John David and Joseph Duggar Tearfully Bids Goodbye To ‘Role Model’ Brother, Josh

Josh Duggar
Former ''19 Kids and Counting'' star Josh Duggar. Getty Images

Though it was mostly the female members of the Duggar family who took the spotlight after the very public exposure of eldest Duggar and 19 Kids and Counting star Josh Duggar, the new TLC special features Josh's younger brother speaking up on the scandal that rocked their family.

Both John-David, 25, and Joseph Duggar, 20, have featured in the TLC special Jill & Jessa: Counting On and have spoken up about their shock and the painful decision to turn their backs on the eldest Duggar brother.

MSN reports that both siblings say they never realized that Josh could live such a secret life and that they no longer wished to look up to him as a role model.

"After everything started to settle down from the first release of stuff in the news about Josh, we got word of a second thing that we had no clue about," John-David says in the interview.

The second eldest Duggar son described how the series of shocking revelations knocked them down and demoralized the family one after another.

Although the Duggar brothers say nothing different from what the rest of the Duggar family members have already said, what is more heart wrenching is the obvious pain on their faces, and the sad eyes close to tears as they speak to the camera during the interview.

It was apparent that Anna was not the only member of the family who was feeling betrayed.

In describing the extent of his shock, the younger Duggar says:"I don't think there's any way any of us would have known that my brother was living such a secret life," says Joseph. "It broke my heart. Whenever somebody you respect the most is willing to get up and proclaim what we believe as Christians, about being true to your wife, you'd never think that that's the person who's involved in it."

The most painful statement, had Josh the opportunity to hear it, came from John-David: "I always wanted to be like him. But one of the toughest things I had to tell my older brother was, I don't want to be like you anymore."

However, John-David sees that this situation calls for him as stepping up to the plate and taking the place of his older brother as the new leader and role model for the younger generation of Duggar children. "It's a big load. It's a big weight upon me now," he says.

Despite the extreme disappointment, it seems that some people are still behind Josh all the way. Entertainment Tonight reports that estranged wife Anna admits that she still writes letters to her husband while he is away in rehab.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.