Duggars on Megyn Kelly, Friday Night Edition

[chelleinchicago]

The show gave JB lots of exposure; opened other opportunity doors- that's what he's angry about. This goes well beyond the show, and limits JB's ability to get the easy money and fame stroking gigs.

I agree, and that's the one time in the interview I thought he slipped and showed anger. He wants so badly to be seen as unique even among the other fundies. This production was formatted in such a way to give him an air of success on every level, even when it wasn't true. Instant credibility, or so he thought. Something he could have never achieved without cameras and a script. All gone.

[skulduggery]

Oh they think they are shrewd and attempt to mAnipulate but they actually aren't.

Considering they had so much they could have learned about TV and commerciAlism they haven't capitalized anywhere near what they could have. Even in the name of evangelizing. Jesus would be ashamed.

I agree, though I think it's short sightedness to blame here rather than lack of brains. If they were arrogant enough to believe they could put themselves in the public eye without scrutiny (even after judging everyone else), then the tv show must have gone to their heads more than we can imagine.

[SassyPants]

I agree, though I think it's short sightedness to blame here rather than lack of brains. If they were arrogant enough to believe they could put themselves in the public eye without scrutiny (even after judging everyone else), then the tv show must have gone to their heads more than we can imagine.

Agree.

They judge like crazy but they didn't even consider that they ever would or should be judged?

JB and the world revolving around his shellacked dome.

[nst]

No one has mentioned that Alive conference that all the marrieds were supposed to attend this month...June 17

what do we think is going to happen

especially now with Jill posting again -

do we think just Jill and Derick show up with IDDY and talk

or is it cancelled altogether?

[goldfishgoddess]

To the defense of the kids.. John David seems to be hardworking and has earned job skills. Jana could probably get a job doing any number of admin type work. Josh will have trouble finding work other than something set up by his dad.

Derick has a four year accounting degree, and unless Jill has "tons and tons of kids" as she mentioned when walking into the Stonybrook house, they could afford to support a normal sized family on his salary. I think Derick should get Jill out of that big house before she pumps out enough spawn to fill it up.

Jessa and Ben are in trouble. Married so young and not likely to get anything serious on Ben's two year community college degree. I still think his niche should be fitness training. Maybe with his little business degree he could set himself up a small private fitness training business? Hopefully they got paid for pimping their wedding and honeymoon out on TLC, so maybe Boob can set Ben up with something to keep the wolves away. I think at this point, even Chik Fil A wouldn't touch the Duggars with a ten foot pole, so sponsorships are out of the question.

Josiah and Marjorie.. that's scary. They are both way too young to get married, and Marjorie seemed to love being on camera and hitching her star to the Duggar bandwagon. I wonder if she will break off the courtship. Her family seems a bit more normal and has been quiet during the scandal.

I hope the rest of the kids benefit from not being on television and will find a way to go on to higher education and careers. I think although Boob is an idiot parent, he does have a way with earning money and small business. His kids could learn real estate and entrepreneurship from him and go on to succeed. I hope all of them have normal sized families. I also hope Josh and Anna will stop at 4 and try to raise the kids they already have. I really feel sorry for Anna being pregnant and having to live through this storm. I'm sure Josh is a basket case at this point. Hopefully their child won't be harmed by the tremendous stress that Anna is surrounded by, or end up premature.

[pumpkie0]

Kim also didn't cry she was a victim when her sex tape was released by her ex. She just used it to her advantage.

