questioning the former TV personality was a part of during a November 2019.

The Arkansas house in question was obviously quite large and could easily have supported Anna and the kids, so why are they no longer there? Well first and foremost, as the comment itself notes, the eldest Duggar son and his large brood had already been staying with Jim Bob and Michelle at least some of the time as renovations were undergone on the house. Reports indicate they stay on the property in a renovated warehouse space adjacent to where the older Duggar parents live. 

Interestingly, reports recently broke that the Springdale Arkansas home – the home Josh and Anna were planning to use as a longterm home – was actually put on the market in September of 2020, some time before Duggar was even arrested on child pornography charges in April of 2021 but some time after it was known he was being investigated. The home went on the market and sold for under asking price, according to a report over at The Sun, for $450,000.

The Springdale, Arkansas house had initially been listed for  $799,000, but varying reports indicate the home was a “shell” and still in need of extensive renovation and the sale price did not come anywhere close to asking. Interestingly the date the home came on the market came the same month in 2020 that reports broke that Josh Duggar’s Wholesale Motorcars business no longer existed and that Josh had moved in with his parents. 

Obviously, the investigation into the car dealership impacted revenue for Josh and led to the closing of the business where the computer featuring child pornography was found, but it’s been impactful to the whole Duggar family, as well. Previous reports have indicated that after TLC canceled Counting On following Josh's arrest, the Duggars are losing a significant amount of revenue each month. That doesn't just extend to Anna Duggar, who had appeared on the show, and it doesn't just extend to Jim Bob and Michelle, but Jessa and the other kids appearing on TV were very much impacted as well. 

In fact, estimates indicate that the show's income netted the Duggars around $850,000 per year, which Jim Bob Duggar was allegedly "pissed about." Jessa Duggar Seewald and some of the other siblings would have combined that money with income streams such as social media deals, money from ads on YouTube channels and more. 

One other thing that is interesting to note about this whole situation is that Jim Bob recently also sold some property off for $46K. It's unclear what this money is being used for, but one has to think helping to take care of Anna and eight kids isn't cheap. It's also uncertain what the legal fees to help Josh through his trial and the ongoing appeal process have cost -- or will continue to cost. 

We’ve heard quite a bit about Josh Duggar’s stint in prison before his sentencing comes down the pipeline following his guilty verdict on child pornography-related charges. We also know his legal team filed an appeal in the time since the trial ended in late 2021. At the time Duggar was found guilty, a judge told the father of 7 that he expected sentencing to come down in April and that seems to be holding true. 

News broke this week that Josh Duggar is officially set to be sentenced on April 5. Judge Timothy L. Brooks set the Fayetteville, Arkansas hearing on Tuesday, per AP. At that time, the former 19 Kids and Counting star will be facing up to 20 years on each of the two counts he was convicted on. He could also face up to $250,000 in fines for each count. The Arkansas resident was previously convicted on two counts of receiving and possessing child pornography.  

His lawyers have contended the verdict was not fair and that their client should be acquitted or given the opportunity for a new trial. In a filing back on January 18th, Duggar’s legal team, led by Justin Gelfand, filed a 75-page motion. In it, the team argued that the evidence presented during the reality star’s trial did not support a guilty verdict. They've written:  

This is not the first time Duggar’s legal team has tried the tact of getting the charges dismissed completely after his arrest in April of last year. Back in October, the team tried to get the case fully dismissed related to appointments made during the Donald Trump administration. At that time, the judge called the motion “frivolous” and backed up that statement by noting that the argument that Homeland Security appointments had been unlawfully made had “no legal support” and that even if acting secretaries had been “improperly appointed” there’s no reason to believe their “authority to investigate crimes” should come into question. 

Meanwhile, Josh Duggar’s wife Anna Duggar has been quietly supportive through Josh Duggar’s court case. She appeared by his side during the trial and has reportedly been a key person her husband has spoken to during his jail stint, which began after his guilty verdict. She hasn’t spoken publicly about her full thoughts, but earlier this month, she did take to social media to share the 75-page document that her partner’s legal king had crafted. 

Per Anna, “there is more to the story.” 

What's next for the former reality star remains to be seen, though we should know more on April 5. Meanwhile, it's been a tough few weeks legally for the Duggar clan as a whole. Josh's sisters, including Jessa and Jill, also recently lost a lawsuit they had filed after the now-infamous molestation report was released, leading to the cancellation of 19 Kids and Counting. 

