Making use of their joint Instagram account, the '19 Kids and Counting' stars dub 'Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets' both 'derogatory and sensationalized.'
- Jun 3, 2023
AceShowbiz - Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have publicly condemned "Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets", a new docuseries digging into their lives and beliefs. Making use of their joint Instagram account, the pair dubbed the Prime Video docuseries both "derogatory and sensationalized."
"The recent 'documentary' that talks about our family is sad because in it we see the media and those with ill intentions hurting people we love. Like other families, ours too has experienced the joys and heartbreaks of life, just in a very public format," the longtime couple said on Friday, June 2.
They added, "This 'documentary' paints so much and so many in a derogatory and sensationalized way because sadly that's the direction of entertainment these days." The "19 Kids and Counting" stars went on to note how they "have always believed that the best chance to repair damaged relationships, or to reconcile differences, is through love in a private setting."
They explained, "We love every member of our family and will continue to do all we can to have a good relationship with each one. Through both the triumphs and the trials we have clung to our faith all the more and discovered that through the love and grace of Jesus, we find strength, comfort, and purpose."
In response to the statement, Amy Duggar criticized her uncle and aunt. "News flash: If you would have gotten Josh the real, true help that he needed a long time ago - actual therapy - we wouldn't be in this mess," Amy said in an Instagram video. "Those beautiful girls wouldn't have so much to heal from. You are not a victim here. Stop playing the victim."
In the caption, meanwhile, Amy accused the pair of "gaslighting" as she wrote, "Anyone notice what seems like to me… gaslighting? The 'private settings' are what we are speaking up about!"
Involving Amy and her husband Dillon King, Jim's sister Deanna Jordan as well as Jill Duggar and her husband Derick Dillard, "Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets" explores the family's connection to IBLP, an organization established in 1961 by minister Bill Gothard that many claim "raises little predators" and "turned every father into a cult leader."
It also puts eldest Duggar child Josh Duggar as a focal point. The 35-year-old previously admitted to sexually abusing multiple young girls, including Jill and Jessa Duggar. He also cheated on wife Anna Duggar and was later sentenced to more than 12 years for receiving and possessing child sexual abuse materials.
