Josh Duggar Admits to Molestation Accusations

Well, here it is. After a 2006 police report found by In Touch revealed that Josh Duggar was investigated for several sex offenses involving five minors, he has now admitted to sexually abusing the underage girls. The molestations, which included some of his own sisters, occurred when Duggar was 14 years old.

In a statement to People, Duggar, now 27, confirmed the molestations:

“Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends. I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation. We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling. I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life.”

His parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, also acknowledged the molestations in a joint statement. “When Josh was a young teenager, he made some very bad mistakes, and we were shocked. We had tried to teach him right from wrong. That dark and difficult time caused us to seek God like never before,” they said.

Two years before proposing to his now-wife, Anna, Josh confessed his “past teenage mistakes” to her, as well as her parents, during a visit to the Duggar home.

“He continued to do what he was taught. [I know] who Josh really is—someone who had gone down a wrong path and had humbled himself before God and those whom he had offended. Someone who had received the help needed to change the direction of his life and do what is right.”

Josh claims he would, “do anything to go back to those teen years and take different actions.” “I sought forgiveness from those I had wronged and asked Christ to forgive me and come into my life. In my life today, I am so very thankful for God’s grace, mercy and redemption.”

Duggar has also resigned from his role as Executive Director of the Family Research Council.