Jessa Duggar Seewald, Joy-Anna Duggar, Jill Duggar Dillard,
Jana Duggar, Jinger Duggar Vuolo
Plaintiffs Jill Dillard, Jessa Seewald, Jinger Vuolo, and Joy Duggar filed a lawsuit this week, naming the following parties as defendants:
"CITY OF SPRINGDALE, ARKANSAS; WASHINGTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS; KATHY O'KELLEY, in her individual and official capacities; ERNEST CATE, in his individual and official capacities; RICK HOYT, in his individual and official capacities; STEVE ZEGA, in his official capacity; BAUER PUBLISHING COMPANY, L.P.; BAUER MAGAZINE, L.P.; BAUER MEDIA GROUP, INC.; BAUER, INC.; HEINRICH BAUER NORTH AMERICA, INC.; BAUER MEDIA GROUP USA, LLC; and DOES 1-10, inclusive."
The lawsuit claims that the defendants contributed to the allegedly unlawful release of information that led to the identification and exploitation of the plaintiffs as victims of child abuse. The four Duggar women state that the sole purpose of the lawsuit is to fight for the protection of juvenile victims of child abuse.
"We hope our lawsuit will send a clear message that releasing the names of juveniles is never okay."
-Jill Dillard
"This case is solely about protecting children who are victims of abuse.
Revealing juvenile identities under these circumstances is
unacceptable, and it’s against the law. The media and custodians of
public records who let these children down must be held accountable.
This case has vast implications for all our children. We hope that by
bringing this case to the public’s attention, all children will be
protected from reckless reporting."
-Jill Dillard, Jessa Seewald,
Jinger Vuolo, and Joy Duggar
We know that the Duggars would appreciate prayers, especially that the goal of the lawsuit would be accomplished. Following the Biblical command to pray for those who mistreat you, we also encourage you to pray for the defendants.
To watch a news report and to read the statement released by the City of Springdale,
visit NWA Homepage.
Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com