The couple says in a joint statement that their ‘hearts break for all CSAM victims’ after the disgraced reality star is convicted of two criminal counts of child pornography.
AceShowbiz – Joy-Anna Duggar and her husband Austin Forsyth have broken their silence after Josh Duggar was convicted of two criminal counts of child pornography. In a joint statement, the couple stated that they “agree” with the judicial system’s verdict.
“Over this last year, as you can imagine, there have been a lot of unanswered questions in our minds regarding Josh,” their statement, posted to each of their Instagram Stories, read. “We were able to sit through the trial to hear the evidence for ourselves.”
Joy-Anna and Austin continued, “We agree with the judicial system’s verdict and we are thankful for the men and women who work tirelessly to protect children and help prevent child sexual abuse material.” They also said, “Our hearts break for all CSAM victims.”
“We are praying for Anna and her children,” the couple concluded their statement, referencing Josh’s wife Anna Duggar and their seven kids, 12-year-old Mackynzie Renee, 10-year-old Michael James, 8-year-old Marcus Anthony, 6-year-old Meredith Grace, 4-year-old Mason Garrett, 2-year-old Maryella Hope and 1-month-old Madyson Lily. Anna secretly welcomed her seventh child in October before announcing the birth news in November.
Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar also made their statement after Josh was convicted on one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography in an Arkansas court. The “19 Kids and Counting” patriarch and his wife issued a statement posted to their website.
“This entire ordeal has been very grievous. Today, God’s grace, through the love and prayers of so many, have sustained us,” the couple said on December 9. “Our hearts and prayers are with anyone who has ever been harmed through CSAM [Child Sexual Abuse Material].”
Jim Bob and Michelle’s statement added, “In the days ahead, we will do all we can to surround our daughter-in-law Anna and their children with love and support.” They continued, “As parents, we will never stop praying for Joshua, and loving him, as we do all of our children. 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.”
In the meantime, Josh’s cousin Amy Duggar expressed gratitude after Josh’s guilty verdict. Taking to her Twitter account, Amy wrote, “May the juror’s and Judge Brooks seek healing / counseling from all that was exposed to them.”
“May the children grow up with real Godly men as father figures who will guide and protect them,” Amy elaborated. “May the people who were once in disbelief have their eyes opened for the first time.”
In a separate post, Amy penned, “May the daughters who were abused feel validated. You are truly beautiful and worthy of love. May there be intense counseling / healing.” She concluded her tweet, “May there be wisdom for all those involved on how to move forward. Thank you Jesus. Justice has been served.”
Upon learning the news of the guilty verdict, Derick Duggar explained why he and his wife Jill Duggar, Josh’s younger sister, had attended some parts of the trial. “We just wanted to, among other things, see the facts for ourselves,” he said, before noting, “America is the best country to get justice.”
Following the guilty verdict, Josh’s legal team said in a statement, “We appreciate the jury’s lengthy deliberations… We respect the jury’s verdict, and we intend to appeal.” Josh faces up to 20 years of imprisonment and up to $250,000 in fines after his conviction on both counts. His sentencing is expected in four months but a date hasn’t been scheduled pending a pre-sentence investigation.
Source: Read Full Article