'We have been lied to so much': Josh Duggar's sister Jill takes a thinly-veiled swipe at dad Jim Bob as she breaks her silence on her brother's child porn trial verdict - while his parents say they will 'never stop praying' for their son
Jill Duggar and her husband Derick Dillard said they have been 'lied to so much' about Josh Duggar's actions that they had to hear the evidence in court for themselves — and while the trial felt like a 'funeral,' they believe the jury reached a 'just verdict.'
Jill, 30, and Derick, 32, shared their thoughts on Thursday after Josh, 33, was found guilty of receiving and possessing child pornography, charges which carry up to 20 years in prison each.
In the statement, the couple used Bible verses to condemn hypocrisy, and even appeared to take a dig at Jill's father Jim Bob with a verse about he who 'justifies the wicked.'
Meanwhile, parents Jim Bob and Michelle released a carefully-crafted statement of their own, saying they will 'never stop praying for Joshua, and loving him, as we do all of our children.'
Josh Duggar, 33, was convicted of receiving and possessing child pornography on Thursday and is in jail awaiting sentencing
Jill Duggar and her husband Derick Dillard said they have been 'lied to so much' about Josh's actions that they had to hear the evidence in court for themselves
They wrote that no one is above the law, and used a bible verse to call out hypocrisy
'Today was difficult for our family,' Jill and Derick wrote in a statement published on their website on Thursday evening.
'Our hearts go out to the victims of child abuse or any kind of exploitation. We are thankful for the hard work of law enforcement, including investigators, forensic analysts, prosecutors, and all others involved who save kids and hold accountable those responsible for their abuse.
'Nobody is above the law,' they continued. 'It applies equally to everybody, no matter your wealth, status, associations, gender, race, or any other factor. Today, the people of the Western District of Arkansas made that clear in their verdict.
'As a Christian [family], we believe we are all equal at the foot of the cross, and, likewise, we are all equal under the law. Jesus warned his disciples, “…[b]eware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.” (Luke 12:1-3).'
While they did not name names, their statement also condemned those who have excused and enabled Josh — which appears to be a dig at Jill's father Jim Bob.
While they did not name names, their statement also condemned those who have excused and enabled Josh - which appears to be a dig at Jill's father Jim Bob
They described the trial as being like a 'funeral' and said they stand with Josh's wife Anna and their children, and plan to support them however they can
While Jill and her father have a strained relationship wherein Jill is not allowed to visit the family home without his permission, Josh has lived in a property on the family estate and has unfettered access to the house.
'Moreover,' Jill and Derick wrote, '“[h]e who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.” (Proverbs 17:15).
'We have been lied to so much that we wanted to hear the evidence for ourselves in court,' they said. 'After seeing all the evidence as it was presented, we believe that the jury reached a just verdict today, consistent with the truth beyond a reasonable doubt.'
They concluded by pointing out just how many people have been hurt by Josh's crimes.
'Josh’s actions have rippled far beyond the epicenter of the offense itself. Children have scars, but his family is also suffering the fallout of his actions,' they said.
'Our hearts are sensitive to the pains Josh’s wife, Anna, and their seven children have already endured and will continue to process in the future. This trial has felt more like a funeral than anything else.
Meanwhile, parents Jim Bob and Michelle also released a brief statement on their website
'As parents, we will never stop praying for Joshua, and loving him, as we do all of our children. In each of life’s circumstances, we place our trust in God,' they wrote
Jim Bob had only been present for the last few days of the trial and was pictured smiling on each occasion. He is currently running for office in Arkansas and has continued campaigning
'Josh’s family has a long road ahead. We stand with them, we are praying for them, and we will seek to support them however we can during this dark time,' they concluded.
Meanwhile, parents Jim Bob and Michelle also released a brief statement on their website.
Jim Bob had only been present for the last few days as his son was on trial for downloading photos and videos of children being sexually abused.
He was pictured smiling for cameras as he entered the court on several days.
Michelle was not in court at all.
'This entire ordeal has been very grievous,' they wrote. 'Today, God’s grace, through the love and prayers of so many, has sustained us. Our hearts and prayers are with anyone who has ever been harmed through CSAM.
'In the days ahead, we will do all we can to surround our daughter-in-law Anna and their children with love and support.
