TLC pulls '19 Kids and Counting' after molestation reports
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - U.S. cable network TLC said on Friday it has pulled all episodes of "19 Kids and Counting," the long-running television reality show featuring a large Christian family, after reports surfaced that the eldest son had molested underage girls as a teen.
Josh Duggar, 27, the son, issued an apology Thursday and quit his job, but he did not directly address allegations reported by In Touch magazine and other websites.
"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," TLC said in a statement.
TLC, which is owned by Discovery Communications, did not say if it was planning to cancel the show.
The show chronicles the struggles and triumphs of the conservative family of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, in Arkansas. It has been on the air for 10 seasons since 2008.
Josh Duggar issued a statement Thursday saying he felt remorse for what he called "wrongdoing."
"Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends," he said in the statement, posted on the Duggar Family Facebook page.
Duggar also resigned from his job at the Family Research Council, a Christian lobbying group based in Washington, D.C.
(Reporting by Daina Beth Solomon; Writing by Mary Milliken; Editing by Steve Orlofsky and Leslie Adler)