actually she did cry, said it was unfair and said she was embarrassed never wanted to do something like that again. Fast forward to playboy spread Bruce said no, mom said yes Kim pretended to be uncomfortable and once again cried saying she had learned her lesson wasn't going to do it again. But we all know how that happened with her million half naked selfies and the paper spread. So yes she fake cried and used it to her advantage yes I have watched way too much Kardashians. Her mother is worse. She pushed well at least according to the show to do the playboy spread, lied to Bruce about where they were going and what they were doing and I believe the twins were with them at Joe Francis girls gone wild estate to do the shoot . She also posed for W magazine said they were horrible and yet again stated she wouldn't pose nude again. So yeah she did cry and play the victim all while continuing to pose nude. But you have to give it to her she has made millions, took a lot of crap. As for the girls again having abuse and rape in my background by a family member you would never see me defend the animal that did under no circumstances. You couldn't pay me to live with him, be in a room with him no matter how much time has gone by. These girls and family had no problem selling stories to the tabloids to benefit themselves now its a violation. Can't have it both ways. Its not the public's fault or the tabloid's its their brothers fault. Sick of hearing how they twist everything to benefit themselves and justify what happened. The entire family is messed up its only over the clothes, only for a few minutes, they are being attacked, someone has an agenda, he didn't mean it just shut up or tell the truth. As a victim I would honestly feel devastated for anyone else that had to go thru this but not when you defend the scum, when you think its the public's fault that it got out, that your upset because the secret is out and the gravy train you have been milking with every tabloid is now doing exactly what it has been doing.

[pumpkie0]

I doubt that is the case. Right now, anything Duggar is toxic. If they have something lined up, at most it would be perhaps some speaking engagements at the fundiest of fundy gatherings. That "we don't care" line was completely false. They do care, and care very much. After all, their parents did not help them prepare for any kind of life without the show income. Jessa especially will have to make serious adjustments, since Ben has no job. I hope that young man is giving serious thought to how to earn some money on his own.

If there are any wise heads at TLC, they will cancel the show and drop any ideas for a spin off. (I'm not sure there is a single wise voice there though.) If the idiots running the asylum push forward with a spin off, they will be widely criticized in the media, and any advertisers will probably be bombarded with angry letters and e-mails (I'll be one of those writing to any advertiser to let them know I'll never buy their product for the rest of my life). The spin off show will fizzle due to the awkwardness of the situation and the boringness of the show itself. And eventually, the Duggars will have to learn how to live within their very limited means. It will not be pretty, but that is the fault of the parents for not allowing their children to obtain a decent education or any skills by which to be self-supporting. JimChelle fail. Again.

Hey JimBob - does it burn to know that your dad did a better job at raising his children than you did? For all your denigration of him as a man, he raised two children who could function in the world and earn a living. Something you have failed spectacularly at.

I found Jess's answer very flippant not caring she doesn't have a freaking clue

[servants-heart]

I took as more along the line of "see we aren't saying this stuff to save the show because we really don't care about the show."

It was smoke and mirrors.

I agree with you. I definitely took it to be like, we'll say we don't care so it looks like the interview isn't solely set up to salvage the show.

I think if TLC chooses to keep 19kac, there will be a huge outcry.

[goldfishgoddess]

I don't think Wal-Mart will touch them with a ten foot pole. There's too much backlash to be had.

Their only hope is to start their own business.. maybe clothing, and sell it via their own web site to their faithful followers. Only trouble is that the older girls will be so busy popping out kids I don't think they'd have time to spend on it.

I also wonder if they get cancelled on TLC, if maybe another network would pick them up occasionally. I'm just hoping they'll go away and never return to tv.

[lookinggoodforjesus]

At this point, if TLC doesn't want them, who will?

[wildlingrose]

Fox news will give them their own hour or Ben a televangelist. Nothing would surprise me. Appearances on every tv spot they can get paid for.

[goldfishgoddess]

I can't imagine Bin as a televangelist. He's got about as much charisma and stage presence as a screwdriver.

His speech is also quirky and halting. I think he's one of those artistic types that thinks in his head and then comes off thick as a plank when he opens his mouth.

I think he should be a Jesus fitness trainer. He could have all his women trainees show up in tights with a skirt on top. You know, so he doesn't get aroused by them.

