Prepare to say goodbye to the TLC show “19 Kids and Counting.”
The family-centric reality show is being pulled from the network’s TV schedule one day after Josh Duggar issued an apology following molestation allegations, Page Six learned early Friday afternoon.
Later on Friday, the network confirmed that “effective immediately” the show would be pulled from the airwaves and also made its first official statement about the scandal, saying, “We are deeply saddened and troubled by this heartbreaking situation, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and victims at this difficult time.”
It’s unclear whether the network has made any permanent decisions regarding the show’s future, but information about the show remained on the network’s website as of Friday.
To much criticism, the network ran a “19 Kids and Counting” marathon, featuring several scenes with Josh, on Thursday amid the firestorm.
A bombshell In Touch magazine report revealed police documents alleging that Josh, now 27, molested five minor girls when he was a teenager.
Since news of Josh’s past made headlines, he has quit his position at the Family Research Council in Washington, DC.
Although there may be some fans upset that the TV show has been pulled, there is one major figure more than likely rejoicing at Friday’s news.
Former TLC star Mama June threatened to sue TLC if the network didn’t pull the show — claiming unfair treatment. “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” was canned in October after photos of Mama June and a convicted child molester hit the Internet.
“I read that the Duggar family said, this happening with their son brought them closer to God and each other,” Mama June told TMZ, essentially demanding that the show be nixed. “So they’re saying it’s OK to have family touch time? Hell no.”
Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee maintains his support for the father of three with a Facebook note. “They are no more perfect a family than a family, but their christian witness is not marred in our eyes because following Christ is not a declaration of our perfection, but of HIS perfection.”
More on the Duggar family:
