Possible Lawsuit for Josh

[MoonFace]

I hope that it is true, the victims deserve justice. I feel bad for Anna and the kids...mostly the kids, as apparently Anna knew about it before they married, although I don't know how much. Im guessing they might have downplayed it, not given ages and said they were all asleep, not that he started off when they were asleep, but then moved to when they were awake and one of the victims was five.

We still don't know what exactly Josh told Anna and her parents.

For all we know he could have just said he did some things as a kid that was wrong and he's asked for forgiveness from the victims and they have forgiven him.

If he were vague about what he did then Anna and her parents would have been in the dark.

If he were totally honest and said he groped and molested his sisters and someone else (and even if they said he was forgiven) then Anna and her parents were crazy for getting involved with the Duggars.

[lilwriter85]

Do you think Jim Bob will try to get this settled with the victim out of court? Maybe he will pay her a huge sum in order to not go through the whole court and have all of the truth be made public?

Yeah, Jim Bob would do that. If he were settle out of court, it would probably pain him to pay. I admit, that would make me happy because we know Jim Bob can be an ass about money at times.

[DuggarsTheEndIsNear]

Do you think Jim Bob will try to get this settled with the victim out of court? Maybe he will pay her a huge sum in order to not go through the whole court and have all of the truth be made public?

At this point, I don't even know how much money the Duggars have, and TLC is very unlikely to continue with the show as is (so he won't be able to promise more money than he has). Also, I seem to remember reading in the police report that they had trouble finding a lawyer to help them, and they can't seem to secure a good crisis PR agent; so I'm not sure that JB would be able to come up with a good enough settlement to avoid the case, or protect his son from losing said case.

[JenniferJuniper]

I don't really have the patience to find it again, but somewhere in the Josh admits threads, I quoted a law that states the SoL had been lifted from civil cases revolving around sexual abuse of minors.

The criminal SOL has been changed, but it's not retroactive so Josh is in the clear.

For minor plaintiffs, the civil statute is up to three years past the majority. Sometimes victims older than 21 try to get past this by claiming they repressed their experiences and did not encounter the effects of the abuse until much later. The burden is on the plaintiff to prove this. It's not automatic by any means, the merits of the argument are decided by a judge, and it's often a difficult hurdle for a plaintiff.

[justoneoftwo]

At this point, I don't even know how much money the Duggars have, and TLC is very unlikely to continue with the show as is (so he won't be able to promise more money than he has). Also, I seem to remember reading in the police report that they had trouble finding a lawyer to help them, and they can't seem to secure a good crisis PR agent; so I'm not sure that JB would be able to come up with a good enough settlement to avoid the case, or protect his son from losing said case.

I think he would pay almost all he has to have a confidential settlement. He will think that G-d will provide for after that but that he shouldn't let the evil outsiders persecute his family more.

[MoonFace]

Do you think Jim Bob will try to get this settled with the victim out of court? Maybe he will pay her a huge sum in order to not go through the whole court and have all of the truth be made public?

If he does it will be contingent on the terms of the deal being kept private so that no Duggars seem to be in the wrong.

[justoneoftwo]

If he does it will be contingent on the terms of the deal being kept private so that no Duggars seem to be in the wrong.

I've never heard of a settlement that wasn't contingent on those terms. There was a case recently where the child of a family who settled posted about it on facebook and they had to give it all back. I agree the Duggars never want to seem wrong, but this wouldn't be evidence of it, just boiler plate settlement language.

[JenniferJuniper]

I've never heard of a settlement that wasn't contingent on those terms. There was a case recently where the child of a family who settled posted about it on facebook and they had to give it all back. I agree the Duggars never want to seem wrong, but this wouldn't be evidence of it, just boiler plate settlement language.

The vast majority of settlements are not confidential. However, I would agree that the Duggars - and possibly the victim - would insist on confidentially as a part of the terms of any settlement. So if they settle before suit is filed, we'll likely never hear a thing about it.

[DuggarsTheEndIsNear]

We still don't know what exactly Josh told Anna and her parents.

For all we know he could have just said he did some things as a kid that was wrong and he's asked for forgiveness from the victims and they have forgiven him.

If he were vague about what he did then Anna and her parents would have been in the dark.

If he were totally honest and said he groped and molested his sisters and someone else (and even if they said he was forgiven) then Anna and her parents were crazy for getting involved with the Duggars.

