ESPN radio personality Tony Kornkeiser shared his thoughts on what the media is calling the "Duggar scandal" on The Tony Kornheiser Show. Tony is by no means a 19 Kids and Counting fan, but he weighed in on the situation in support of the Duggars.
"My sense of the Duggars is ... they are a very politically astute family," said Kornhesier.
The ESPN talk show host said he does does not condone Josh's behavior, but he admitted he does not understand why the tabloids are out to destroy his reputation over something that was dealt with 12 years ago.
"I'm not even sure that it's reasonable for this guy to be driven from his job," stated Kornhesier.
"Wasn't it addressed a while back? And the only reason he's quitting his job now is because ... it became public."
Kornheiser also made it clear that he does not agree with those accusing Josh of lying to viewers simply because he did not reveal his wrongdoings sooner. According to Kornheiser, the Duggars had the right to address the situation privately.
You don't have to go out and confess everything you have ever done to everyone in the world!" exclaims Kornheiser. He was a kid!"
"My sense of the Duggars is ... they are a very politically astute family," said Kornhesier.
The ESPN talk show host said he does does not condone Josh's behavior, but he admitted he does not understand why the tabloids are out to destroy his reputation over something that was dealt with 12 years ago.
"I'm not even sure that it's reasonable for this guy to be driven from his job," stated Kornhesier.
"Wasn't it addressed a while back? And the only reason he's quitting his job now is because ... it became public."
Kornheiser also made it clear that he does not agree with those accusing Josh of lying to viewers simply because he did not reveal his wrongdoings sooner. According to Kornheiser, the Duggars had the right to address the situation privately.
You don't have to go out and confess everything you have ever done to everyone in the world!" exclaims Kornheiser. He was a kid!"
Thank goodness someone is speaking out what I've always thought about this! I love the Duggar Family. God Bless you all, praying for ya'll.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same.
DeleteAmen!
DeleteCan i just say this.... does his wife and children have to suffer over a few mistakes their dad did as a CHILD himself. The duggars dont watch anything sexual. His hormones would have been all over the place and he would not have understood. I muself was abused as a child and now suffer from borderline personality thanks to that but i forgive josh and hope he can move on from this
DeleteIt's encouraging that more people understand what Christ did for us. Praying for all you Duggars. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
ReplyDeleteFinally, someone brought up the fact HE WAS A KID!!! If every kid who was sexually curious was put before an officer the line would be never ending. This was simply someone trying to hurt the Duggar family and they have succeeded! The matter was dealt with, it was a private matter and should have remained that way. Bringing up such hurtful past incidents only brings pain back to the forefront for everyone involved. Can this world not stop pointing out so quickly everyone else's sins and just focus on living right themselves!?! I myself am a victim of childhood sexual abuse but I stand behind the Duggars; even if you don't agree with all they do or are, they are some light in a dark viewing tv world. Praying for this family as well as praying for all of those condemning them. Kids make mistakes!!!
ReplyDeleteI love that. Yes he was kid and hes apologized.
DeleteAmen! 14 yr. Old kids do not make judgement calls! His parents did precisely what they should have, and more!! This is a good family who dealt with this bump privately.
DeleteThis is my opinion exactly. If it were anyone else all we would hear was how normal it is to experiment with siblings. This is absolutely nothing more than a witchhunt.
ReplyDeleteThis guy gets it!!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the statement "I'm not sure it is reasonable for this guy to be driven from his job". Can we get a contact for Family Research Council and other James Dobson organizations so we can remind them what the Gospel is: Sin - Repentance - Forgiveness. These are sad, sad days when even Christian evangelists flee from opportunities to present the gospel in a real way. I think thousands of lives would be changed if someone would just stand up and say: this guys sinned, but through the power and resurrection of Jesus Christ he is forgiven, made new, and you could be too!
ReplyDeleteYes yes yes!!!! Lets use this to share the gospel!!! Jesus came for the sick! He came to heal! He came to save!!!! He came to change hearts!
