On the premiere of Jill and Jessa: Counting On, several members of the Duggar family addressed the Josh Duggar’s many sexual indiscretions in what seemed to be a frank and straightforward manner.
In one surprisingly candid clip younger brothers John-David and Joseph spoke openly about Josh and revealed that they’re thoroughly disgusted by the actions of a man they once looked up to:
Of course, Jill and Jessa were the focus of the show, and fans eagerly awaited their insight into the scandals that brought down one of TV’s favorite families.
Unfortunately, In Touch magazine is now alleging that Jill and Jessa misled viewers, and their coached responses were as mendacious as the girls’ responses to Megyn Kelly’s questions in the interview that aired shortly after the world learned that Josh molested his sisters.
The magazine says the lies started with the girls comments about how the family “healed” following Josh’s assaults:
“After that time, it was really, really hard on our family,” Jill Duggar said. “You know that was 12 years ago and the healing process started shortly after that happened.”
In Touch points out that the Duggars didn’t go to authorities until more than 18 months after the incident, during which time, the Duggar girls were repeatedly victimized by Josh.
It’s also interesting that Jill felt the need to emphasize yet again that the assaults happened a long time ago. It’s a strategy that we like to call “the Cosby defense.”
The girls also say they underwent “several steps” to help them cope with being abused, including extensive counseling.
The tabloid says that’s also a lie, as the girls didn’t receive any sort of treatment until after a police investigation prompted an investigation by social services.
It’s implied that Jim-Bob and Michelle Duggar sought help for their abused daughters only when they were worried that they might lose custody.
In Touch also alleges that the Duggars are guilty of various “lies of omission” – failing to address certain matters (such as the fact that they falsely alleged that Josh’s criminal records were released to the press illegally) that might further damage the family’s reputation.
It all adds up to another reminder that Counting On is not an attempt to spark an open conversation about childhood sexual trauma, but is instead another part of the Duggars’ ongoing effort to get back into the public’s good graces.