We’ve heard a lot about the Josh Duggar case and subsequent trial over the last few months. Details about the case have ranged from information about the passwords that Duggar used on the computer with child pornography to information shared by professionals about the images found being among “the worst” they’d seen. However, as it turns out, it wasn’t just the work computer that was key to Josh Duggar’s conviction. His iPhone 8 data was actually a key piece of evidence, even though there wasn’t any child pornography found within it. 

While Duggar wasn’t officially arrested until April of 2021, he was being investigated as far back as 2019. During that time, he used an Apple iPhone 8. The phone actually ended up becoming a focal point in the case, despite the fact that it was not directly connected to the child pornography found on the work computer. It's complicated, and Duggar's personal laptop was also involved. 

When Duggar was still on trial, evidence was presented in court that showed that authorities had also confiscated Josh Duggar’s home computer, an Apple MacBook. Again, no child pornography was found on the former reality star’s personal computer, but what it did contain was a backed up version of Duggar’s iPhone 8. The data found actually allowed authorities to see pictures, texts and more that Josh had sent while in the car dealership office. 

So, Why Does Josh Duggar's iPhone 8 Matter?

Well, this data had GPS locators as well as times and dates. The authorities were then able to compare Josh Duggar’s iPhone usage to times child pornography had been downloaded on the work computer between May 14 and May 16th of 2019. The evidence confirmed Duggar was in the office at the same time child pornography had been downloaded on a work computer he used.

According to the Daily Mail, Duggar’s team argued that his computer could have been “hijacked” or used by another person or former employee in the office at the time. The prosecution argued that idea was a “fantasy.” At the end of the day, Duggar was ultimately convicted following evidence such as this. 

Other Details That Came To Light During Josh Duggar's Trial And Its Aftermath

This wasn’t the only evidence the prosecution shared at Josh Duggar’s trial before Duggar was found. A Linux partition had kept the child pornography out of the front-facing portion of the computer. Duggar had also been familiar with how to use those, and said as much to the police during an interrogation. When asked about the partition, he had noted, “'I mean, I'm familiar with, I guess you could say.” The partition was allegedly in place to obscure usage from Duggar’s wife, Anna.

After 9 days of trial back-and-forth, Josh Duggar was found guilty on both counts of receiving and possessing child pornography. He could face decades in prison, but his sentencing isn’t expected to come down until April. Duggar’s legal team has already moved forward with a new strategy and filed a motion for acquittal. We’ll keep you updated if any more details related to this case break. 

Josh Duggar has been found guilty on two charges of receiving and possessing child pornography. His sentencing is not expected to come down until at least April, though. While he’s being held in a correctional facility in the meantime, it looks like his legal team is making other movies. In fact, his team is trying to get an acquittal. 

We’ve known for months what some of the evidence was related to the Josh Duggar child pornography case. The former 19 Kids and Counting star had been working at a car dealership when the Feds showed up. They reportedly found myriad instances of child pornography on a computer that were separated from the rest of the content on the computer via a Linux partition. A federal agent said the images were among “the worst” he’d ever seen.  

In addition, the passwords to the porn content were the same as some of the personal passwords that Duggar used for social media, including Instagram. Meanwhile, a scar on Josh Duggar’s hand also seemingly pointed to him being the person to use the computer with the child pornography on it. Duggar was ultimately arrested at the end of April 2021 and was found guilty following a trial at the end of that same year. But that has not stopped his legal team from moving forward with a new strategy.

The latest news notes that Josh Duggar’s legal team, led by Justin Gelfand, filed a 75-page motion on January 19 for acquittal. The argument from the legal team states that the evidence presented during Josh Duggars December of 2021 trial did not offer enough to convict him on the two counts. A portion of the motion, which argues on the basis of Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 29(c), reads (via WGN 9):

This new strategy should not be a big surprise for anyone keeping tabs on the case. Josh Duggar’s legal team previously said they would “appeal” the decision that came down at the end of the trial. This isn’t the first time the former star’s legal team has also hoped to for a substantial win, either. Back in October, his team filed a motion to dismiss, a motion the judge called “frivolous” at the time.  Now, the legal team would like to see Duggar acquitted, or to see the star given a new trial if the initial argument is declined. 

