TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting followed the Duggar family, who identify as Independent Baptists and advocate procreation and preach against birth control. The network initially aired reruns of the popular show when the news broke but quickly pulled it out after vehement protests from social media. Josh Duggar, the oldest son, admitted to fondling four of his sisters as well as someone outside the family when he was 14 years old. Were they more concerned with the fact that Josh Duggar is a known child molester or with Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar‘s means of handling the situation? The network has teamed up with the advocacy groups Darkness to Light and RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) in a campaign that is aimed at raising awareness on child sexual abuse.
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“We took it as an opportunity to step further than just ‘How do we protect ourselves?’ and step into ‘How do we protect our audience and protect children?'” Kaplan said. “Our hope is to do more of that, in a way that’s thoughtful and respectful of the victims of child abuse-in the Duggar family and across America”. “The recent attention around the Duggars has sparked a critical and important conversation about child protection”.
The Duggar family also expressed their hopes that TLC’s partnership and documentary would have a positive impact. The no doubt carefully constructed statement addresses the issues that have haunted the family, saying, “With God’s grace and help Josh, our daughters and our entire family overcame a terrible situation, found healing and a way forward”.
“Together, we believe we can help families that have been affected by this awful crime and make sure that parents and others have the knowledge and tools they need to help keep kids safe”, RAINN said in a statement on Thursday.
“I have learned a lot about this issue since”, she said, citing incidence figures as high as one among every 10 young people. After going back and forth several times on what the future of the show would be, TLC ultimately decided that its advertisers and viewers will never be able to see the Duggar family in the same light again.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo was canceled after reports surfaced that Mama June was dating a man who was imprisoned for eight years for child sexual abuse.
“TLC is faithfully committed to the children’s ongoing comfort and well-being”, TLC said in a statement.
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So what does Mama June have to say about the 19 Kids getting canned? We have always responded, “It’s not a show, it’s our lives!”
