The family of Kendra Duggar has broken their silence following the arrest of her husband, Joseph Duggar, on serious child molestation charges, expressing profound distress and support for the alleged victim.
In an exclusive statement obtained by TMZ, the Caldwell family—Kendra's relatives—described themselves as "troubled and heartbroken" by Joseph's alleged actions. They emphasized their devastation for the victim, whom they praised as "courageous in every way" for coming forward.
"Our love for this child remains at the forefront of our family’s priorities and minds," the family stated. "We are proud of her for being strong enough to share her story while also retaining her own identity and joy."
Joseph Duggar was arrested on March 18 in Tontitown, Arkansas, and faces charges related to an alleged incident during a 2020 trip to Florida. According to police documents, he is accused of lewd and lascivious behavior involving a 9-year-old girl, including allegedly manipulating her underwear and grazing her genitals.
Just two days after Joseph's initial arrest, both he and Kendra were charged with four counts each of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree false imprisonment in a separate investigation. Kendra was briefly detained and released on bond, while Joseph was extradited to Florida and later released on a $600,000 bond.
The case continues to develop as Joseph faces a Florida judge who has ordered him to stay away from children pending trial.