Joshley Madison: 2 Sex Scandals and Counting

[karen77]

I didn't mean that comment in relation to you-- just to the person giving him aaaaaaaaaall the leghumps because he did the right thing by owning up when he was kind of forced to do so. :)

Oh, i know, I was just putting it out there, I'm sure no one here has every taken me as an LH :)

[withaj]

I will never, ever be impressed by Josh, but I am relieved that this is the way he has chosen to respond to these revelations. Like many of you, I am pleasantly surprised by the directness with which he opened his statement. And I am glad that Jim Bob and Michelle kept it short.

I agree that logically, he didn't really have any other choice in how to handle this -- but logic is not something the Duggars are particularly recognized for. Obviously this does not redeem him, but I am glad he is accepting it. And I am not at all surprised that he did not cop to this in May -- as I said before, he's too arrogant to have believed he ever would have been caught, so why would he have put himself even more in the doghouse?

[December]

Screen grab in case it gets edited

We also know from this that Josh did NOT confess his sins in May when Joshgate1 hit.

Josh's part of the statement seems much less Jesus-y than the one from the last scandal. This whole statement seems much less flowery. Perhaps they realize that not even their hardcore fans will look the other way on this scandal. There's no question whether what he did this time was wrong or his choice -- it's a horrible thing. At least he admitted it now though, even if he does seem largely to blame the porn for leading to cheating?

Fingers crossed that Joshgate2 might lead to some soul-searching among the older Duggar children (I assume JB & M are too far gone). Surely some of them might finally see these scandals as evidence that their religion didn't protect Josh from offending, didn't manage to rehabilitate him when he did, and that all the family values claims in the world didn't stop him from cheating on his wife. Here's hoping they all get the help they need, and deserve.

[goldfishgoddess]

Josh says, "I brought hurt and a reproach to my family, close friends and the fans of our show with my actions that happened when I was 14-15 years old, and now I have re-broken their trust."

SCREW his family, close friends and fans of the show. He has mostly brought hurt and reproach to his wife, ANNA, who has never put a foot out of place.

I really think the Duggars will surround Anna with love and support, as well as the M Kids. Josh needs to go away to some sexual addiction clinic for a few months where they will kick his ass night and day for his addictions and his arrogance. Let's hope Ma and Pa Duggar can pay for this, rather than Josh. I am sure his wife and kids need the money more than Jim Bob.

[JenniferJuniper]

I hate to admit it, but this is a surprisingly good--that is to say straightforward and normal- response. He actually manned up and admitted that HE was to blame and that the victims in this case are his wife and family. Still having a hard time with his "actions as a 14-15 year old"

Those "actions" have a name: MOLESTATION

Interesting that he brought up porn. That hasn't leaked yet, but he may be seeing that one coming and thought he'd better fess up. He knows FJ will have a What's your Duggar porn name? thread.

Someone gave him some good advice. Deal with it head-on.

But, hey Duggars? Don't let the screen door hit you on the way out.

[Cleopatra7]

STATEMENT IS UP!

duggarfamily.com/michelles-blog?ID=651536de-8b7d-4525-afb0-3f525bc390e1

As usual, Josh managed to completely dodge the question at hand. He's notapology is babbling on about internet pornography, without saying a thing about his AM or OkCupid profiles, which is what the scandal is actually about (he said he was "unfaithful," which in ATI-speak could mean anything from viewing the porn itself to actual sex). At least he admits to being a hypocrite, which is a start. I don't like giving up on someone who's only 27, but I wonder if Josh will ever really learn from his mistakes. JM and Michelle must be furious with him, so maybe this will be the instance that causes them to wash their hands of him.

[Wingnut]

Wow. I am stunned that there is no real spin attempt. Maybe he will find his big boy panties someday.

