The parents of Kendra Duggar have publicly addressed the arrest of their son-in-law, Joseph Duggar, expressing heartbreak over the situation and voicing strong support for the alleged victim.
In a statement shared on social media, Paul and Christina Caldwell said they were "troubled and heartbroken" by the allegations, which accuse Duggar of sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl in 2020. The couple emphasized their concern for the victim, who is now 14, describing her as courageous and affirming their continued support and prayers for her well-being.
"Our family is both troubled and heartbroken over the alleged actions committed by our son-in-law," the statement read. "We are devastated for the young girl... We stand by her, both in support and prayer, and forever will."
The development marks a rare public response from within the extended Duggar family network, which rose to prominence through the TLC series 19 Kids and Counting. 19 Kids and Counting followed the lives of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their 19 children before being canceled amid previous family scandals.
Kendra Duggar, who married Joseph in 2017, is the daughter of the Caldwells. Her father, Paul Caldwell, previously served as a pastor at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Reports indicate that the Duggar and Caldwell families have longstanding ties, including shared church connections and past living arrangements. However, tensions reportedly emerged in recent years, with accounts suggesting a falling out between Paul Caldwell and Jim Bob Duggar around 2020.
The case has also brought renewed attention to the Duggar family's history, including the 2021 conviction of Josh Duggar on charges related to child sexual abuse materials, which led to the cancellation of the family's television programs.
As the legal process unfolds, the Caldwells' statement underscores a clear priority: standing with the alleged victim while navigating the personal and public fallout of the case
