'19 Kids & Counting' CANCELED: TLC Officially Pulls Plug On Duggars, See Official Statement Here [PHOTO]
After removing the show from the air nearly two months ago following allegations that Josh Duggar sexually assaulted five young girls as a child, including some of his own sisters, TLC has officially canceled the family's show, 19 Kids and Counting.
In an official statement to the press, TLC announced it would not move forward with an initially planned 11th season of the show, featuring the large Duggar clan, and stated the show would no longer appear on the air.
"We spent the past month and a half in thoughtful consideration about what is the best way forward here," Marjorie Kaplan, group president of TLC, Animal Planet and Velocity networks said.
In addition, in a move to redirect the negative attention and public outcry, the network has announced initiatives to team up with two prominent child protection organizations for an ongoing campaign to raise awareness about child sexual abuse.
"We took it as an opportunity to step further than just 'How do we protect ourselves?' and step into 'How do we protect our audience and protect children?' Kaplan said. "Our hope is to do more of that, in a way that's thoughtful and respectful of the victims of child abuse--in the Duggar family and across America."
The network will partner with both Darkness to Light and RAINN as a part of the initiative, which will also include a one-hour commercial-free documentary airing in late August which will include the participation of Jill and Jessa Duggar, two of the sisters Josh Duggar touched inappropriately (they admitted to being victims after the scandal broke), as well as other survivors and families affected by such abuse.
The goal is to take what has been a difficult and painful experience, and focus that attention on the really critical issue of child protection and child sexual abuse," Kaplan explained.
The family has released an official statement about the decision, expressing their sadness that the show wouldn't continue but thanking everyone for the support they've been given since premiering back in 2008.
"...We are so thankful to our film crew that has shown up at our house for over a decade. They have become like family to us," the statement read. "They have invested their time and energy into our lives and have been so loving and patient. We love and appreciate them so much!"
"..With God's grace and help Josh, our daughters and our entire family overcame a terrible situation, found healing and a way forward. We are so pleased with the wonderful adults thay have all become," the statement continued. "It is our prayer that the painful situation our family went through so many years ago can point people toward faith in God and help others who also have lived through similar dark situations to find help, hope and healing, as well. We appreciate the love, support, prayers and kindness extended to us by many of you. You have deeply touched our hearts and encouraged us, during this time."
