Josh Duggar’s family has spoken out after the jury reached a ‘just verdict’.
His sister, Jill Duggar, said they have been ‘lied to so much’ about his brother’s actions that they needed to hear the evidence in court.
Jill, 30, and her husband Derick, 32, spoke out on Thursday after the trial that felt like a ‘funeral.’
The couple included Bible verses in their statement and appeared to take a dig at Jill’s father Jim Bob with another verse about he who ‘justifies the wicked.’
In a statement published on their website, Jill and Derick wrote: “Today was difficult for our family. 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. 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.”
They continued: “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).
“Moreover, (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. 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.”
The couple concluded their statement: “osh’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.
“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.”
Josh’s parents Jim Bob and Michelle also shared a statement on their website, writing: “This entire ordeal has been very grievous. 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.”
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this story with your friends and family!