Jana Duggar Breaks Silence on Brother Joseph’s Arrest

Jana Duggar is speaking out for the first time after her brother Joseph Duggar’s arrest.

“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by the situation involving my brother, Joseph,” Jana, 36, wrote via her Instagram Story on Thursday, April 2. “This news came as a shock to us, and we had no prior knowledge before it became public.”

The former Counting On star continued, “Our hearts are with the child who has been harmed — this is a grievous and unacceptable wrong. We continue to pray for the victim and for justice to be carried out.”

Us Weekly confirmed on March 18 that Joseph, 31, was arrested in Arkansas amid accusations of abuse from a 14-year-old girl who was 9 years old at the time of the alleged crime.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including lewd and lascivious behavior involving molestation of a victim less than 12 years old and lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older.

Joseph was later released from a Florida jail on Tuesday, March 31, after posting $600,000 bail. 

Jana isn’t the first family member to speak out about Joseph’s legal drama. Jill Duggar previously released a statement on her family blog about her brother’s arrest.

“We were shocked yesterday evening to learn of Jill’s brother (Joseph Duggar’s) arrest,” the March 19 post began. “We first learned of anything related to his charges yesterday via a text from a friend who messaged us about the recent media reports of Joseph’s arrest and his alleged confession to molesting a juvenile female in 2020.”

Jill, 34, explained that she and her husband Derick Dillard are “shocked and heartbroken” over the allegations.

“We strongly condemn abuse. We support the rule of law and hope that justice will be achieved,” she continued. “Our hearts go out to the innocent juvenile victim of this unspeakable crime and her family. We pray God gives her strength, comfort and hope, and that she is able to get all the help and support she needs and deserves in the days ahead.”

As for Joseph’s parents, both Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar waited nearly two weeks before they commented on the case.

“Jim Bob and Michelle are heartbroken over this entire situation,” a spokesperson for the Duggar family told Us in a statement on March 30. “Right now, they are focused on loving their family and helping Kendra and her children during this difficult time. They are praying for the victim. They ask for privacy and appreciate the kind words and prayers offered by so many.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Joseph’s wife, Kendra Duggar, was also arrested on March 20 for an unrelated matter. She and Joseph — who share four children — are facing charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and false imprisonment. (A spokesperson for the Duggar family previously told Us in a statement, “[Kendra’s] is a misdemeanor charge totally unrelated to the Florida case.”

While it’s unclear where Joseph is after being released from jail on bond, his attorney told Us on March 31 that the former 19 Kids and Counting star was flying out of Panama City Beach airport with his father.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.