[jqlgoblue]

I think at this point it's pretty unlikely that we'd hear of cancellation soon. That said, I don't think we'll ever see next season or this show in it's current form. I think it's too broadly unpopular to continue, but TLC has a "base" they don't want to piss off by actually canceling the show. This also leaves the door open for specials or other incarnations when this blows over, because it will, and people like a good comeback story (and freak show).

A side benefit is it probably makes it easier for their team to deal with JB, and hold off any potential law suit from the Duggars ... b/c I wouldn't put that past JB.

Even though they are like minds, I don't see Fox and the Duggars to have a continuing relationship. There isn't a good fit content wise, and really Fox doesn't need a side show. (Though I just thought, what if Jana joined as an anchor... she'd fit in well with all the blondes. She could be Elisabeth Hasselbeck's protege). Anyway, I suspect Fox was pulled into this by politicians who needed a soft-ball interview to "dealt with" the scandal and put it all behind them, but that is all.

As for Ben, I don't think he is the bump on a log everyone is making him out to be. With his dad's help he could set-up some sort of business. His father doesn't appear to be any more intelligent / articulate than he is and has done fine. Ben can too.

[AmericanAmigo]

At this point, if TLC doesn't want them, who will?

They will just turn into some show like the 700 Club that no one really watches. Those kinds of programs have been around forever. The only positive thing is the discussion of the dangers of their lifestyle & made up religion. And hitting their children must have added so much to the problems of their childhood. Hearing your siblings get beat up is terrible. Molestation is horrible & they should stop saying inappropriate touching over their clothes. All of it is terrible. I hope they can all find their way out of this hole & maybe have more compassion for people that are different.

[Goldduggar]

I've taken a few days to digest the interview because I'm trying not to have any snap reaction driven by emotion. I'm thinking the entire interview is a set to see how people react to Jill and Jessa as a potential spinoff. Jill and Jessa had to come out now and "explain" their point of view and to try and garner support. There is no way the Duggars or TLC want the show to end because it's such a money maker for both parties. Jill especially would be upset if the show ended. Ugh. I can't stand her. While I was sitting there drinking my margarita, I kept thinking it's a good thing this chick doesn't drink alcohol because she'd be a completely annoying drunk. I mean she's annoying sober, so the thought of her being intoxicated is frightening. I imagine there'd be lots of squealing. But I digress. When Megyn asked how they felt if the show did end, Jill was quick to mention how she loved the TLC crew (and no wonder! These are probably the first non-quiver relationships they've ever cultivated) and how they were like family. I thought that was a nice touch and a possible set up for a Jill and Jessa show... You know, you can't hurt the victims by canceling the show. This whole thing isn't their fault so they shouldn't be punished. Let's make a show now about Jill and Jessa and how they are survivors and how their faith has only strengthened because of their suffering.... Anyway, that's what I'm thinking. If TLC does attempt a spin off, I think it's a huge mistake. These girls will be chewed up and spit out. (They already have been). I hope these young girls will set their priorities straight and do the right thing by focusing on life outside of reality television. They have a lot of rebuilding to do, even if they are in denial. The collateral damage will probably be worse than it is even now... and again, that will be on TLC's hands.

It's so fun having a place to vent. I love reading all of the posts and I can't tell you how much I've learned about Fundies! Thank you! :popcorn2:

[Justme]

Didn't Ben repair auto glass before he became a Duggar? He could return to this, maybe even set up his own business. Preferably, closer to his family. He could also sell insurance, like his Dad.

JMHO, but I don't think TLC is ever going to "cancel" the show. I don't think we'll see it again for the rest of the year. Perhaps next spring, they'll wet their feet by airing a special, perhaps on Jessa's birth. I think they're going to lay low for quite a while.

[Goldduggar]

It's too bad that the licensed counselor couldn't pop up and say that they were the ones that counseled the duggars, then we'd at least know it was legit. Not sure that is allowed though (obviously they cant' talk details).

