NEWSJim Bob & Michelle Duggar Break Silence On Son Josh's Guilty Verdict In Child Porn Trial: 'The Entire Ordeal Has Been Very Grievous'
Dec. 10 2021, Published 9:19 a.m. ET
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have spoken out for the first time since their eldest son was found guilty of possessing and receiving child pornography.
On Thursday, December 9, Josh Duggar's bombshell trial came to an end when the jury decided to convict the disgraced reality star of the two charges against him.
His parents — Jim Bob, 56, and Michelle, 55 — have since broken their silence on the matter, calling the process "very grieving" for the famous couple.
"This entire ordeal has been very grievous," a statement on their website read. "Today, God's grace, through the love and prayers of so many, has sustained us."
They added a message to victims of child sexual abuse material, writing, "Our hearts and prayers are with anyone who has ever been harmed through CSAM."
"In the days ahead, we will do all we can to surround our daughter-in-law Anna and their children with love and support," they continued. Josh and Anna share seven kids together: Mackynzie, 12, Michael, 10, Marcus, 8, Meredith, 6, Mason, 4, Maryella, 1, and newborn daughter Madyson — who was born in November, ahead of Josh's trial pornography trial.
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- Josh Duggar Appeared 'Teary-Eyed' As Guilty Verdict Was Read, Told Wife Anna He 'Loved' Her While Being Hauled Off To Jail: Report
"As parents, we will never stop praying for Joshua and loving him, as we do all of our children," the former 19 Kids and Counting stars added. "In each of life's circumstances, we place our trust in God. He is our source of strength and refuge. Thank you for your prayers."
As OK! previously reported, the embattled political activist was seen looking "teary eyed" as the jury read their verdict. After being ordered straight into custody, he was handcuffed and taken away, mouthing to his wife that he "loved" her.
Following his guilty verdict, Josh was sent to Washington County Jail in Arkansas, where he will be detained until his sentencing — which will take place on an unspecified later date. He could potentially face up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines for each count.
Josh's sister Jill, 30, and her husband, Derick Dillard, also issued a statement on their website after learning of the guilty verdict, stating that "nobody is above the law," and their hearts are with the victims of child abuse.
Jill — who previously alleged Josh molested her when she was a minor — was present in the courtroom for the first time on Wednesday, December 8, where she reportedly looked "sad" and "was trying not to cry."
According to Josh's lawyers, the fight is not over yet, as they plan to appeal his case "at the appropriate time."
Josh was arrested in April in connection to a 2019 Homeland Security raid. At the time, he pleaded not guilty to two counts of receiving and possessing child pornography.
