Josh Duggar appeared in court on Monday for an evidentiary hearing, reports 40/29 News, a Northwest Arkansas news organization. On its website, the network has a brief article about the hearing, as well as a video showing Josh and Anna Duggar leaving the courthouse. KNWA/KFTA News, another local news organization, reports the dates of Josh's pretrial conference (November 18, 2021) and trial by jury (November 30, 2021).
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Josh Appears in Court
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The takeaway here is that 4 of the 5 defense motions were denied by the judge yesterday. The 5th is still being decided. His lawyers are trying anything to get this case dismissed before trial but it is not working.
ReplyDeleteAll they need is that one to turn in their favor. Even still being decided is actually a good sign for him.
DeleteThe only sign is that the judge is taking his time and being thorough. There is nothing good you can read into that otherwise. None of the other motions the defense came up with passed.
DeleteHow many on that jury was selected carefully to make sure the ruling will be in the press favor like they did with J.F.? :) Oh I can already see the articles in November and December.
ReplyDeleteI really don't think that will happen. Josh isn't important enough to receive a huge amount of publicity.
Delete@3:37 No jury has been involved yet. It's only hearings before a judge with motions about whether evidence can be used or not.
DeleteOh most definitely. The media has always been against the Duggar's. They should had took notes from the royal family and invite the media to the home, feed them and kiss their feet so that they print up better stories about them and twist them in their favor.
Delete@3:37 There was no jury yesterday, it was hearings on motions before a judge. When it comes time for a trial, both sides of the case have a say in who gets put on the jury. Both sides can accept or reject jurors.
DeletePeople don't realize how the media can influence the outcome during any kind of case.
DeleteThere's no jury yet. The jury selection process is fair and both sides are allowed to accept or reject certain jurors. Jurors are asked questions ahead of time to determine if they can be impartial. This is why jury selection can take a day or two to complete.
DeleteThe jury selection these days show the unprofessionalism when it's such a high profiled case. There is no escaping impartial and partial people. They can't 100% guarantee it's going to be like that in situations like this. Because they are ex-reality stars who always had the bitter end with the media, the media does has a influence over the future jury. It always been like that and nobody can tell me otherwise. People need to stop actng blind to this and accept that are system is rigged. This is why people like the royal family invite the media to their garden parties. Why? Because you don't bite the hand that feeds you.
Delete@7:55 Lawyers pick the jury to be as non-biased as possible. Judges charge the jury with deciding the case based only on facts presented during trial. Sometimes juries are sequestered so they can't have access to news during a trial. There's a system in place to try to avoid media influence. It's the best anyone can do. If you've made a name for yourself and then commit a high-profile crime, we can't help you much more.
Delete@4:37 The media and the general public care nothing about the Duggars. They are just another reality show family.
DeleteYour comment about the Royal Family is uncalled for. Do you understand that the Queen is the head of the government of the UK as well as Canada and other countries. She fills a VERY important constitutional role and has done with grace for many years. No one "kisses their feet". They have had more of their share of negative press over the years, more than the Duggars.
Thanks for keeping us updated.
ReplyDeleteI hope the truth will come out at the trial in November.
ReplyDeleteThe truth always comes out.
DeleteIt may have been just awkwardness or self-consciousness, but does anyone else find it insensitive and inappropriate for them to be smiling while leaving the courthouse? Given the seriousness of the crimes, the innocence of the victims involved, and the fact that the judge ruled against him it seems bizarre for him to be smiling while leaving the courthouse. Child sex abuse is nothing to smile about, regardless of an adult's guilt or innocence.
ReplyDeleteUmm...what happened to innocent until PROVEN guilty huh??!!!
DeleteHas anyone else thought of maybe there is something wrong with Anna too? She knew what he did before marrying him in the first place.
DeleteCompletely agree! The smiling was weird.
DeleteThey still believe he's innocent which technically he is because nobody knows fully yet.
DeleteThey are not real smiles. They don’t look happy. They both look tired and stressed and like they have aged several years. A real smile makes your eyes light up and changes your countenance. I just see suffering in their faces.
Delete100%. Its extremely inappropriate given the charges. He's guilty given the evidence. But lets say he wasn't... he still shouldn't smirk like that. It's disrespectful and extremely dismissive of the people he's assaulted and the victimized children. Frankly it tells me how disconnected he is from all of this and how he doesn't care.
DeleteMy ex husband was a pedophile and in his mind he absolutely did nothing wrong. That's how Josh is acting, like nothing ever happened and he'll be found not guilty! And Anna is in complete denial and standing by her man!! It will all get worked out in court
DeleteI can already guess the outcome of this.
ReplyDelete4:18- What's your guess?
DeleteI can too because the federal government doesn't waste time on cases that aren't strong. Now I hope that Josh's lawyers don't twist everything on purpose to confuse a jury.
DeleteMe too.
DeleteAnna looked radiant but I worry she was there as a prop.