DeleteI'm sorry you have to go through this not once but twice. My heart goes out to your family. I love watching you and your family grow and hope they put you back on the air.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry your family is being victimized like this in the media and online.Jesus is a God of Restoration.Although, I don't all things were handled exactly the way they probably should have.I do know,we can learn from our mistakes.And all have fallen short in the site of God.So this visious attack going on just really upsets me.But Jesus told us to consider it a privilege if we are persecuted for His name sake.Truly,I think that's what's going on.The enemy is the accuser of the brethren.He loves to point out our short comings.I am praying for you all to stand strong.Lord strengthen this family's courage and resolve.I enjoy watching the show.And especially seeing how the kids are starting homes of their own.Bless you and keep your chins up.
ReplyDeleteYes. Thank you. This incident should never have been allowed to come to light. Records for minors are supposed to be sealed.
ReplyDeleteIt was dealt with appropriately.
All the uproar is only because they are Christian and the world is against anything Christian right now.
May God bless them all.
He was never charged therefore no sealed record
DeleteI'm sorry but I do not agree with that statement. Yes Josh was a kids but at that age you know what is right and what is wrong.
ReplyDeletemy resolution after all this passes, i will follow the ALL the Duggar family in whatever platform they the choose to shine their light.
ReplyDeleteHe was a kid is right!!! It was a family problem for the family to handle not to be exposed to everyone and hurt all the family again.
ReplyDeleteExactly!!!
DeleteTony is absolutely right!
ReplyDeleteI don't see why they are making a big deal about it if he apologized for it. He was like 12 years old when he did it. He is now 27 and they sent him to rehab so he could do some hardwork and think about what he did. Im not on anyones side but they sould not cancel it because it was a long time ago.
ReplyDelete_,stacie
I believe most people would try dealing with this as a family. I don't think most parents would immediately call the authorities. To my understanding it was not rape it was fondling. Not condoning that either but it's not as damaging to the victims. I also respect the fact that Josh is taking responsibility for what he did. Dr Drew said he will still have the same issues but I believe he is wrong. He called them a cult because they chose to have 19 kids. So many people with such harsh opinions. A lot of them have been victims and are lashing out because of their own experience. Again to my knowledge they were not raped. I pray the public will not try to destroy this family.
ReplyDeleteI agree your this post
ReplyDeleteI so agree with this guys opinion.
ReplyDeleteSomeone needs to do something! I asked about a petition being set up and anyone who wants to by Lily and Ellie they can sign! Well I thought it was a good idea.
ReplyDeleteBut if we could do anything to help Lily and Ellie just post something and we will comment!
-B
We absolutely do agree with Mr. kornheiser's oppinion of is situation. Josh was a KID when all this happened. No one is saying excuse the entire thing but there has to be forgiveness at some point.
ReplyDeleteTo continue to blast the Duggars for something he has tried to atone for is ludicrous. Jesus forgave us for our sins which were far greater so we should follow that example and do the same.
Man has turned into an animal taking delight in hating and finding fault. It's time for all of us to follow the high road and live a better life. TLC is bending to pressure that Satan has put on this family. Our prayers are with you Josh and we stand behind the Duggar family with forgiveness taught to us by the bible and by God. Hope that the darkness will end soon for this family.
Our thoughts are with you. Hang in there as God will always win out.
what happened to confession, repentance, forgiveness, and redemption??? I think FRC missed it BIG time.... what an incredible example to show the world for a Christian organization !!! THEY MISSED IT!!! Not condoning what he did, but I agree that most families would handle this within their family... hopefully getting good counsel... especially since he was 14!
ReplyDelete@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteJosh was 14/15, not 12, which is not a "kid." He was a teenager who was certainly taught better. he knew what he was doing was wrong or it would not have been done in the dark of nigh! And regardless of how long ago it was for all of us, it can seem like yesterday for the victims. Hopefully Josh is healed and so are these young girls. I really believe it is time for this family to get off TV and heal.