I believe someone else made this point, or maybe I read it on the internet, but I have to agree with it; If anyone in the Duggar family spoke to a licensed therapist about Josh's molestation behavior, the therapist would have been required, by law, to report the molestation. All therapists are mandatory reporters. Since there is no Police report to this effect, then mustn't we deduce that there was no meeting with a licensed counselor? Perhaps they received therapy after the news was broken? Then they wouldn't necessarily be "lying." Megyn's interview was fluffy and didn't really provide us with anything we didn't know already. All it did was to cement the fact that this family continues to minimize the serious nature of what actually occurred (even if it was only for "a couple of seconds," Jim Boob), and that the daughter's are completely out of touch with reality.

[RosyDaisy]

I was thinking the same thing. Therapy is a long process and at one point, it involves emotions, your deeper more personal thoughts and feelings. It will not involved Jesus, the scriptures and Gothard. Not only does a counselor would need to go over that, their whole way of thinking is just so twisted. All the mental acrobatics and intellectual turns we saw on the interviews must be impossible to understand from an outside point-of-view.

And (sadly) I don't think the Duggar girls could actually go beyond that at the moment. They are so wrapped up in their cult-like mentality. It's sad in a way. If they needed to see a counselor, I think it could only be in a few years from now.

Finding a sympathetic, fundie therapist isn't hard. I got referred to one like that. My issues are nowhere in the same universe as the Duggars'. That damned therapist kept trying to insert religion after I told him my religious beliefs were not up for discussion. I lasted 2 sessions. Now I have a different therapist who respects my decision not to talk about religion. Plus getting married ha helped me a lot.

[DuggarCurls]

I hope TLC does not do a spin-off with these two girls or a spin-off in general. If they came out and admitted to the molestation completely, explained how they dealt with it and what their life would be like in the future and how they plan on helping others affected by molestation, I would have applauded them.

But no, they came out in complete denial, saying it was "no big deal" (offending many people and fans, who were also affected by molestation in their past or present life), was truly tacky and gave me the impression that they just want to get this over and back in front of the TV cameras so they can show us how they side hug and hand hold, which at this point, doesn't fit in with realty.

To that, the show and the Duggars are fake, phoney, and just care about themselves. So Duggars, go back to your Arkansas hole and enjoy your life WITHOUT THE SHOW, TLC or ANY MARKET.

By the way, has Josh and Anna really been under a rock the past few weeks, can they hid from the world forever?!??!?

[JenniferJuniper]

I believe someone else made this point, or maybe I read it on the internet, but I have to agree with it; If anyone in the Duggar family spoke to a licensed therapist about Josh's molestation behavior, the therapist would have been required, by law, to report the molestation. All therapists are mandatory reporters. Since there is no Police report to this effect, then mustn't we deduce that there was no meeting with a licensed counselor? Perhaps they received therapy after the news was broken? Then they wouldn't necessarily be "lying." Megyn's interview was fluffy and didn't really provide us with anything we didn't know already. All it did was to cement the fact that this family continues to minimize the serious nature of what actually occurred (even if it was only for "a couple of seconds," Jim Boob), and that the daughter's are completely out of touch with reality.

My understanding is that any visits with licensed professionals did not happen until after the police were notified and then determined the statute of limitations had run. So unless they uncovered more recent abuse, there was nothing new to report. As Josh was still in the house at the time (late 2006), however, the police would have reported the family to Child Protective Services. Any counseling was probably mandated by CPS.

I think the Duggars are deliberately being elusive about this counseling because as it happened nearly 5 years after the first victim was assaulted and it was state mandated. They don't want to highlight the fact that it took a half decade for them to get anyone any professional help, not to mention the fact that it wasn't even their call to get them help. The state forced it.

[lascuba]

I'm in the camp that thinks that TLC will keep the show and that none of the Duggars will suffer any long term financial consequences over this. I would love it if TLC took Jessa at her lying-ass word that the family doesn't care if the the show continues and cancelled, but that's not going to happen. There are more than enough people who either support the family no matter what and will continue to watch, or who think the family is slime and will tune in to hate watch. Which...would be no different that the viewership now. TLC doesn't care about why people are watching, they just care that they do. And all the negative press will just be free publicity for them. At most, Josh and Ana will no longer be featured, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if TLC gave him a producer title or something to keep him on the payroll.

