Jim Pope and Michelle Duggar speak after TLC cancels reliance on: ‘Difficult and painful moments’

[ad_1]

The Duggar Family / Instagram

The Duggar family is speaking out after their hit reality series was cancelled.

Less than a week after TLC confirmed the show was ending after 11 seasons on the air, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar released a statement Saturday on behalf of the entire family, speaking about the news of the cancellation.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been over 17 years since our production company first approached us wanting to make a one-hour documentary about the logistics of raising 14 kids,” their statement began. “Our family has grown (and grown!) before our very eyes and on national television, and the journey has been a miracle – following God is an exciting adventure!”

They continued, “Over the years, some of the most cherished moments have been when we met surviving children across the country because of our testimony that children are a blessing – a special gift from God – and that the only true hope for individuals and families is a close relationship with Jesus Christ.” “.

TLC depends on

RELATED: TLC’s Counting Canceled After 11 Seasons

Jim Pope, 55, and Michelle, 54, noted in their statement that filming had “difficult and painful moments” over the years.

“Since we started filming so long ago, we have had the wonderful honor of sharing our lives, our faith and our story with you – including some of the most difficult and painful moments our family has ever faced,” they said. “We are deeply grateful for the love he has shown us and for the prayers of the many who have supported us now and over the years.”

“We look forward to all the new adventures and endeavors that may come our way, and with so many adorable great children and grandchildren, we know our love will continue to multiply!” The statement concluded. “We are forever grateful to our film crew and the many other people behind the scenes who have become like family to us over the years. The wonderful experiences that filming has given us will always be appreciated, and we look forward to discovering what’s next for our family and sharing more with you along the way. !”

The story continues

Never miss a story – sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best that people have to offer, from exciting celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Star Ginger (Dugar) Fallow and her husband, Jeremy Fallow, said in a statement Tuesday that they “strongly agree with TLC’s decision not to renew credit on its ending and are excited about the next chapter in our lives.” We continue, “Thank you to our fans, friends, and the amazing film crew who have shown us their love and support. We look forward to continuing our creative journey in Los Angeles and seeing what the future holds.”

Similarly, Amy (Dugar) King said she also supported the network’s choice to end the series, writing on Instagram: “@TLC-Thank you for the ride🎢 I will always hold the memories. Also, I stand with the network in this decision!”

On Tuesday, TLC confirmed that it “will not produce additional seasons of dependency,” adding that the network “feels it important to give the Duggar family the opportunity to address their situation in private.”

The “situation” referred to in the statement refers to recent public scandals involving Jim Bob and Michelle’s eldest child, Josh Duggar.

Counting On premiered on TLC in 2015 and was a spin-off for 19 Kids and Counting, which ran from 2008 to 2015. The spin-off was created amid the earlier harassment controversy surrounding Josh, 33.

RELATED: Josh Duggar Has Over 200 Images of ‘Child Sexual Abuse Material’ on His Computer: Authorities

That same year, news broke that Josh allegedly molested five underage girls as a teenager. Two of his sisters, Jill Dillard and Jessa Seewald, later came forward as two of the victims, insisting they had already “come forward” and forgave their brother when the news broke.

Also in 2015, amid the first public Josh scandal, 19 Kids and Counting was canceled after nine seasons. A month later in August 2015, Josh admitted his porn addiction and infidelity to his wife Anna Duggar in an apology statement after Joker reported that he appeared to have active accounts on Ashley Madison, a site created to facilitate cheating on your account. Husband.

Most recently, Josh made headlines last April when he pleaded not guilty to charges of receiving and possessing child pornography and was released from prison a week after his arrest. Prosecutors believe Josh had more than 200 photos of children on his computer.

RELATED VIDEO: Josh Duggar’s wife Anna ‘standing next to him’ thinks he’s ‘innocent’, source says

RELATED: Josh Duggar’s child pornography trial postponed until November

If convicted of the alleged crimes, he could be punished with up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the two counts, which brings a total possible sentence of up to 40 years.

News of Counting On’s cancellation came on the same day that a federal judge pushed Josh’s criminal trial to November 30, according to federal court records. It was originally scheduled to begin on July 6.

Speaking to PEOPLE on Tuesday, Josh’s attorney Justin Gelfand said, “We are pleased with the court’s decision and look forward to continuing litigation in this case.”

[ad_2]