- I am sure there are people who have done similar things out in various places in the world who have paid attention to this and who don't feel that they are so beyond the reach of a good God.
ReplyDeleteChristianity is about Love and forgiveness.
ReplyDeleteI love the Duggars, no one is perfect
ReplyDeleteI am so sick of this... we need to do something for the Duggars... My gosh... Im ashamed of TLC... I think they are just afraid of that woman from honeybooboo... how can they even be compared.. that is what they get for doing trash shows... they should be standing up for the Duggars... if all the sponsors keep pulling out their support.. they should all fail. I love you Duggers.. I am so sorry that this ugliness is going on. Remember.. sadly people like to see people fail... remember all the people that love you.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteNO ONE, on an absolute basis no one is perfect. We try to be BETTER but no one is PERFECT. That is a good starting point for the discussion.
Having gone through something similar in my life, I wish I would have had the family support like the Duggers. It would have made things a lot simpler. I pray for the family and all involved. I thank God they have a great support group in each other. A matter such as this should not be made a public spectacle. This world chooses not to understand the love of Christ and that he died and rose again for such a thing as this. Its hard enough to forgive yourself, its even harder when the whole world is shaming you. God bless the Duggers!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's sad that the public & the media have chosen to make this family the bad guy. I think that the "situation" was handled as well as most parents would have. To the parents out there...honestly would you have handled it any differently? This family stands for good family values, solid faith....why do some people have to feel threatened by that & do their best to find something wrong with this family?? The "situation" was handled the best they knew how, let's move on. Stop trying to shine an ugly light on this family....we could ALL learn several lessons from them!! I admire them in the way they have raised their family with strong values & a strong faith!! Prayers be with you Duggars....hopefully the dust will settle & things can get back to somewhat normal.
ReplyDeleteI agree..... he was a kid and the family has handled this biblically. we need no explanation. praying for the Duggar family.
ReplyDeleteI agree 100% too. I've been watching this show since it was "14 Kids and counting" and love the family and values. This is what the world hates today. This was a private family matter that was taken care of and should have never been put out, nobody's business but that families! But, that is what sells papers, My advice to them is to stay faithful and the Lord will work it all out for good. I sure hope you will be back on, I look forward to your show every week. God Bless you all and I will keep you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteHello, Yes he was a kid and he did say he was sorry, but abuse is still a crime, no matter what age it is.
ReplyDeleteand no one is allow to touch anyone at all, No matter what age it is, NO one
Unwanted touching is not allow, at all. No is allow to touch anyone at all, abuse is not allowed,.
He was a kid! TLC should not cancel the show, but use this opportunity to show that families and individuals can heal from serious and damaging mistakes.
ReplyDeleteAs a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, my heart is heavy for the girls involved. Having it bought up in public must be truly horrible ! Yes, what happened to you counts! It matters! It must hurt to hear it debated over, although I'm sure your being shielded from most of it! I don't know where you are in your journey of healing, I hope you are not set back to far! My abusers never owned what they'd down, never apologized, never got help for me or themselves. It wouldn't make it go away or make it any less devastating but I wonder how much it would have helped if they did. I'm still on the journey of forgiveness, so I can be free, so I don't live in bitterness.
ReplyDeleteI can't help but wonder what message is being sent by the media, unfortunately, I think it's this, to the perpetrators :-don't tell, don't tell what your doing in the dark, in secret, don't reach out for help because it might become public, you may never be able to have a job, never be successful, you'll be hated for ever, treated badly. Is this the message to send to our children, to our teens, to our sons and daughters who may have done something really bad too? Because it happens in lots of homes, regardless of race, religion, and financial standing. And to the victims:- don't tell, don't speak of what's been done in the dark, in secret, don't reach out for help because it will become public, to be thrown in your face by insensitive reporters, who only care about ratings, not about your heart that is been torn to shreds again! Don't talk about the person you love but is/has done bad things to you, because you'll hurt them, ruin their future. Is that the message you want your sons and daughters to get? Really, please think about, because that is the message that most will get !