1. She said that he told her the truth. Not "he told me most of the truth" or "he gave me a vague idea." She said that he sat down with her and her family and told them what happened.

2. He confessed in front of his elders, attended a Gothard approved camp, etc all for these actions. I highly doubt he'd go through all of that and then lie about it to his intended wife.

3. I'm fairly certain that, even in their circle, divorce would be on the table if it he had lied about it. The Duggars wouldn't have risked it, especially since it seems like it was fairly common knowledge in the area (InTouch was apparently tipped off by the lesbians who kissed outside the Duggar home, and those people didn't even directly know the Duggars).

4. As someone pointed out on one of the Josh admits threads, people in their culture are taught that you should forgive someone for any wrong doing provided they found Jesus because you don't want to hold something against them if Jesus had forgiven them. The Kellers would have forgiven Josh for his transgressions because of that. However, that Anna is "an innocent person" because she followed her beliefs. The Kellers and/or Anna could have walked away at any time before the marriage for much less than what he admitted to have done. I've heard of courtships called off because people held hands without permission. Purity is bigger than forgiveness in their culture.

5. Even if he didn't tell her the whole story, she still stood by him knowing he molested SOMEONE. The fact that he molested his sisters adds another level of disgust to the whole picture, but he still victimized people and she still stood by him regardless.

[Imrlgoddess]

1. She said that he told her the truth. Not "he told me most of the truth" or "he gave me a vague idea." She said that he sat down with her and her family and told them what happened.

2. He confessed in front of his elders, attended a Gothard approved camp, etc all for these actions. I highly doubt he'd go through all of that and then lie about it to his intended wife.

3. I'm fairly certain that, even in their circle, divorce would be on the table if it he had lied about it. The Duggars wouldn't have risked it, especially since it seems like it was fairly common knowledge in the area (InTouch was apparently tipped off by the lesbians who kissed outside the Duggar home, and those people didn't even directly know the Duggars).

4. As someone pointed out on one of the Josh admits threads, people in their culture are taught that you should forgive someone for any wrong doing provided they found Jesus because you don't want to hold something against them if Jesus had forgiven them. The Kellers would have forgiven Josh for his transgressions because of that. However, that Anna is "an innocent person" because she followed her beliefs. The Kellers and/or Anna could have walked away at any time before the marriage for much less than what he admitted to have done. I've heard of courtships called off because people held hands without permission. Purity is bigger than forgiveness in their culture.

5. Even if he didn't tell her the whole story, she still stood by him knowing he molested SOMEONE. The fact that he molested his sisters adds another level of disgust to the whole picture, but he still victimized people and she still stood by him regardless.

[nst]

If the fifth victim is actually suing because it all came out - and it brings up stuff in her - good for her

Maybe it's not easy to easily forgive as the sisters have

and maybe that's why Jill is also leaving - she has had enough

this I think will end the show entirely

and I bet JB will settle out of court - but by then it should be too late

[Handmaiden of Dog]

A couple of weeks ago there was a rumor going around that the owner (not necessarily the writer) of the original letter in book was trying to flog the letter to the media. I wonder what happened with that. I think there is a possibility that the person who had the letter got offers but then gave first refusal to JB. If JB did buy the letter we will never know, and the letter's contents and origin will always remain a mystery.

[SpoonfulOSugar]

I understand completely what you are saying. Also the filing of this lawsuit would "out" her as a victim and she would be thrust into the public eye. I would say it is for compensation for any mental anguish she has under gone by the actions of Josh. Why she chose now to come out is irrelevant to me.. if she is seeking compensation she is completely in her right and I will not stand in judgement of her for that. If it is to nail the coffin closed on the Duggar brand, well, now might be the time she finally feels like she has the power to do so. Remember, for years the Duggars were pretty powerful people in that little corner of Arkansas, she may not have felt like she could take on the whole Duggar entourage. Now that they are quickly becoming public black sheep, she may finally feel like this her opportunity to seek some redemption.

It is possible to file a suit under a pseudonym. (I read a case recently where the plaintiffs were all different "*oes" = Joe, Goe, Poe with same letter first names. So Jenny Joe, Prissy Poe, etc.) The right to privacy isn't necessarily waived by filing.

[OodOnTheLoo]

What I wonder is why sue now? If the other victim is not fundy why did she wait? She could have brought this all down at any point? If she is fundy, why sue? Unless it is for money and now is the best time to get it (they won't be getting any richer at this point).