And to From The Bible Belt - I just want to say that while I agree with the responses that followed your post what struck me most was how insightful and compassionate your son is for such a young age. You must be very proud of him. :)

[memabelle]

While we can all hope that all these Josh scandals being revealed might make some of the older kids realize the need to escape from this cult, this latest scandal could be blamed on Josh's foray into the "real world" of DC and politics and being away from the family...being around all that sin and all those heathens, of course Josh stumbled! (Not my logic - possibly theirs). It could cause everyone to lock down and dig in to the cult even deeper...

[luv2laugh]

I think his statement was honest this time because I really think he's afraid either Anna's going to leave him over it OR that JB will cut him off now that he's unemployed. I agree with whoever said JB was probably popping veins screaming mad. They are finally ready to throw him under the bus to salvage any respect for their family left.

JB & MICHELLE ADDED A STATEMENT!!! HERE IT IS

Statement from Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar:

Please see the statement below from our son Josh regarding recent media stories about him. When we learned of this late last night our hearts were broken. As we continue to place our trust in God we ask for your prayers for Josh, Anna, our grandchildren and our entire family.

[Sundaymorning]

However, one thing about this statement greatly bugs me: the fundies always try to spin that watching porn surely leads to cheating. That is simply not true. Just because someone enjoys watching ebil porn (which I think is ok, as long as the actores are consenting adults), doesn't mean they are bound to commit adultery.

[formergothardite]

I have to stuff envelopes at work today. I am rewarding myself by viewing this thread after every x number of envelopes.

I wonder if the Duggars are going to try to spin this by starting an anti-porn ministry. Because trying to make themselves the authority on sexual abuse worked so well.

I can't tell if he is specifically admitting to cheating, or that the pornography addiction counts as being unfaithful.

I suspect he is giving himself a loophole here where he can later say that he never admitted to cheating with another women, what he meant was watching porn was being unfaithful to his wife. It reminded me of the "apology" Bill Gothard wrote where he seemed to be implying he did those things, but gave himself a way out that he could and did use at a later date.

[quiversR4hunting]

1. I hope Anna and kids go for a vacation to her sister's house - the ones out of ATI.

2. I really, really want to know how much editing or changing is being done on the TLC special that is to air next weekend. Will they be adding a segment cheating and supposed pious people?

[meg314]

Run Anna run!

[LainieR]

Josh needs to go away to some sexual addiction clinic for a few months where they will kick his ass night and day for his addictions and his arrogance. Let's hope Ma and Pa Duggar can pay for this, rather than Josh. I am sure his wife and kids need the money more than Jim Bob.

There ain't no rehab for being an asshole.

[GeoBQn]

I e-mailed the statement to my dad. He was not impressed that Josh was upset over disgracing Jesus "most of all"--over his wife and children.

[goldfishgoddess]

While we can all hope that all these Josh scandals being revealed might make some of the older kids realize the need to escape from this cult, this latest scandal could be blamed on Josh's foray into the "real world" of DC and politics and being away from the family...being around all that sin and all those heathens, of course Josh stumbled! (Not my logic - possibly theirs). It could cause everyone to lock down and dig in to the cult even deeper...

But Josh was caught watching internet porn while working for a political campaign some years ago. He's obviously been addicted to porn for a long time. And nothing done.

Sound familiar??

[SassyPants]

JB and M ARE furious because this time, as they were likely on the outside of the information too-

Last go around they knew and were intricately involved, I think this nugget might have caught them off guard, unless JB has some previous knowledge, which would not surprise me either.

[nokidsmom]

Dude, I sure would. I'd pay a pretty penny to know what's going on in the TTH.

I sort of would like to, but I bet being in that place would be like being in an asylum. Much raging (JB) and wailing (J'chelle). The kids all in hiding upstairs.

[Ahnka]

Well, a statement like that makes future findings less shocking.

I hate that he is blaming it on a pornography addiction- especially when the website in question is not about pornography per se, but actual hook ups. Way different ball game. But that answers the question that yes- there is likely paid memberships to pornography sites as well.

