Television August 19, 2015
The Duggars 'Still Stunned' by Repercussions of Josh’s Child Sexual Abuse Scandal
Three months after his child sexual abuse scandal, Josh Duggar is still distancing himself from his family to avoid bringing any unwanted negative attention to them.
A source close to the family told People, "Jim Bob and Michelle love their son, and they love when they can spend time with his family. But every time they're photographed with him, a story gets made out of it that rehashes the whole mess – and it's painful for everyone."
The scandal has dramatically changed his family's life, and they are still trying to pick up the pieces after cancellation of their show, "19 Kids and Counting." The source said, "They are still stunned that this is how it has all gone down. I think they are still trying to absorb the fact that their life has so radically changed."
The source continued, "The better part of the last decade has been doing their show, and to have that removed – and instead for there to be this intense scrutiny of their every move – just isn't something you get used to overnight."
Amid the scandal, Josh's sister Jill has decided to leave the country with her newborn baby on a mission trip, while his other sister Jessa is awaiting the birth of her own baby.