Maybe because the Duggars are lying through their teeth about the incident and how it affected her. She wouldn't have to have left fundyville to sue. She could be horrified by the way the Duggars handled this and wants the truth to come out.

She is already being accused of only seeking money by the leghumpers who are already citing the story the Duggars shared with FOX news. Curious because we don't even know what she is seeking. It might just be to have the truth come out. As for. Me, I hope the truth comes out and JimBob has to part with some of his millions.

It will be interesting to see if Jim Bob parts with money or the truth first. If he has nothing to hide let it go to court. If he is about to be exposed he might want to just hand over the money.

[justoneoftwo]

It is possible to file a suit under a pseudonym. (I read a case recently where the plaintiffs were all different "*oes" = Joe, Goe, Poe with same letter first names. So Jenny Joe, Prissy Poe, etc.) The right to privacy isn't necessarily waived by filing.

What? Were these minors? If not all you would have to do was show that Josh did not molest Poe, a person who does not exist. I could be wrong, but that sounds crazy and I've never heard of it, so can I ask what your source is?

[GreaterFitness]

Something that no one has mentioned yet...The first thing I thought when I read this was "What strings will JB pull this time?" He seems to have connections with EVERYONE in Arkansas. The judge destroyed the report, the child porn cop never followed through with an investigation and according to IN TOUCH local officers were paid off-duty to guard Josh when he came back home from DC. I hate the thought of victim #5 going through what she already has, having the guts to potentially file a civil suit against this awful family and then having a judge/lawyers/officers act as JB's puppets.

Side Note-My thoughts on why she is coming forward now: I think it makes sense that she "blocked it out" and pushed the molestation to the back of her head for some reason (being fundie, parents, the Duggars pressuring her, personal reasons, etc) and most likely got similar "treatment" as the other victims (or none at all) or maybe she actually did get real help. Whatever the case may be for her, she now has this come out to the public and plastered all over the news and magazines. She can't escape it and that in itself is traumatic and it is all at the hands of Josh, JB and Michelle. I can't imagine having to go through what she went through then and what she is battling now with everything out in the public. Contrary to what Jill and Jessa (I've met them both and Jessa is definitely the dismissive and stuck-up snot she appeared to be during the Kelly interview) believe, this is all the fault of the Duggars who knew, the elders and law enforcement. ALL of the victims who are eligible should sue. If this is true (please say it is!) then I applaud victim #5. She would be the only voice in this situation that lets other victims know that this is not ok-over clothes, during sleep, and any other way all the Duggars try to make it out to be.

[marieantoinette]

I have a feeling that the 5th victim is possibly suing because of their lies and minimizing. And maybe thisperson ssaw how the rest of the world reacted and finally realizes "wait a minute, I didn't get justice, I was coerced to forgive even though I was still hurting, now this greedy family is trying to downplay what happened to me to save their millions, now this isn't fair and sitting here letting Jessa tell the world that I have forgiven and forgotten is not right. I need to stand up for other victims by seeking out justice because the Duggars clearly have no remorse and think they're above the law. " at least, that's why I wish it would happen. That would be my thinking behind it.

[OodOnTheLoo]

Something that no one has mentioned yet...The first thing I thought when I read this was "What strings will JB pull this time?" He seems to have connections with EVERYONE in Arkansas. The judge destroyed the report, the child porn cop never followed through with an investigation and according to IN TOUCH local officers were paid off-duty to guard Josh when he came back home from DC. I hate the thought of victim #5 going through what she already has, having the guts to potentially file a civil suit against this awful family and then having a judge/lawyers/officers act as JB's puppets.

Side Note-My thoughts on why she is coming forward now: I think it makes sense that she "blocked it out" and pushed the molestation to the back of her head for some reason (being fundie, parents, the Duggars pressuring her, personal reasons, etc) and most likely got similar "treatment" as the other victims (or none at all) or maybe she actually did get real help. Whatever the case may be for her, she now has this come out to the public and plastered all over the news and magazines. She can't escape it and that in itself is traumatic and it is all at the hands of Josh, JB and Michelle. I can't imagine having to go through what she went through then and what she is battling now with everything out in the public. Contrary to what Jill and Jessa (I've met them both and Jessa is definitely the dismissive and stuck-up snot she appeared to be during the Kelly interview) believe, this is all the fault of the Duggars who knew, the elders and law enforcement. ALL of the victims who are eligible should sue. If this is true (please say it is!) then I applaud victim #5. She would be the only voice in this situation that lets other victims know that this is not ok-over clothes, during sleep, and any other way all the Duggars try to make it out to be.

