The parents of Josh Duggar have officially broken their silence following his guilty verdict in his child pornography trial. The pair had largely stayed out of the media during the ordeal but clearly feel compelled to say something in light of the news.
The couple's statement begins by calling on their faith. They said, "This entire ordeal has been very grievous. Today, God's grace, through the love and prayers of so many, have sustained us. Our hearts and prayers are with anyone who has ever been harmed through CSAM [Child Sexual Abuse Material]."
They continued by noting that, right now, they are most focused on Josh Duggar's wife, Anna. The pair have seven children together.
"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 will also pray for their son:
"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."
The ordeal began after Josh Duggar's workplace was raided and he was arrested in April 2021. Duggar was charged with receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. He was found guilty of both charges on December 9, 2021. Each charge carries a potential 20-year sentence.
The trial lasted for nearly two weeks, and many were surprised when jurors arrived at their conclusion on Thursday. The prosecution brought 10 witnesses to the stand, including a longtime family friend who admitted that Duggar had told her he molested four of his sisters when they were children.
Duggar was taken away in handcuffs following the announcement of the verdict. He will be sentenced in four months and will remain in police custody until his sentencing.
So far, his wife, Anna, has not made any statement about the trial, and it's unknown if she will.