He was a kid! He was wrong but he was a kid. His parents dealt with it. Maybe not the way the current lynch mobs would have done. He certainly did not go unpunished. I watch their show and I don't recall them saying they are perfect. They had a curious kid who went about things all wrong and hurt some girls in the process. It was 12 years ago. I don't recall Josh saying he was perfect either. And his family is not required to tell the world everything that happens because they are on tv. Unless inappropriate sexual behavior was a question on his job application he should not have been required to quit his job either. There are not reports of this behavior as an adult are there? I wish Josh and Anna courage and strength through this ordeal.
ReplyDeleteYes, he was a kid and yes, at that age he should have known right from wrong. But he is human like the rest of us. We are all imperfect. What matters is weather or not he learned from his mistakes and has grown to better himself.
ReplyDeleteDuggar Family, you have warmed my heart and been excellent examples for all the world!
ReplyDeleteRomans 8:28 - Good will come out of this for the Duggar family. Keep loving the Lord and live according to His will.
ReplyDeleteSupporting and praying for this family.
ReplyDeleteI I wouldn't' t have said any thing either.HOW WOULD YOU BRING THATUP IN A CONVERSATION.. BY THE WAY WHEN I WAS A KID I did this NOBODY DOES THAT.This is a private matter only for the people it involved.. Not the magazines , not the reporters.I THINK THEY SHOULD SUE THE PEOPLE THAT RELEASED THIS.
ReplyDeleteWhy did TLC take such a good show off air because of what a kid did 12years ago if they have worst shows in the channel that are not useful, that why I am not going to watch the channel anymore, from Puerto Rico.
ReplyDeleteI love your show and still do. I look forward to seeing your show return with Josh and his family in it. They are all a part of a very nice family .
ReplyDeleteI love the Duggars, I love watching the show and watching as each child is growing up and maturing and starting families of their own. I pray that TLC will come to there senses and that the Duggars will continue to allow us to watch their families.
ReplyDeleteRomans 3:9
[ All Have Sinned ] What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.
How can people expect God to forgive one sin and not another...How can people think that their sin was less of a sin then anyone else's. When God sees sin it is just sin...there is no difference to him. When we ask forgiveness he is faithful to forgive. Josh was just a kid and ALL kids get curious. I am praying for God's will with your family, and I pray we get to keep watching as your family grows... Sending blessings and love to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
@Janet Li went directly to their site and left my comment. in a nut shell, who ever dug this crap up had to have gotten paid,, Hope that person chokes on it!!
ReplyDeleteI pray for the sisters. I do love and support them so much. I want the show to go on for them.
ReplyDeleteHe was a kid. He was not charged. If it was anyone else NOONE would have know. It is between him, the others involved and GOD!!
ReplyDeleteThe secular world does not understand repentance and forgiveness.
ReplyDeleteThe show should stay with everyone on it especially Josh. Please sign my petition I have for Josh Duggar it's on YouTube just search bring josh duggar back it's about a 1:17 video by Laurie W. P please show that you support Josh!! I'm praying for all the duggars!
ReplyDeleteI agree, he was a minor. It does not mean what he did wasn't wrong. Why punish him again? He has to live with his mistakes. Did he not apologize to those he hurt? Did they not accept his apology. The media and public will make more than needs to be made. I enjoyed the show. It was a good family show without all the violence and immorality. They are not a perfect family. They did what they felt was right at the time. We get so busy judging people, we forget we have made mistakes in our lives. And yes, many have made the worse mistakes and have been forgiven by God and those they hurt. I think the media and public need to stop the whys and what ifs and let the family heal. I for one want the show back on. I may not agree with all their views, but it was a clean family show.