If the current appeal doesn’t work out, those two counts Josh was found guilty of could mean extensive jail time. The former TLC personality could face up to 20 years apiece on each count. And given he was put into solitary confinement for his own safety over the holidays, that could mean a lot of alone time in the future. His wife and the mother of his seven children, Anna Duggar, reportedly calls a lot, though. 

We’ll keep you posted if there are any updates to this motion to acquit. Meanwhile, the Duggar sisters have their own trial on the way. That trial was actually supposed to be the same week as Josh’s, but was pushed back into 2022. Four of the Duggar sisters have sued over the molestation report 

While Josh Duggar’s child pornography trial and conviction really dominated the news over the last several months, there’s actually been another Duggar case that’s been in the works since 2017. That would be a lawsuit filed by several of the Duggar sisters over the release of the molestation report that ended 19 Kids and Counting. Now we know when Jessa, Jill, Jinger and Joy-Anna may ultimately settle the suit. 

Back in 2017, the four Duggar siblings filed a lawsuit against varying factions over the release of the molestation report that revealed that Josh Duggar had touched several young women, including a few of his sisters, years before the report’s release. The report had been released to In Touch magazine in 2015 as part of a Freedom of Information Act request, despite the family believing the records had been sealed. It wasn’t just the sisters who sued; Josh Duggar had previously filed his own lawsuit, which ultimately did not go forward. He later also lost an appeal. To note though, the Duggar sisters are suing based on the argument they were victims of the abuse and the impact the release of the report had on their lives and careers. 

When The Duggar Lawsuit Could Be Settled

If you’ve been keeping tabs on the lawsuit filed by the young women against the city of Springdale and various others, you may already know that a trial was actually scheduled to happen during the same week that Josh Duggar’s infamous trial was being held. Due to the related conflict, ultimately the Duggar sisters’ case was postponed and has not moved forward yet. But there is reason to believe it may not actually go to trial at all. 

In fact, according to a report from the local Fox affiliate KNWA a conference has been called on February 10 that could determine the outcome of the lawsuit. That conference is scheduled for 9 a.m. that day and a “settlement statement” is due on the matter at least one week prior to the aforementioned date and time. Magistrate Judge Christy D. Comstock will oversee the conference, and if all goes well, that could be the end of things.

So, What Happens If No Settlement Occurs In The Lawsuit Related To The Child Molestation Report? 

If efforts to come to an agreement over a settlement fail during the course of the February 10 conference, the lawsuit will be going to trial. That date has already been rescheduled after being shifted in late 2021 to April 18, 2022. There’s a separate due date on April 4, 2022 in which “exhibit lists” and “final witnesses” would be due. 

The four Duggar sisters were originally suing a longer list of defendants, but six of the defendants on the initial suit were previously removed. Now, Jessa Duggar Seewald, Jill Duggar Dillard, Jinger Duggar Vuolo, and Joy-Anna Duggar Forsyth are only suing the City of Springdale, Washington County, Kathy O’Kelley, Rick Hoyt, Steve Zega, and Ernest Cate over “invasion of privacy,” among other allegations. 

It is worth noting that the release of the report in 2015 led to the cancellation of 19 Kids and Counting on TLC. The network soon after chose to put the Duggar ladies back on television via a spinoff Jill And Jessa: Counting On, which later simply became known as Counting On. That spinoff would also be cancelled by TLC after news broke that Josh Duggar had been arrested on child pornography charges, though he had not appeared in the spinoff series. 

Josh Duggar was found guilty on both counts of receiving and possessing child pornography, though his sentencing is not expected to come down until at least April of this year, which is around the time this other trial could be getting into full swing. That is, if it makes it past the settlement portion, of course. We’ll be sure to keep you updated as the specifics of the suit play out. 

It took basically seven months for Josh Duggar’s trial to get off the ground, but it took only a few short days for said trial to get underway and a jury to convict Josh Duggar on child pornography-related charges. The former reality star has been found guilty, but sentencing has not come down from a judge at this juncture. So, what does that mean for Duggar in the interim? 

In recent days, reports have indicated that Josh Duggar has been staying in solitary confinement while he awaits sentencing. This isn’t because he is a noted TV star; instead, it’s because he is a convicted sex offender. In general, those who will need to register as sex offenders after their release from prison are kept away from the general prison population for their own safety. 

