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Joseph Duggar’s alleged victim remains resolute and courageous in the face of the attention surrounding the case, refusing to let fear dictate her actions.
“Coming forward was a significant step for her, but she is not intimidated,” a source exclusively revealed to Us Weekly. “She’s strong and determined not to hide.”
Last month, it was confirmed by Us Weekly that Duggar, 31, was arrested in Arkansas following allegations of sexual abuse made by a girl now aged 14, who was just 9 years old at the time of the alleged incident.
According to a press release from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Duggar faces charges of lewd and lascivious behavior, including molestation of a minor under 12 years old, and engaging in such conduct as someone aged 18 or older.
The arrest has prompted reactions from various members of the Duggar family. Joseph Duggar, known for his role in the reality series “19 Kids and Counting,” was detained in connection with accusations of molesting a 9-year-old girl during a family vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida.
The former 19 Kids and Counting star has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his lawyers deny the allegations.
While the identity of the alleged victim has yet to be revealed, a source told Us that the accuser is close to the family of Joseph’s wife, Kendra Duggar.
“[Kendra’s parents] Christina and Paul Caldwell are not hiding the fact that Joseph’s victim is [close to the Caldwell family],” the insider shared. “Christina has told other members of their church, but she is not sure she wants to talk about it so publicly. That is what she is struggling with, but she is not hiding it.”
As for why the alleged victim waited to come forward and report the crime, the source said that she may have taken time to process what transpired.
Kendra and Joseph Duggar Courtesy of Joseph and Kendra Duggar/Instagram
“When [the alleged sexual assault] happened, Joseph was on vacation with Kendra and her family,” the insider claimed. “No other Duggar [family members] were there. … As years passed, [the alleged victim] understood more and got the courage to tell her family. Just like the police report says, when she told her family, they acted on it.”
Us has reached out to the Caldwells and attorneys for Kendra and Joseph Duggar for comment.
Al Sauline, who is serving as one of Joseph’s lawyers, told Us in a statement, “Mr. Duggar maintains the same presumption of innocence as any individual as guaranteed under our United States Constitution. It remains our number one goal to ensure Mr. Duggar is treated fairly, notwithstanding his celebrity status.”
As the investigation continues, both Kendra, 27, and Joseph’s parents have spoken out about the case that has made nationwide headlines.
Less than two weeks after Joseph was initially arrested, Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar broke their silence regarding their son’s legal woes.
Kendra Duggar is not distancing herself from Joseph Duggar and his family amid his legal struggles. “I don’t know if it’s fear or naivete, but Kendra has totally sided with the Duggars and not her family,” a source exclusively shared with Us Weekly. “She is brainwashed.” According to the insider, “not many people are there […]
“Jim Bob and Michelle are heartbroken over this entire situation,” a spokesperson for the Duggar family told Us in a statement. “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.”
On April 15, Kendra’s family spoke out for the first time on social media and said they were “ troubled and heartbroken over the alleged actions committed by our son-in-law.”
“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,” the statement read via Instagram. “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.”
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.