'As parents, we will never stop praying for Joshua, and loving him, as we do all of our children. In each of life’s circumstances, we place our trust in God. He is our source of strength and refuge. Thank you for your prayers.'
In addition to the statement, Jim Bob has shared several posts on Facebook promoting his campaign for Arkansas State Senate since the trial began, including a post the morning that the verdict was read.
Josh's cousin, Amy Duggar King has shared her prayers for the judge, jury, and victims in her cousin Josh Duggar's trial
Amy has tweeted her prayers for everyone involved, from the jurors that were exposed to child sexual abuse material at trial to the sisters who were abused
She also praised God for the guilty verdict, writing: 'Thank you Jesus. Justice has been served'
Several members of the Duggar family — including Jana, Joy Anna and her husband Austin Forsyth, Justin and his wife Claire, and Jason — were on hand for some days of the trial to hear testimony, but so far Jill is the only sibling to have publicly shared thoughts on the proceedings or verdict.
Derick had been present for every day of the trial, usually sitting beside Josh's wife Anna. On Wednesday, when closing statements were delivered, he was accompanied by Jill.
Jill had been on a list of witnesses that could have been called upon to testify, though she was never required to do so.
Jill had previously come forward as one of Josh's victims, sharing how he had molested her when she was a child.
Jessa, who was rumored to be at court but was not pictured there, had also come out as a victim, while Jinger and Joy were later identified as victims in a lawsuit.
Neither Jessa, Jinger, nor Joy have released statements about the verdict.
However, some other relatives have, including Jim Bob's sister Deanna Duggar, her daughter Amy Duggar King, and Derick and Jill's sister-in-law Deena Dillard.
The statements all show support for Josh's wife Anna, who held Josh's hand and accompanied him to trial every day
Several of Josh's siblings came to court, including Joy Anna and her husband Austin Forsyth. They have not released a statement.
Siblings Jana and Jason Duggar were also at court during the proceedings
Justin was there as well, and even flashed a grin and thumbs up to cameras as he left one day
Amy tweeted almost immediately, writing: 'May the juror’s and Judge Brooks seek healing / counseling from all that was exposed to them.'
The jurors had to watch some of the video and see images of children being sexually abused that Josh was convicted of downloading.
'May the children grow up with real Godly men as father figures who will guide and protect them,' she said.
'May the people who were once in disbelief have their eyes opened for the first time,' she went on.
In a second tweet, she continued her prayer with a shoutout to Josh's four sisters, whom he abused when they were children.
'May the daughters who were abused feel validated. You are truly beautiful and worthy of love,' Amy wrote.
'May there be intense counseling / healing. May there be wisdom for all those involved on how to move forward.'
Finally, she praised Jesus for the guilty verdict, writing: 'Thank you Jesus. Justice has been served.'
Amy's mother Deanna, who is Josh's aunt, shared her own Instagram post after the verdict, which read: 'JUSTICE WAS SERVED!!! Praying for all involved in the case'
Finally, Deena Dillard, who is married to Derick's brother, shared screenshots of Amy's tweets and added her own message
Amy's mother Deanna, who is Josh's aunt, shared her own Instagram post after the verdict, which read: 'JUSTICE WAS SERVED!!! Praying for all involved in the case.'
Finally, Deena Dillard, who is married to Derick's brother, shared screenshots of Amy's tweets and added her own message.
'I feel like my sweet friend @amyrachelleking captured my thoughts and feelings about today so well,' she wrote.
'I am fully in agreement with the verdict today and I also want more. I find myself wanting more for these babies,' she continued.
'I pray that the judge and jury receive the therapy that they need to move forward after seeing what they had to see. I pray for all that are victims from any and all of this. I also want to encourage anyone out there that is reading this status and has had to endure any type of sexual abuse. You are seen. You are heard. You MATTER.
'Today the jury got it right. Tomorrow let’s get to work!' she wrote.
She concluded: '@derickdillard and @jillmdillard already know this, but we love you both and we are here for you always!'
Josh was taken into custody after the verdict was read on Thursday. He reportedly cried as he was handcuffed and said goodbye to his wife.
The judge said sentencing should take about four months. Josh faces up to 20 years per charge, which would be served concurrently; however, due to the ages of the victims in the downloads, he could face an additional five years per charge. He also faces up to $250,000 in fines per charge.
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