TLC might completely drop the reality TV show '19 Kids and Counting' after reports surfaced that one of its stars, Josh Duggar, sexually molested several girls, including four of his own sisters, while he was still a teenager 12 years ago.
According to Webpronews.com, TLC might suffer backlash from advertisers from the revelation and there is a strong chance it would completely cancel 19 Kids and Counting. It added that a family that covers up sexual molestations of one of its members might draw negative reactions from advertisers. General Mills was the first advertiser to pull out from 19 Kids.
On Monday, Inquisitr reported that TLC took 19 Kids and Counting off the air and removed the show from the their lineup after, Jim Bob and Michelle's oldest son, Josh, admitted to the sexual molestation reports.
TLC said in a statement, "Effective immediately, TLC has pulled all episodes of '19 Kids and Counting' currently from the air. We are deeply saddened and troubled by this heartbreaking situation, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and victims at this difficult time."
19 Kids and Counting is one TLC's most popular shows. But the network is sensitive to issues involving sex offenders. The network canceled Here Comes Honey Boo Boo when Mama June was admitted to be dating a registered sex offender.
The future of 19 Kids and Counting remains bleak as the studio mulls whether to remove Josh from the show or retain some of the family members. After all, his sisters-Jill Duggar Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald are the biggest draw to 19 Kids and Counting.
Following the revelation that he sexually abused five young girls between 2002 and 2003, including four of his sister, Josh Duggar took Facebook to confess and ask for understanding from the public.
"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 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. I sought forgiveness from those I had wronged and asked Christ to forgive me and come into my life. I would do anything to go back to those teen years and take different actions. In my life today, I am so very thankful for God's grace, mercy and redemption."
Josh Duggar was not formally charged over the incident.
Reports from E! News indicated that Josh Duggar has cancelled his speaking engagement at a Christian homeschooling conference in Sandusky, Ohio over the weekend and has closed their web site with his wife Anna. Josh Duggar has also submitted his resignation from the Family Research Council in Washington, D.C. Anna is expecting her fourth child with Josh Duggar.
Meanwhile, several Republicans in Arkansas have thrown their behind the Duggar family where they are still involved in politics. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar attended the kickoff event earlier this month for Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee.
Huckabee wrote on his Facebook page, "Those who have enjoyed revealing this long ago sins in order to discredit the Duggar family have actually revealed their own insensitive bloodthirst, for there was no consideration of the fact that the victims wanted this to be left in the past and ultimately a judge had the information on file destroyed not to protect Josh, but the innocent victims."
