Kendra Duggar’s family spoke out in an emotional message after her husband Joseph Duggar was arrested on child molestation charges.
Kendra’s next of kin, including her parents Paul and Christina Caldwell, expressed support for the alleged victim, Joseph, and Kendra and Joseph’s four children in an Instagram post Wednesday.
“Our family is troubled and heartbroken by the alleged actions of our son-in-law,” the statement said. “We are in shock for this young girl, a girl who took courage on all sides to share her truth. We stand by her with both our support and prayers, and forevermore.”
“Our love for this child remains at the forefront of our family’s priorities and hearts. We are proud of her for being strong enough to share her story while retaining her own identity and joy.”
The Caldwells said they pray that all victims of any crime will have the same “courage” as Joseph’s accuser, who was 9 years old at the time of the alleged sexual abuse.
“At the same time, we recognize how traumatic this incident is for our grandchildren and continue to pray for their strength,” the Caldwells wrote. “Our love for them and our daughter Kendra remains the same.”
“We believe in a just and loving God who loves all of His children, especially the vulnerable and innocent.”
They also said they were grateful for the support they received.
“The only path to freedom is to shine a light in the darkness, and in this case, some of the light in our lives has come through the outpouring of love and prayers from people near and far,” their message continued. “Thank you to everyone who has given in any way – prayerful, financial, time, energy, words of encouragement. We love you.”
Joseph, 31, has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office said in a March 18 statement that he was charged with lewd and lascivious conduct with a victim under the age of 12 and lewd and lascivious conduct with a person over the age of 18.
Kendra, 27, was also arrested on child endangerment charges just two days later and released on $1,470 bail.
In Joseph and Kendra’s prison phone call, obtained exclusively by Page Six last week, Kendra opened up about the anxiety she felt amidst her legal troubles.
“One minute you might be fine and the next minute you’re completely beside yourself,” she said.
Kendra said she didn’t want to be alone.
“I don’t think I can be alone for too long,” she said. “I can go out on my own, but that’s really where I am.”
Kendra and Joseph were married in September 2017 and have four children.
