Lawyer reveals elder Duggar brother Josh’s 'sympathy' for Joseph Duggar after his arrest for child molestation charges

TRIGGER WARNING: This article includes references to sexual abuse.


Josh Duggar’s lawyer has spoken up after reports surfaced about Josh’s younger brother, Joseph Duggar, being accused of molesting a 9-year-old girl and being arrested based on the same allegation.

Josh Duggar’s reaction to Joseph Duggar’s arrest

This all comes nearly five years after Josh was found guilty of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material. Back in 2021, he was also accused of abusing five girls, including his sisters Jill and Jessa. Josh, now 38, is serving a 12-and-a-half-year sentence, with an expected release in August 2032.

After Joseph’s arrest, Josh’s attorney, Beau Brindley, told People that the brothers "have not been particularly close for some time, but their familial bond remains strong."

“Josh sympathizes with the suffering that comes from having your worst moments play out in public,” Brindley said. “He knows firsthand what it’s like to face public accusations, and he’s seen how the media can blow up his family’s private struggles.” Brindley made it clear Josh can’t comment on whether Joseph is guilty or innocent, but he believes no one should have their lowest moments splashed all over the internet for entertainment.

Joseph’s arrest made headlines after his jail intake video was released, showing him joking with a deputy about Josh’s conviction. When the officer asked if he’d ever been to the detention center, Joseph laughed and replied, “Not on this side.” He then mentioned that his brother was locked up doing “hard time,” without getting into details.

Joseph Duggar’s arrest: What happened?

Joseph, who’s 31, got arrested on March 18 and is facing charges of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 12, allegedly committed by someone over 18. Just two days later, prosecutors added more charges: four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of false imprisonment, all in the second degree.

Per People’s previous report, according to an affidavit from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Joseph admitted to molesting a 9-year-old girl during a phone call with the child’s father. Police say he confessed to touching the victim over her clothes and even admitted his intentions “were not pure.” The affidavit also includes details from a forensic interview with the girl, now 14, who described several occasions during a 2020 family trip to Panama City Beach when Joseph allegedly asked her to sit on his lap or beside him, covered them with a blanket, and then touched her thighs, moving closer to her waistline each time. She said his hand grazed her vagina, leaving her feeling uncomfortable and confused.

The affidavit says Joseph later apologized to the girl, and the incidents stopped after that.

On top of Joseph’s charges, his wife, Kendra is also facing four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of false imprisonment.

Joseph appeared in court in Arkansas on March 20 and waived his right to an extradition hearing, so he’ll be sent to Florida to face the charges. Kendra’s first hearing is set for March 23, with another scheduled for April 29.


DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, assault, or abuse, please seek immediate help. Reach out to a mental health specialist, NGO, or trusted individual. Several helplines are available to offer assistance.