It’s been over two years since news of the Josh Duggar sex scandals shattered fans’ image of the family that was supposed to offer a wholesome alternative to the usual reality TV fare.
Each new detail that emerged made Josh’s crimes and his parents’ cover-up all the more appalling.
The Duggars’ reality show was canceled after advertisers fled in droves, and it was widely assumed that we’d seen the last of Jim Bob, Michelle, and their massive brood.
Shockingly (some would say revoltingly), the Duggars clawed their way back onto television, but not before swearing a solemn oath to TLC that their new series would focus on Jill, Jessa, and their sisters.
Not only would Josh never be featured on Counting On, they promised the network, Jim Bob and Michelle would not appear on the show either.
Obviously, it was only a matter of months before they abandoned the latter promise, and now there’s talk of Josh issuing a public apology on Counting On.
Thankfully, it looks as though that won’t be happening in the immediate future.
Not because the Duggars wouldn’t try anything so brazen, mind you (They’ve already gotten away with much worse.), but because appearing on camera would violate the rules of Josh’s ongoing sex addiction treatment.
As you may recall, Josh checked into rehab last year and received six months of treatment at a “faith-based” facility of his parents’ choosing.
Those familiar with the facility say it has more in common with a work camp than with a traditional rehabilitation center.
It still sounds easier to endure than the lengthy prison sentence that Josh deserved, of course.
Anyway, Josh is still forced to abide by some strict rules as part of his treatment, including one that many in 2017 would find impossible to follow:
“[Josh] isn’t allowed to have a smartphone,” a source familiar with the situation tells Radar Online.
The move is reportedly a precaution to keep Josh off of dating websites.
“Since everything that happened with his extramarital online ‘dating’ he still isn’t allowed to have a smartphone,” an insider told Radar.
“A smartphone was how he used to get away with the OK Cupid, Ashley Madison and fake Twitter accounts.”
Even with the Luddite lockdown, however, it seems Josh is still giving those around him cause to be suspicious.
“He carries two flip phones. One is for business, but I know he’s not that busy with his used car lot,” says the source.
The source adds that the old-school technology provides peace of mind for Anna – but that doesn’t mean Josh can blindly be trusted:
“The flip phones Josh carries are peace of mind for Anna,” the insider explained.
“She’s been through so much with him and she has done everything to keep the family intact. But I’m not sure carrying two flip phones is really enough!”