ReplyDeletethe one responsible for this is allowed to retire on the money she made, she needs to be made an example of. my thoughts are with her victims
ReplyDeleteI agree this is a bit late and wonder why it was even mentioned. This was when he was a young teenager. I would understand the outrage if this happened recently but it was 12 years ago. Keep to your beliefs. Scripture states, let he who has not sinned cast the first stone. I love your show and your family. God Bless, I will be praying for your family.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous he admitted his sin, he repented, he asked for forgiveness, he got help, he IS forgiven. The girls got help as well. It is disgusting that the media re-victimized the girls !!!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering how the sisters feel about what Josh done to them?? Josh was 12 yrs old, he was old enough to know better. Nothing has been said about the sisters dont they matter in this situation? Loved watching the show,but now i dont know how i feel towards Josh. How does his wife feel? did she know before they were married?
ReplyDeleteI support the Duggars, including Josh. It is so great to watch the shows with all the reruns than to watch things like Sister Wives, Honey Boo Boo or Long Island Medium. Give us our show back Please! God will have the last say in this and I know he loves all the Duggars. What Josh did was very wrong, but how many of us has not been guilty of what he did or worse. Only in being sorry and receiving forgiveness is things made right before God.
ReplyDeleteSaying "he was a kid" sounds good on the surface. But how about if it was your daughter abused by a "kid". What about the duggar daughters that were hurt during this situation? I'm sure they dont feel as wonderful about saying well he was a kid. I read the police report from InTouch, one of the girls ran out of the room crying. She was HURT from this. She is being re victimized and we should not cover up josh's actions. That is unfair to the girls. However, Josh can be forgiven and obviously the girls forgave him but I really dont like when people cover it up and act like its no big deal
ReplyDeleteThe comment was made he was 14 and that isn't a kid it's a teenager and should know right from wrong.
ReplyDeleteI raised 2 kids both boys and they knew right from wrong but that doesn't mean they always practiced it.
And let me assure you 14 is a kid.
Also dragging this up to have everyone gossip and laugh about has got to be a nightmare for the girls involved with this. What happened to records being sealed on minors?
Records are only sealed if charged. Josh wasnt charged.
DeletePlease don't cancel they are such good people!!! It was like 10 years ago it was dealt with and should be forgotten!!! Yes,it was wrong but, he apologized! Please please please don't cancel!!:(
ReplyDeleteIf God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. I have no doubt that their strong faith will bring them together as a family. I pray that their loyal crew members are receiving support too as they also have been impacted. I loved watching a show that NEVER had to be bleeped or censured in any way, such an oddity now. I certainly hope they return and are not afraid to continue to share their lives. God bless each and every family member and each and every crew member. You are in my prayers. Cyndi (sorry, don't know how to "comment as" with my name.
ReplyDeleteRemember everyone, these kids still in the home are very sheltered. It's not very likely they even know that the world is going crazy over this news. I'm sure their parents have the computers on lockdown, and we know they don't watch TV. I don't think I've ever seen a newspaper or magazine in the home. And they don't go to school or to a large church, so I think/hope/pray they won't be hurt by hearing gossip about this. The girls and Josh living out of the home are a different story.
ReplyDeleteYes, Anna and her parents knew before they because engaged. It's hard for wrap my mind around her parents allowing her to marry Josh with that knowledge. .
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased to read all of these positive comments. I am in my 60's and amazed that an issue that had been handled in a very positive way by Josh's parents is coming back to haunt them today. I am wondering how many parents would have taken the same steps these parents did if this happened to their son? The final blow is that Josh lost his job!
ReplyDeleteVery much agree with this guy
ReplyDeleteI am not going to bash this family. I actually admire their faith and I enjoy their show. It is one of the few shows my daughter can watch on tv. I hope the many companies who pulled their advertising don't have any sins. Oh, wait, EVERYONE sins including 14 year old little boys. I teach middle school and believe me, a 14 year is a little boy. However, I think Josh and his whole family are role models. I am STILL a fan. I hope the show is back on television soon.
