TLC has officially cancelled its hit show “19 Kids and Counting” several weeks after episodes of the show were pulled from the network. The cancellation comes after one of the show’s stars, Josh Duggar, was alleged to have inappropriately touched several minor girls as a teenager, starting when he was 14 years old. It was later revealed that some of the victims were his own sisters. In a statement to ABC News, the network said, “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.”
TLC initially pulled the show from its schedule in May after the molestation accusations surfaced. When the news surfaced, Josh made a Facebook post apologizing for his actions. The post read, “Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends. … I sought forgiveness from those I had wronged.”
Continuing on, it said, “I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation. We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling. I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life.
A statement regarding the cancellation was also released by Josh’s parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. The statement stated, “Today, TLC announced that they will not be filming new episodes of 19 Kids and Counting. … 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.”
However, the network did say that a one-hour documentary with the Duggar family was in the network’s future plans. The topic of the documentary appears to be a campaign to raise awareness about child sexual abuse. In its statement, TLC said, “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.”
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