TLC cancels ‘19 Kids and Counting’ in light of molestation scandal
The network’s announcement—shared on its website, Facebook page and Twitter feed—included its intention to team up with sex abuse prevention groups on a documentary.
“Effective immediately, TLC has pulled all episodes of ’19 Kids and Counting’ currently from the air,” TLC said in an official statement on its website. “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 crisis erupted in May after the family’s oldest son, Josh Duggar, apologized for molesting multiple girls—including four of his sisters—more than a decade ago.
TLC stopped airing episodes of “19 Kids and Counting” after more than 20 brands announced they would not advertise with the show.
The network is teaming up with advocacy organizations RAINN and Darkness to Light and will produce a commercial-free documentary about survivors of sexual abuse. The hourlong documentary will include two of the Duggars’ daughters, along with other sexual-abuse survivors and their families.
A portion of TLC’s statement reads as follows:
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