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly agree with standing behind the Duggars and giving them the support that they need & deserve right now...I truly love being a part of their family every week when the ongoing series airs in my area of the world...Josh was very young and giving The Duggars their privacy in this rough time in their lives is what they need right now...I think we all just to forgive and move on..Josh has been forgiven by Jesus and hopefully the younger girls...I will keep this whole situation in my prayers for the whole Duggar Family... God Bless Cindy in Tennessee
ReplyDeleteAmen to your comments. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. God gives us the ability to wash away our sins if we accept Jesus as our Savior and leave the old life behind which Josh had shown he had done by his actions since then. Shame on the media and the people who want to vilify him for something he did when he was 14 and raking him and his innocent family over the coals for it!
ReplyDeleteThere is a double standard. Christians are held to a different level of scrutiny. The secular world DOES understand repentance and forgiveness, in their eyes, they aren't even in need of it. One needs a conscience -- the inner voice of knowing right from wrong. Those that scream foul the loudest are usually those that are nagged by that inner voice relative to their own behavior. Instead of changing what is troubling their own lives they project judgment on folks like Josh Duggar. Since we can see this, it is up to us to offer the olive branch of understanding and promote civil discourse on the subject.
ReplyDeleteAll through life, at all ages, we all make mistakes and do things that are not right, sinful, but thank God we are saved by his grace! Grace! Forgiveness! I think it is terrible for anyone to have to suffer for a mistake over & over again. I am praying for all the Duggars! I am so sad to see the comments that some have posted over this issue that are not encouraging at all but out to destroy. I believe that God is with this family & they will make it through this trial.
ReplyDeleteThis isn't about politics .Its about forgiveness and judgement. When you don't understand sin, repentance,redemtion, salvation, you judge. It's a sign of the times. Warning, judge not lest you be judged! Appreciate your comment.
ReplyDeleteWow...I have been wondering why this has blown so far out of proportion. Do I condone his actions of the past...nope, but it was dealt with. All of this has done nothing more than re-victimizing the victims. You can't tell me there isn't someone from the media trying to find out which sibling or friend. I hope they do not cancel the show. They have taught me a lot over the years about love and caring. If TLC wants to punish someone, refuse to have Josh on the episodes.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago a trio of teenage boys stole some items out of my car. They were caught and were scheduled to appear before a magistrate. As we all sat in the waiting room, these kids and their parents had no idea I was the victim. I am sure I audibly gasped as I listened to the excuses and stories the parents were encouraging their kids to tell in order to reduce any kind of punishment they could possibly receive. Yes, these 3 were young teenagers and they needed to know what is right and wrong and be held accountable and I believe the parents could have all used a lesson as well. While I do not always agree with the lifestyle the Duggar family lives, I have to give Michelle and Jim Bob credit for the way they handled the situation they were faced with, the "punishment", the counseling, and the forgiveness they all asked for!
ReplyDeleteThank goodness someone pointed out he was a child! With that I believe the media is saying we need to all publicize sins we committed as children. I am in no way condoning this past behavior, however it's the past. People are acting as though this happened yesterday. Also whoever leaked this also leaked information with MINOR children's names on them. That is illegal. His family did what was right and too him to the authorities and counciling. They also sent the victims to couniciling. Josh has repented for his sins (sins from 12 years ago). After all he who throws the first stone is not with out sin.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry the Dugger family is going through such a difficult time. I really do hope they put this inspiring program back on tlc. Will be supporting them in prayer.
ReplyDeleteOur media is brutal. Of course we don't condone what Josh did, but I think the family tried to handle it in the best way they could. So many of us have children who have made stupid choices when they were young. I'm so disappointed in our society and our news media.
ReplyDeleteWhen this all came out I was OUTRAGED!! Who ever got a hold of these papers needs to be held accountable!!! Josh was a minor!!! Leave him alone. I think they did right by doing what they did with him. My family went through something like this so my prayers go out to them. We got thought it and so did they till now. I'll miss the Duggar"s on TV!!!!
ReplyDelete