Joy-Anna Duggar wants to be clear about where she stands regarding her brother Josh Duggar's conviction. She and husband Austin Forsyth just released a joint statement clarifying their view.
On Sunday night, the former Counting On stars both took to Instagram to share their message with the world. "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."
"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," it continued. "Our hearts break for all CSAM victims."
Joy-Anna, 24, and her husband, Austin, 28, both appeared in court during Josh's trial. Josh pleaded not guilty. The proceedings lasted for eight days and ultimately, Josh was found guilty of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material.
Josh didn't just get a slap on the wrist, either. He could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines for each offense. A date has not yet been scheduled for his sentencing, but it is expected to take place in about four months.
In Joy-Anna and Austin's statement, they also shared that they are thinking about Josh's wife and children. They wrote, "We are praying for Anna and her children." Anna Duggar and Josh have seven kids together — Mackynzie Renée, 12, Michael James, 10, Marcus Anthony, 8, Meredith Grace, 6, Mason Garrett, 4, Maryella Hope, 2, and Madyson Lily, just 1 month.
Just hours before the trial, Josh's parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, released a statement. "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," they wrote.
Their statement continued, "In the days ahead, we will do all we can to surround our daughter-in-law Anna and their children with love and support. As parents, we will never stop praying for Joshua, and loving him, as we do all of our children."
Josh could be going to prison for quite some time. In the coming months, we'll find out exactly what his fate will be. In the meantime, it seems his family, who has been largely supportive of him in the past, is now turning their support primarily towards his wife and his kids.