I hope JimBob tries it. I hope people like the Huckabees try to do business as usual and that it is exposed to the whole world. Please, please, please let this be true.

[Alexa]

Wow, this will be interesting to watch and see what unfolds. Wonder if TLC will have to cancel now?

[lascuba]

Another reason she might be suing now is because the molestation is public. It would be one thing for the victim to make it public herself by suing---the assumption by many would be that she's lying. But she had nothing to do with the outing, In Touch investigated and procured the police records to prove it, the Duggars dug that hole deeper with the interview, the family has lost a lot of respect and many media outlets are keeping their distance from them...people can't blame her for the family's fall from grace. In a lawsuit the public will be much more likely to see her as a victim of Josh Duggar and not the mercenary hussy who ruined the wholesome image they thought was real.

[imjustasteph]

As far as complete speculation on why the victim might come forward now, maybe she's been dealing with it for ages, and she has all these feelings of uncleanliness because she's been taught all that, and would have taken action at any time, BUT, maybe she believe that she had no recourse.

Maybe she was told it had been handled, and only now learned that it hadn't.

Maybe she was told nobody would believe her, and now somebody will.

Maybe she was told that there was no recourse, that he didn't break any laws. Maybe she was told that touching over clothes was only a sin, not a crime, or that doing it at 15 isn't a crime, or any number of other things, and now that it's public she learned she was lied to.

My wildest hope, as far as her identity?

I hope she's a dude. I hope they had a dude babysitting before they learned that boys weren't allowed to take care of girls, and that all references to her as a girl are lies, and that the dude who has been screaming about how evil teh geys are got caught comparing chest hairs or something. Heck, I hope they're lying about it being a babysitter, and it was a dude who spent the night in fellowship with them or something.

[MatthewDuggar]

Something that no one has mentioned yet...The first thing I thought when I read this was "What strings will JB pull this time?" He seems to have connections with EVERYONE in Arkansas.

True, but I really think it's getting to the point where people are starting to know better than to associate with anything "Duggar" anymore. He may have connections up the ass, but I have a feeling not too many people are going to want to pull anymore strings for these cockroaches.

[MichellesCrunchyHair]

True, but I really think it's getting to the point where people are starting to know better than to associate with anything "Duggar" anymore. He may have connections up the ass, but I have a feeling not too many people are going to want to pull anymore strings for these cockroaches.

...unless of course JB has something on all of them. I don't think he's above blackmail.

[nelliebelle1197]

Something that no one has mentioned yet...The first thing I thought when I read this was "What strings will JB pull this time?" He seems to have connections with EVERYONE in Arkansas. The judge destroyed the report, the child porn cop never followed through with an investigation and according to IN TOUCH local officers were paid off-duty to guard Josh when he came back home from DC. I hate the thought of victim #5 going through what she already has, having the guts to potentially file a civil suit against this awful family and then having a judge/lawyers/officers act as JB's puppets.

Side Note-My thoughts on why she is coming forward now: I think it makes sense that she "blocked it out" and pushed the molestation to the back of her head for some reason (being fundie, parents, the Duggars pressuring her, personal reasons, etc) and most likely got similar "treatment" as the other victims (or none at all) or maybe she actually did get real help. Whatever the case may be for her, she now has this come out to the public and plastered all over the news and magazines. She can't escape it and that in itself is traumatic and it is all at the hands of Josh, JB and Michelle. I can't imagine having to go through what she went through then and what she is battling now with everything out in the public. Contrary to what Jill and Jessa (I've met them both and Jessa is definitely the dismissive and stuck-up snot she appeared to be during the Kelly interview) believe, this is all the fault of the Duggars who knew, the elders and law enforcement. ALL of the victims who are eligible should sue. If this is true (please say it is!) then I applaud victim #5. She would be the only voice in this situation that lets other victims know that this is not ok-over clothes, during sleep, and any other way all the Duggars try to make it out to be.

For the millionth time - the duggars are not well connected in Arkansas -they know a couple former politicians. No judge destroyed evidence. It is time to get over that one.

[Sundaymorning]

If this is true, I hope that those fundie/Gothard/"traditional value" folks will finally get exposed to the public.

If a lawsuit would bring Gothard and his buddies down for good, the collateral damage will be worth it.