Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar spoke out Thursday following their eldest son Josh Duggar’s guilty verdict in his child pornography trial, with the notoriously religious parents saying they are “praying” for the disgraced former reality star.
“This entire ordeal has been very grievous,” Jim Bob, 56, and Michelle, 55, said in a statement on their website. “Today, God’s grace, through the love and prayers of so many, has sustained us.”
In a message to the victims, the couple added, “Our hearts and prayers are with anyone who has ever been harmed through CSAM.” (CSAM is an acronym for child sexual abuse material.)
“In the days ahead, we will do all we can to surround our daughter-in-law Anna and their children with love and support,” the Duggars continued. “As parents, we will never stop praying for Joshua, and loving him, as we do all of our children.”
They concluded, “In each of life’s circumstances, we place our trust in God. He is our source of strength and refuge. Thank you for your prayers.”
On Thursday, one of Josh’s sisters, Jill Duggar, also spoke out about the verdict alongside her husband, Derick Dillard.
They wrote in a joint statement on their website, “Today was difficult for our family. Our hearts go out to the victims of child abuse or any kind of exploitation. We are thankful for the hard work of law enforcement, including investigators, forensic analysts, prosecutors, and all others involved who save kids and hold accountable those responsible for their abuse.”
They added, “Nobody is above the law” and concluded with a few Bible verses.