During this time in jail, his wife Anna is allegedly staying by his side since the news broke. Anna Duggar previously spent a lot of time with Josh while he awaited trial. She was present during the proceedings, and a report over at The Ashley's Reality Roundup has mentioned the two have continued to maintain a connection, albeit via video call. Allegedly, the Washington County Detention Center that Duggar is being held at does not allow in person visits, but if reports are accurate his wife has called at least 9 times over a sixteen day period since his detainment began.   

In addition, conjugal visit between husband and wife are reportedly off the table.

Reportedly, other Duggar family members, including his parents and siblings, have not called, though they did celebrate Christmas without Josh this year, though it seems that celebration may have come in smaller, more intimate pods than previous years. Jessa Seewold shared a look at her family's celebrations via YouTube.  

To note, when Josh Duggar was ultimately convicted on one count of receiving child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography the judge on the case made specific mention that the former TLC star would be detained until sentencing comes down. Judge Timothy Brooks noted at the time the trial was winding down that Duggar had been “compliant” but said:

So, instead of heading back to the home of LaCount and Maria Reber, the third-party home where the reality star had awaited trial whilst out on bail, the Duggar clan member was carted off to jail, where it was confirmed he would be detained until sentencing. Fortunately or unfortunately, sentencing does not come overnight. In fact, reports from the courtroom mention that the judge had estimated a timeline of April 2022.

Meanwhile, Josh Duggar already spent his first Christmas in jail. That Christmas was also spent in solitary confinement, though he was given the same Christmas meal as other inmates. Duggar could serve up to 40 years in prison, as well as paying steep fans, should he get the max sentence when the day comes. 

Two weeks ago, Josh Duggar’s trial ended. It culminated in a guilty verdict for the former reality star on two counts of child pornography-related charges. The eldest child of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar could face up to 20 years on each of the receipt and possession of pornography counts, and now we know more about when sentencing is due, as well as what Duggar’s prison time will look like. 

Currently, Josh Duggar’s sentence is pending and the date of his actual sentencing is still TBA, though reports state the judge on the case told the TV personality they are hoping to have sentencing come down in April of 2022. However, on the date the trial verdict came through, we did learn the 19 Kids and Counting star would be no longer be able to stay at a third-party home out on bail. In fact, the judge on the case, Judge Timothy Brooks, ultimately opted to send Duggar to detainment, though noted the TV personality had been “compliant” ahead of his trial (via The Sun.)

The step the case is currently in is the pre-sentencing phase. Per a report over at People, that phase will take approximately 30-45 days. During that time, probation officers will create a report detailing what he was found guilty of in this trial, taking into consideration the victims involved and also any prior offenses Josh Duggar has been found guilty of. Both sides can look at that report and file any objections before the judge determines sentencing (which is why we could be looking at a time period four months away in regards to the sentencing component). 

Duggar could face fines of $250,000 and 20 years on both counts, but what will his time in prison look like and how will his family factor in? 

Josh Duggar's Stint In Prison: Conjugal Visit Possibility And More

First and foremost, while his wife Anna stuck by his side through the months between his arrest in April of 2021 and the start of his trial after the Thanksgiving holiday, even staying in the third party home Duggar was detained at, the intimate moments may be over. As noted by The Daily Mail, Anna Duggar will be able to visit with her husband during his prison stint should she choose to, but conjugal visits are off the table. 

Per the Federal Bureau of Prisons, visits will be limited to “handshakes, hugs, and kisses (in good taste).” However, whether or not visits will be allowed between Josh Duggar and his now-7 children (Anna Duggar returned to social media to celebrate the birth of their seventh child earlier this year) is still a question. Detention questions are being left up to “U.S. marshals as well as the court and probation officers,” the People article confirms. 

Varying reports do list that Josh Duggar will have to register as a sex offender if and when he is released. We’ll be sure to keep you updated as the sentencing process progresses. 

Over the years, the Duggar family has made headlines for a myriad of reasons. The massive clan, which is best known for starring in TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting, has experienced both highs and lows before the public’s eyes. Eldest son Josh Duggar, for instance, has been in the headlines as of late and, now, another sibling is facing a legal matter of their own. Apparently, eldest daughter Jana Duggar is facing charges, stemming from alleged endangerment of a child. 

