Kendra Duggar’s family spoke out about her husband Joseph Duggar’s arrest on child molestation charges in an emotional message.
Kendra’s immediate family, including her parents Paul and Christina Caldwell, showed their support for Joseph’s alleged victim as well as Kendra and Joseph’s four children in an Instagram post Wednesday.
“Our family is both troubled and heartbroken over the alleged actions committed by our son-in-law,” the statement said. “We are devastated for the young girl, a child who was courageous in every way to share her truth. We stand by her, both in support and prayer, and forever will.”
“Our love for this child remains at the forefront of our family’s priorities and minds. We are proud of her for being strong enough to share her story while also retaining her own identity and joy.”
The Caldwells said they were praying for all victims of all crimes to be as “courageous” as Joseph’s accuser, who was nine years old at the time the alleged molestation took place.
“At the same time, we also recognize how traumatic this incident has been for our grandchildren as well and continue to pray for their strength,” the Caldwells wrote. “Our love for them, and our daughter Kendra, remains.”
“We believe in a God who is just and loving. One who loves all of His children, especially the vulnerable and innocent.”
They also said they were thankful for the support they’ve received.
“The only way to freedom is to shine light in the darkness. And in this time, part of the light in our lives has come through the outpouring of love and prayer from people near and far,” their message continued. “Thank you who have given in all the ways, through prayer, finances, time, energy and words of encouragement. We love you all.”
Joseph, 31, pleaded not guilty to charges of molesting a 9-year-old girl. He’s been charged with lewd and lascivious behavior involving a victim younger than the age of 12 and lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 or older, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement March 18.
Kendra, 27, was also arrested just two days later for alleged child endangerment, and was later released after posting a $1,470 bond.
In a jail call between Joseph and Kendra, exclusively obtained by Page Six last week, Kendra broke down about the anxiety she was experiencing amid their legal issues.
“At one moment I could be fine, and the next minute I could be, you know, absolutely beside myself,” she noted.
Kendra said that she didn’t want to be alone.
“I think that I can’t be by myself and for too long,” she said. “I can be outside by myself, but it’s really, yeah, that’s just where I’m at.”
Kendra and Joseph have been married since September 2017. They share four children together.
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