[JenniferJuniper]

I'm in the camp that thinks that TLC will keep the show and that none of the Duggars will suffer any long term financial consequences over this. I would love it if TLC took Jessa at her lying-ass word that the family doesn't care if the the show continues and cancelled, but that's not going to happen. There are more than enough people who either support the family no matter what and will continue to watch, or who think the family is slime and will tune in to hate watch. Which...would be no different that the viewership now. TLC doesn't care about why people are watching, they just care that they do. And all the negative press will just be free publicity for them. At most, Josh and Ana will no longer be featured, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if TLC gave him a producer title or something to keep him on the payroll.

Assuming they really are keeping their options open, I think TLC is probably very concerned about what other information will be coming out about these people.

I saw the In Touch magazine while waiting in line in the supermarket. Didn't buy it (because I get all the dope I need here) but my understanding is that they sold at least 500,000 copies. But millions more people saw that cover calling the Duggar home a "House of Horrors".

And In Touch says they have "significant" additional information about the Duggars which they will be releasing soon. Shady business dealings? Tax fraud? We'll find out soon enough what they have.

My own guess is that TLC has pulled the plug on any ongoing production of the show but feels no need to make an announcement now as the show is on hiatus anyway. They may have decided its better to issue a simple statement months from now saying the show has not been renewed. That's what I'd do. If I ran TLC.

[MatthewDuggar]

As for Ben, I don't think he is the bump on a log everyone is making him out to be. With his dad's help he could set-up some sort of business. His father doesn't appear to be any more intelligent / articulate than he is and has done fine. Ben can too.

I will believe this when I see it. Ben certainly may be "in love" with his wife. But he joined this circus to become famous.

[DuggarCurls]

TLC is in no rush to cancel the show. I'm sure any other jaw-dropping scandals that come out will only give TLC more ammunition to cut ties with the Duggars - and any other network.

Seriously, how could the Duggars go back being "pure" on the show, go back to side hugs and hand holding only during courting, first kisses at the alter. All that shit is blown out the window, the show cannot continue, the entire world knows it's a farce.

Perhaps TLC is pissed at JB and just dragging him along, until they cut the ties.

[Buzzard]

Assuming they really are keeping their options open, I think TLC is probably very concerned about what other information will be coming out about these people.

I saw the In Touch magazine while waiting in line in the supermarket. Didn't buy it (because I get all the dope I need here) but my understanding is that they sold at least 500,000 copies. But millions more people saw that cover calling the Duggar home a "House of Horrors".

And In Touch says they have "significant" additional information about the Duggars which they will be releasing soon. Shady business dealings? Tax fraud? We'll find out soon enough what they have.

My own guess is that TLC has pulled the plug on any ongoing production of the show but feels no need to make an announcement now as the show is on hiatus anyway. They may have decided its better to issue a simple statement months from now saying the show has not been renewed. That's what I'd do. If I ran TLC.

I bought both issues of In Touch, mostly because I wanted to say with my wallet that I support the investigation that they are doing. I havent cracked them because I read things here, but I figured that if the magazines see that its profitable to dig into the Duggars they will continue. It was also fun to talk about it VERY LOUDLY in the checkout line so other people could hear more than what was on the cover.

I also think the show is dead. If WE know that there is more dirt out there, so does the magazine. The Duggars have not been masters of deceit and I assume that there is a way to prove their shenanigans. I expect to see something about them following the pearls, more in depth descriptions of the Gothard retraining programs, possibly some people talking about the Duggars discriminating against them, the fake charity event... the list goes on and on. They arent the "squeaky clean" family they pretend to be (post molestation). They are liars, pure and simple.