I'm also a little thrown by the 14-15 year old statement. I admit to falling off reading every single thread about the first scandal- but I thought poor Joshie didn't know any better with his siblings because he was so young (in the 12-13 year old range?) Not that it makes it ANY better, but there is a big difference between a 13 year old boy and a 15 year old boy- so either it didn't end when his parents said so, and he had a slip of the tongue- or at the age of 15 he should have been even less protected by his family for it. 15 for Josh puts Joy Anna at 6, not 4- so me thinks this went on a lot longer than we were led to believe (no surprise there).

He is a scumbag. If this falls back on Anna having to forgive him because he confessed- that is so f'd up I can't even think straight. WHAT A DOUCHE!

[Rachel333]

However, one thing about this statement greatly bugs me: the fundies always try to spin that watching porn surely leads to cheating. That is simply not true. Just because someone enjoys watching ebil porn (which I think is ok, as long as the actores are consenting adults), doesn't mean they are bound to commit adultery.

This is what bothers me. I feel like he's still just blaming this on porn, rather than fully owning up to what he has done.

[quiversR4hunting]

Which family or ATI member IG account will support him first? Dillards? Seawalds? Famy? Other?

He will be sent to JOTH one-on-one session with Gothard, not a real rehab place.

[LogansMama]

I e-mailed the statement to my dad. He was not impressed that Josh was upset over disgracing Jesus "most of all"--over his wife and children.

Am I missing something? How is your dad involved with this?

[luv2laugh]

I imagine that sh** totally hit the fan in that house last night. In JB & Michelle's statement they say they JUST found out last night and are heartbroken. I bet Anna was a totally distraught and devastated and JB was fuming angry. I bet that JB threatened to kick Josh out of the house if he didn't make a statement like that. I wonder if Josh will now be banished to the guest house for a little while...

[aggieluv17]

Seriously? One well-crafted statement very likely informed by a PR genius, and you are back to leghumping this asshole?

Assholes gonna be assholes. :cray-cray:

EDIT: Oh, and he didn't "own up." He got fucking caught. There is a world of difference between those two things.

I agree with you 100%. I'm calling bullshit on the whole thing. I'm sure PR helped him craft the perfect statement to get people to sympathize with him and forgive him.

I don't think he's sorry at all for what he did. He's only sorry that we found out. I mean, what else is he supposed to say or do? It's not like he can deny it when there is full blown proof right in front of us. He had no other choice than to make a statement admitting that he was wrong and trying to seek forgiveness through prayers knowing full well that people eat that stuff up. That doesn't mean anything in my eyes. Anyone can write a heartfelt statement and post it online but their actions will always speak way louder than their words. Yeah, whatever, good on him for admitting to his hypocrisy, but I have absolutely no sympathy for him (or for any other cheaters for that matter). :snooty:

Shame on Josh for cheating on his pregnant wife on multiple occasions.

[HerNameIsBuffy]

Seriously? One well-crafted statement very likely informed by a PR genius, and you are back to leghumping this asshole?

Assholes gonna be assholes. :cray-cray:

EDIT: Oh, and he didn't "own up." He got fucking caught. There is a world of difference between those two things.

I agree with all of it but the bolded needs to be stitched on a sampler.

And I personally think the pornography thing was deliberate to get all the leghumpers chasing after that demon ...look what it does to decent people... :ew:

I did like JB and Michelle's statement though. They couldn't be any more clear in pointing out this one is all him. I agree with whomever said upthread this reeks of a better PR team. No verbal handwringing, no nouns as verbs - nothing Duggar about JB and M's statement.

And for those who think the wording on cheated is ambiguous - no way. He absolutely physically (yuck) cheated. Because if he didn't this would be all about sins of the heart and mind and not of the flesh and all that other syrupy shit that oozes from these people. I'll go a step further and say I think if he'd been able to get an airtight NDA signed from the woman/women he'd have playing it like nothing physical happened. He has people out there who can talk so he came exactly as clean as he had to.