The 31-year-old Jana Duggar has formally been charged with endangering the welfare of a minor. This information comes via a Washington County court document obtained by The Today Show. Per the document, the alleged situation took place on September 9, and Duggar has reportedly pleaded not guilty in the matter. The document did not disclose specific information on the situation. 

At present, the former reality TV star’s lawyer has yet to issue an official statement on the matter. A formal court hearing is currently set to take place on January 10, 2022. As Today explains, based on Arkansas law, she faces up to three months in prison as well as a fine of up to $1,000 should she be found guilty of the charges.

As previously alluded to, this news comes on the heels of Josh Duggar being found guilty of receiving and possessing child pornograpy. Duggar currently faces up to 20 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines for the respective convictions. Reports currently indicate that this situation is not connected to the recent charges filed against Jana. 

Jana Duggar, like much of her family, first entered the public eye after appearing in the 2004 TLC documentary 14 Children and Pregnant Again. The doc sought to shed a light on the growing brood of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. The family would eventually be featured in two additional features before the launch of 17 Kids and Counting in 2008. Following its cancellation in 2015, Jana continued to make appearances on the spinoff series, Counting On, before that show was also cancelled in 2021. 

Like a number of her siblings, Jana Duggar’s personal life has been the subject of significant media coverage. Viewers particularly seem quite interested in her love life. Just last year, she was reportedly linked to Bringing up Bates star Lawson Bates. With this, Duggar has opened up about the speculation regarding her personal life, saying that she doesn’t allow the “pressure” to dominate her life. She said that she, instead, aims to “stay busy” with whatever comes her way. 

Further details on the TLC alum’s legal situation are sure to be divulged as the hearing proceeds early next year. CinemaBlend will be sure to keep you up to date with all of the details as they arrive.

Josh Duggar’s trial over child pornography allegations finally kicked off at the tail end of November. It took months for the trial to finally get underway, as the former 19 Kids and Counting star’s lawyers looked to gain some additional time to sift through evidence and file motions and appeals. But kick off the trial finally did, and mostly without a hitch, although there was one snafu when a potential juror had to declare himself related to the reality star. 

Duggar’s trial is being held in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Given many in the family reside in Arkansas, I suppose it isn’t a huge surprise that a family relation could come up during the jury process, given how many Duggar children are out there and connected to the community. (Jim Bob and Michelle have 19 kids after all, many of whom are married.) Per court reports (via People) the judge reportedly remarked about the juror making it into the pool: 

Apparently, the situation was that the man in question had a daughter who is married to one of Josh Duggars’ siblings, though it’s unclear which one. This wasn’t the only potential juror who was quickly dismissed. A woman pregnant with twins was also recused from the proceedings as the trial got underway, among others. In fact, 52 jurors ultimately went through the jury process and of those 52, the trial ultimately found 12 jurors and four alternates.

Reportedly, having knowledge of the Duggar family or knowing about the TLC reality shows highlighting the family, including 19 Kids and Counting On, did not automatically disqualify potential jurors unless it had "solidified" someone's "beliefs." Now, heading into December, the actual trial will begin.

If Convicted, How Long Could Josh Duggar Spend In Jail?

Josh Duggar faces two counts in this trial: one for receiving child pornography and one for possession of child pornography. The pornography was allegedly found on a computer the former reality star used at his place of work, then a used car business. Because there are two counts he is facing, the amount of jail time he could be sentenced to is not super straightforward. 

Basically Duggar faces up to 20 years and up to $250,000 in fines for each count he ultimately gets charged with. Since there are two counts, that could be a 40-year sentence and a boatload of fines. Josh Duggar would need to be found guilty before any of these numbers can be considered, but authorities have said more than 200 illicit images were found on the computer in question. 

In addition, a federal agent who was present on the day of Josh Duggar’s arrest last April has already testified about what he had seen. He’d called some of the images on the computer among “the worst” he’d “ever seen.” 

In the months since, the reality personality has awaited trial whilst out on bail, staying in a third party home. His lawyers filed various motions, most of which were ultimately denied before the trial got underway. One question that does remain: Will earlier reports of Josh Duggar molesting young women include his siblings be incorporated into the trial? A separate lawsuit is still in the process of going through the court system related to that report going public 

Through all of the proceedings leading up to jury selection, Duggar’s wife, Anna Duggar, has reportedly remained by his side. She announced the birth of the couple’s seventh child in a rare return to social media last month.