The ugly reality behind TV’s Duggar family

The future of the Duggar family's TLC cable series, 19 Kids and Counting, is in question after the oldest son, Josh Duggar, admitted that, as a teenager, he molested several young girls.

Josh Duggar, whose family is featured in TLC’s reality show 19 Kids and Counting, has admitted to molesting five young girls. AP Photo

In the realm of American reality television, the Duggars stood out as the champions of old-school family values – until now.

The future of their TLC cable series 19 Kids and Counting is in question after the family's oldest son, Josh Duggar, confirmed that, as a teenager, he molested several young girls.

Online petitions and bloggers are calling for the show to be cancelled and TLC announced at the weekend that it was pulling repeats of previous seasons from its schedule. The show began in September 2008 and new episodes were in production last week when Duggar’s past caught up with him.

“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,” said TLC.

Duggar, 28, has also quit his job in Washington as a lobbyist for the right-wing Family Research Council.

He admitted molesting five female teenagers – including some of his nine sisters – before 19 Kids and Counting began.

“Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret,” Duggar said on the show’s Facebook page.

“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.”

His parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, who are devout fundamentalist Baptists, said it had been one of the family’s toughest moments. The Duggars, whose youngest child is 5 years old, are household names among social conservatives and celebrities at right-wing parades and conventions in the United States.

Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee defended Duggar, saying that the fact he had acknowledged wrongdoing, sought help and moved on was “testament to his family’s authenticity and humility”.

The show’s sponsors have been less forgiving, with many withdrawing their support.