Josh Duggar checked himself into a “long-term treatment center” after his latest scandal, according to the Duggar family blog. In return, the family is taking the matter to God.
The eldest son in the Duggar clan made headlines last week for seeking out affairs through the website Ashley Madison.
“I have been the biggest hypocrite ever,” Josh said after Gawker revealed his information was associated with the site. “While espousing faith and family values, I have secretly over the last several years been viewing pornography on the Internet, and this became a secret addiction, and I became unfaithful to my wife.”
His parents, Jim Bob and Michelle, were reportedly stunned at the latest revelations, but they expressed gratitude to the fans during this “most difficult situation”:
“As parents, we are so deeply grieved by our son’s decisions and actions,” the family statement reads. “His wrong choices have deeply hurt his precious wife and children and have negatively affected so many others. He has also brought great insult to the values and faith we hold dear.”
The Duggar family has dealt with scandal since it was discovered Josh had molested five girls, including some of his sisters.
At the time the allegations came to light, Josh was working for the Family Research Council. He resigned after the reports.
Now his family is focused on helping the oldest son receive the care he needs.
“Yesterday Josh checked himself into a long-term treatment center. For him it will be a long journey toward wholeness and recovery,” they write. “We pray that in this he comes to complete repentance and sincere change. In the meantime, we will be offering our love, care and devoted support to Anna and our grandchildren as she also receives counsel and help for her own heart and future. During this time we continue to look to God—He is our rock and comfort. We ask for your continued prayers for our entire family.”
Josh’s wife, Anna, has remained largely silent since the latest bombshell revelation. The couple has four children.
Meanwhile, Josh’s sister, Jessa Seewald, posted a photo on Instagram of her Bible open to 1 John. Underlined passages include verses 8-9: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
