TLC has pulled “19 Kids and Counting” from its schedule following an apology by Josh Duggar after reports that he molested five underage girls when he was 14.
The network said Friday in a statement that it has pulled all episodes of the show from the air.
“We are deeply saddened and troubled by this heartbreaking situation, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and victims at this difficult time,” the statement read.
Sources familiar with the situation told TMZ that the fate of the show is uncertain.
“We’re told they absolutely have not made a long-term decision, but it’s clearly a bad sign for the show,” TMZ reported.
TLC is facing calls to cancel the show after Mr. Duggar, 27, resigned Thursday from his position as executive director of FRC Action, the Family Research Council’s lobbying arm, and apologized for unspecified bad behavior as a child. His apology comes after reports said he molested five underage girls, including his own sisters, when he was 14 and 15 years old.
The molestations allegedly occurred in 2002 and 2003 and were not reported to police until 2006, after the statute of limitations had passed. No charges were filed.
A General Mills representative told TMZ that they have removed “19 Kids and Counting” from their company’s current advertising schedule.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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