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Complete Statements by Discovery Communications’ TLC Network and the Duggar Family About the Cancellation of ’19 Kids and Counting’

Jul 16, 2015  •  Post A Comment

First, the complete statement from TLC:

An Official Statement From TLC

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.
DARKNESS TO LIGHT

Founded in 2000, Darkness to Light (D2L) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to empower people to prevent child sexual abuse. Our work is guided by our vision to create a world for children where child sexual abuse does not exist. We believe protecting children is an adult responsibility and that education is critical for prevention efforts as well as a catalyst for larger cultural change. Our immediate focus is to make child sexual abuse prevention a national priority. We work to end child sexual abuse by educating, raising awareness, sharing resources and through fostering a network of committed prevention advocates. Through our Stewards of Children(R) program, Darkness to Light has trained nearly one million adults how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Our 5 Steps to Protecting our Children(TM) can be found at www.D2L.org/5steps.

RAINN

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and was named one of “America’s 100 Best Charities” by Worth magazine. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. In 2015, the Online Hotline expanded to offer services in Spanish at rainn.org/es. The hotlines have helped more than two million people since 1994. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. For more information about RAINN, please visit rainn.org.

Here’s the compete statement from the Duggar family:

July 16, 2015

Duggar Family Statement Regarding TLC’s Announcement

Today, TLC announced that they will not be filming new episodes of 19 Kids and Counting.

Years ago, when we were asked to film our first one hour documentary about the logistics of raising 14 children, we felt that it was an opportunity to share with the world that children are a blessing and a gift from God.

We are so thankful for our film crew that has shown up at our house for over a decade. They have become like family to us. They have invested their time and energy into our lives and have been so loving and patient. We love and appreciate them so much!

Over the last several years people have said to us, “We love your show!” We have always responded, “It’s not a show, it’s our lives!” Our desire in opening our home to the world is to share Bible principles that are the answers for life’s problems.

With God’s grace and help Josh, our daughters and our entire family overcame a terrible situation, found healing and a way forward. We are so pleased with the wonderful adults they have all become.

It is our prayer that the painful situation our family went through many years ago can point people toward faith in God and help others who also have lived through similar dark situations to find help, hope and healing, as well.

We appreciate the love, support, prayers and kindness extended to us by many of you. You have deeply touched our hearts and encouraged us, during this time.

God’s faithfulness and goodness to us, along with His abundant grace have given us strength and joy even in the most difficult days.

We have committed to Him that in all things—difficulties or success, good times or bad—we will purpose to bring Him honor by staying true to our faith and our family.

We look forward to working with TLC on this upcoming special documentary and hope that it is an encouragement to many.

We know Who holds the future and are confident that He will work all things together for good.

We love each of you and look forward to unfolding the future with peace and joy.

With Gratefulness,

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar family

4 Comments

  1. You have so much more to offer America! Have you considered moving your program to another channel? Perhaps up tv & join the Bates! We just love your family!

  2. Yes Judy Burns .. They’d Fit In Perfect With The Bates Family .. Especially Now That Poppa Bates Is Under Investigation For Sexual Deviances .. Shocker Right ..? Hmm Not ..!! These Religious Cults Need To Be Broken Apart & Their Victims Freed ..!! #canceltheduggars #nospinoffs #boycott@tlc

  3. These Duggars/Seewalds/Dillards are a dangerous lot. Their lies and deceit are over the top. To me, 2 things are absolutely certain: they are NOT Christian & they ARE grifters!

  4. You are right, Kontiki. I am so very sick of the Duggars and anyone else connected to them. There is nothing good about them. Why any of them would be featured on a TV show is beyond me. Unless that show is one that exposes child abuse, coverups, lying, etc. Then I would watch it. Then justice might be served.

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