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Amy Duggar King has emerged as a vocal critic of her cousin, Joseph Duggar, following his arrest on charges of child molestation.
Joseph was taken into custody on March 18, 2026, accused of engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a minor. A 14-year-old girl has alleged that the former “Counting On” star molested her in Florida back in 2020. According to the victim’s police statement, Joseph eventually apologized for his behavior, and the incidents ceased.
In a statement to Us Weekly, Amy expressed her profound upset over the accusations. “I am sickened, heartbroken, and deeply angry,” she stated.
“My thoughts are with the victim, a child who deserved safety, protection, and trustworthy people around her,” Amy added. “The bravery it took for her to come forward, especially after years of bearing such a burden, is truly commendable.”
Amy Duggar King was also emotionally affected upon hearing about the arrest of Joseph’s wife, Kendra Duggar. “I don’t know what’s happening, and our local news reports there might be more arrests,” Amy, 39, tearfully shared in a video released on Friday, March 20.
Two days after Joseph’s arrest, his wife, Kendra Duggar, was arrested on four counts of child endangerment that were unrelated to his misconduct allegations. She was released on bond on March 20, 2026. Two weeks later, Joseph was extradited to Florida, where the alleged crime took place, and entered a not guilty plea. He was released on $600,000 bail.
Keep scrolling for more of Amy’s comments about Joseph’s arrest scandal:
Amy Duggar Reacts to Kendra Duggar’s Arrest
Two days after Joseph Duggar’s arrest, his wife, Kendra Duggar, was also arrested. Both Joseph and Kendra are facing four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, second degree, and four counts of second-degree false imprisonment. Kendra was released the same day on a $1,470 bond.
An insider with knowledge of the case exclusively told Us that Kendra’s arrest “has nothing to do with Joseph’s” child molestation case, and instead was the result of a subsequent home investigation.
Amy Duggar King had initially expressed prayers for Kendra, but later reversed course after her cousin-in-law’s arrest.
“I think that was a plot twist that no one saw coming,” Amy told TMZ. “When I gave that [first] statement … that was just the information I was given at the time and thought to be true. Now that the information has changed and there’s more that is coming out and there’s a lot of question marks right now.”
When Amy Duggar Last Spoke to Joseph Duggar
Joseph Duggar. Courtesy of TLC/ YouTube
In an Instagram post, Amy Duggar King revealed she hadn’t “seen or heard” from Joseph Duggar in “about five years.”
“That doesn’t mean I didn’t still love him and want the best for him,” Amy wrote via her Instagram Stories in March 2026. “I don’t think people understand how much time I spent with them and countless hours filming. I grew up over there [at his parents’ house].”
She added, “I didn’t know Kendra extremely well, but I thought they made an adorable couple. I went to a ski resort with them once and shopped a little with Kendra. [She was] very sweet natured, and [I] just loved her.”
After Amy found out about Joseph’s arrest, she said that she texted Kendra.
“No response back,” she claimed. “That was before I knew anything of her being arrested.”
Amy Duggar Offers Support for Joseph Duggar’s Kids
Amy Duggar King shared an Instagram statement in March 2026, revealing that she has “no idea” where Joseph and Kendra’s four children are upon her cousins’ arrests.
“I just hope and pray they are being well taken care of and someone is holding them tight and that they are safe,” she wrote at the time. “Sadly, I’ve never met them, they do not know me. So l’d be a stranger to them.”
Amy Duggar Feels ‘Emotionally Exhausted’
Amy Duggar King initially took a break from social media after learning of Joseph Duggar’s arrest.
“Hey TikTok, it’s been a minute. I’ve taken a minute from videos and whatnot because I literally don’t even know what to say,” she said in a March 26, 2026, TikTok video. “I feel emotionally exhausted from all of this. It’s not about me, I know it’s not … but my heart hurts. I know I’m not the only one.”
She continued, “Joe was the last person that I expected. We’re all wanting answers right now. … He’s behind bars tonight. I cannot comprehend that.”
Multiple members of the Duggar family have reacted to Joseph Duggar’s arrest on child molestation charges. Joseph, who rose to fame alongside his family on the reality series 19 Kids and Counting, was taken into custody after being accused of molesting a 9-year-old girl while on a family vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida, in […]
Amy Duggar Slams Joseph Duggar’s Jail Calls
After audio of Joseph Duggar’s phone calls from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Arkansas was released, Amy Duggar King offered pointed criticism.
At one point, Joseph told wife Kendra Duggar that he’d been “spending a lot of time reading, uh, reading the Bible” while in solitary confinement.
“The bible is not a PR strategy,” Amy responded in an Instagram post. “You can read scripture day and night, all the time, and still avoid the truth.”
When Joseph complained about lack of sleep in jail in a separate conversation, Amy responded bluntly, “Nobody cares. I bet the victim hasn’t slept in five years.”
Amy also criticized Joseph for calling Kendra “competent” during another call, saying in a TikTok video, “Last time I checked, marriage isn’t a performance review and she’s not your employee.”
Amy Duggar Criticizes Kendra Duggar For Not Showing ‘Real Godliness’
Amy Duggar King seemingly took aim at her cousin Joseph Duggar’s wife, Kendra Duggar, in an April 8, 2026, Instagram video about “real godliness.”
After previously condemning Kendra for communicating with Joseph while he was behind bars, she went so far as to suggest Kendra was “protecting” her husband rather than “the vulnerable.”
“Real godliness is not staying in abuse. Real godliness is not honoring someone who hurts you,” she argued. “Real godliness is not about silently suffering in a terrible marriage or relationship of any kind. Real godliness protects children. Real godliness values life over self-image. And real godliness protects the vulnerable, not the abuser. God stands with the ones who protect the innocent.”
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.