The Duggars, as you’re likely aware, are a deeply conservative lot.
The core group of 21 who make up the Duggar clan that was first immortalized on 19 Kids and Counting have contended with friends and relatives who don’t share their fundamentalist beliefs, and they’ve typically been quick to “deal with” these associates.
Michelle Duggar’s lesbian sister, for example, has been cut off from the rest of the family and has never even met most of her nieces and nephews.
They similarly exiled rebellious cousin Amy Duggar, who’s dared to commit such affronts as kissing her fiancé before marriage and wearing an actual swimsuit to go swimming, rather than a modesty-preserving barrel with suspenders.
Now, the Duggars are facing yet another enemy in their midst.
And this one is hoping to beat Jim Bob and company at their own game.
As we reported earlier, John Andrew Studdard is an openly gay cousin of Jim Bob and Michelle’s children.
Unlike so many of the Duggars’ relatives, he seems to have no fear of his wealthy and powerful aunt and uncle.
Studdard has spoken out against Derick Dillard’s homophobic remarks, and now it appears he’s hoping to enter the Duggars’ arena with a reality show of his own.
And not surprisingly, the Duggars are very much hoping that doesn’t happen.
“The producers were hoping to do a show with his immediate family, but all of his immediate family declined,” a source close to the situation tells Radar Online.
“They think it’s tacky that John Andrew spoke out about Derick’s beliefs and have warned him if he speaks out publicly again he will be cut off financially.”
But those who know Studdard best say that his main goal is not to simply trash his famous relatives:
“He wants to show his life with his friends and the volunteer work he’s passionate about,” the insider said.
“He wants to build a platform to spread awareness for causes. He wants to build an empire bigger than his distant cousins.”
Surprisingly, it seems Studdard actually feels compassion for his famous cousins – and he wishes they would follow his lead by showing more empathy toward others:
“He doesn’t think they’re bad people,” the insider says.
“He spoke out against Derick because he wanted him to be considerate of others. His comments were very harsh. He doesn’t know him well enough to say he’s a bad person. He was so kind at his wedding to Jill.”
Studdard may have a hard time landing a deal for a show where he presents a counter-argument to his relatives’ worldview, but here’s hoping he finds a way to get his message out there.
It would certainly help to shake things up in Tontitown.
Watch Counting On online for more from reality TV’s most famous family.
