Months after news broke that Josh Duggar allegedly molested 4 of his sisters and an underage babysitter when he was a teenager, TLC has finally cancelled 19 Kids and Counting.
Here is the statement about the cancellation and the upcoming documentary:
After thoughtful consideration, TLC and the Duggar family have decided to not move forward with 19 Kids and Counting. The show will no longer appear on the air.
The recent attention around the Duggars has sparked a critical and important conversation about child protection.
Over these past weeks, TLC has consulted regularly with leading victims’ rights and advocacy organizations in the U.S., including RAINN and Darkness to Light, to discuss how to use this moment to address the issue and make a positive impact. Unfortunately, child sexual abuse is not an isolated issue; it affects many children and families around the world. To that end, we are partnering with both organizations on a multi-platform campaign to raise awareness and educate parents and families about the issue. In the first phase of this initiative, TLC will work closely with both groups and with the Duggar family on a one-hour documentary that will include Jill and Jessa and other survivors and families that have been affected by abuse.
TLC has been especially concerned for the victims in this situation, including the Duggar family, and it is our hope that this effort will help those in need learn where to turn for information and help. The documentary will be commercial free, and we anticipate it will air later this summer.
I don’t blame TLC for waiting to cancel it because it was one of their top-rated shows. It is a money game, and the show was making them money. I am very proud of them for making the right decision and finally cancelling the show. I also respect them for doing a documentary about abuse. It is not their fault this happened, but it is good to see that they are trying to rectify the situation.
