Joseph Duggar's criticizes him for his shameful actions.
‘Sickening’: Amy Duggar King Reacts to Joseph Duggar Arrest Allegations
April 1 2026, Published 1:45 p.m. ET
Earlier this month, reality TV star Joseph Duggar was arrested for allegedly molesting an underage girl. Authorities took him into custody immediately after his confession, releasing his mugshots.
His cousin, Amy Duggar King, spoke out following the arrest. She expressed no surprise at his actions, labeling him another predator from the family system.
Amy Duggar King Lashes Out Against Joseph Duggar
In an exclusive PEOPLE statement, Amy Duggar King voiced anger over the allegations against her cousin. She said they left her "sickened, heartbroken and deeply angry," offering thoughts and prayers for the victim and family.
Joseph Duggar confessed to his crimes to the authorities.
She praised the now 14-year-old victim for her courage in coming forward about Joseph's alleged actions. "That bravery deserves to be honored above all else," Duggar King said.
She has long advocated for truth, accountability, and child protection, even against family. "Family ties should never equal automatic trust or access, especially when it comes to the safety of children," the 39-year-old emphasized.
Duggar King has worked to break the conservative cycle of secrecy in both her extended and immediate family.
She added, "My boundaries are in place for a reason, and I have used my voice to expose the darkness and advocate for the protection of children." She expressed sympathy for Joseph Duggar's wife as she navigates the situation.
Amy Duggar King concluded, "I'm praying for eyes to be opened and above all, I pray that justice will be served to the fullest."
Amy Duggar King Isn’t Surprised By Joseph Duggar’s Arrest
In the same PEOPLE report, Amy Duggar King said she was not surprised by her cousin's arrest for allegedly molesting a 9-year-old girl. Though initially shocked by the allegations, she viewed it as another "alleged predator" emerging from the family's toxic system.
In a separate statement on the Dillard Family Blog, Joseph's sister Jill Duggar Dillard publicly condemned his actions. The family expressed being "shocked and heartbroken" upon learning of the arrest through a friend, supporting the rule of law while standing with the victim.