Joseph’s cousin Amy Duggar King said she was “sickened, heartbroken, and deeply angry” in light of the allegations.
“My first thoughts are with the victim, a child who deserved to be safe, protected, and surrounded by people she could trust,” she said in an Instagram video on March 20. “The courage it took for her to come forward, especially after years of carrying something so heavy, cannot be overstated. That bravery deserves to be honored above all else.”
She stated her first thoughts “are with the victim,” adding she was “utterly shocked to hear about these allegations and Joseph’s arrest.”
“At the same time, I am not surprised that another alleged predator has emerged from this toxic system,” she declared.
Amy also referred to Josh in her statement, noting, “For years, I have spoken out about the importance of truth, accountability, and protecting children, even when it meant going against my own family. Family ties should never equal automatic trust or access, especially when it comes to the safety of children.”
“When an image is protected over truth, and silence is chosen over accountability, it creates an environment where abuse can thrive,” she said.
She concluded her statement by sharing she “is praying for the victim and her family as they walk through what is sure to be an incredibly difficult road ahead.”
“Recognizing that we do not yet know the full picture, I am also praying for Joseph’s wife, Kendra, as she begins to process this, and for the protection of their children,” she expressed. “I’m praying for eyes to be opened and above all, I pray that justice will be served to the fullest.”