ReplyDelete@4:23 Probably there to show the judge what a great family man Josh is supposed to be. Didn't change the outcome though.
DeleteWell said, I agree!
DeleteShe was there to support her husband.. innocent until proven guilty!!
DeleteHopefully they televise it.
ReplyDeleteSame
DeleteI guess they brought Anna in to try to show what a wonderful family man he is...
ReplyDeleteWhy are they smiling like that?
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing that Josh's lawyers have found proof that he was set up, otherwise Anna would be worried instead of happy and satisfied that her husband is coming home to her and her children, after all that Madison scandal didn't work out a few years ago in court either she was also trying to set him up and this current accusation could easily be a set up as it could be easily believed after what happened with his sisters when he was 12,but he obviously has good lawyers.
DeleteThe court case for the Madison scandal as you call it was dropped because the woman did not have the money for lawyers to pursue it further. I think you're relying too much on setup as an excuse for bad behavior.
DeleteThe government would not have charged him if they didn't feel they have enough evidence to convict
DeleteThis is upsetting to see, as Anna's smile is not appropriate or respectful for Josh's (alleged) victims. I see Josh is somewhat smiling, too, but I don't expect him to know any better. Anna should.
ReplyDeleteThe smiling is weird! Glad I'm not the only one to feel this way.
DeleteHow do you know they are his victims, maybe Anna is smiling because the truth is coming out that he was set up, I don't think she would be smiling if she thought her husband was going down for forty years and she would have to explain that to her kids.
DeleteAs you said they are alleged. So don't get upset just yet.
DeleteAfter rejecting a plea deal, Josh will be going to trial. The evidence against him strong so we'll see what the jury decides. Anna is standing by her man.
ReplyDeleteStanding by is not the same as submitting, how will she earn a living once he's gone? She's trapped, even her brother publicly offered to help her and the kids while the Ashley Madison scandal was going on, and she obviously turned that offer down. She's out of options, by choice.
DeleteHow do you know about the evidence when they haven't presented them fully? If they was so strong he be locked up or would had taken the plea deal. Think of court as sitting down to play poker. You can't show all your cards yet.
DeleteWhat evidence???
DeleteApparently some of you are not following the case closely, and don't know about disclosure.
Delete@4:47 He was not locked up because of the outcome of the hearing he already had. He was released under certain conditions. He was not released freely. He is being monitored and his movements are restricted. He has until mid-November to take a plea deal. Both sides have to "show cards" during the disclosure phase, which has been going on for months.
Delete7:50 The evidence presented so far is in court documents. Josh is delusional if he thinks he's getting off on this.
DeleteYou must be on the case if you know the evidence already and how unprofessional of you to be talking about it.
DeleteThank you for sharing this information.
ReplyDeleteIt's curious that both he and Anna left the courtroom with odd smirks on their faces. It appears she's standing by him no matter what. IMO, he made a grave mistake in not taking the plea deal. Things do not look good for him at all. I feel only pity for their children and the one on the way.
ReplyDeleteWell.. maybe there's something they know that we don't
DeleteNovember 18th is my birthday and November 30th is my wedding anniversary.
ReplyDeleteMine is too :)
DeleteNovember 18, 1928 was also the first Mickey Mouse sound cartoon release.
DeleteSo up to this point, the only defense Josh has had is to try to get the case thrown out on various technicalities. That doesn't sound like the actions of an innocent man who knows he has nothing to fear if the case goes to trial.
ReplyDelete@6:26 Nor have we heard anything about "Josh didn't do it, So-And-So did it." Nor have the feds dropped this case and gone after someone else instead. Nor has a judge allowed evidence or the entire case itself to be dismissed. There's a specialized division of the Justice Dept. devoted to stopping this type of crime and catching the responsible people. They know what they're doing. They have successfully caught and prosecuted many other people before this case.
DeleteWell, obviously his lawyers must know something we all don't
DeleteTrue!
DeleteWhen Josh was previously accused of inappropriate behavior and then cheating on Anna he took responsibility for his actions. If he did do what he is accused of doing he really needs to admit to it, so that his family doesn't torture themselves thinking he was wrongly convicted (if convicted) and sent to prison. Regardless of what anyone may think of Josh my heart breaks for Anna, their children, and Josh's parents, because I could not imagine someone I love going to prison. If Josh is truly a christian he needs to repent of his sins and ask God and his family for forgiveness. Mark 9:42.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone here thought at all that MAYBE he's innocent???
Deletejosh didn’t “take responsibility;” he put out a couple of half-hearted written PR statements only after he was publicly outed with proof and couldn’t lie about anymore.
DeleteWhat would repenting even do? Josh had supposedly repented from his past behavior (cheating and molestation) and it didn’t do absolutely anything.In fact, he ended up doing something much worse. What he needs to do is to face the consequences of his actions.
Delete@3:44 Sure, the federal government thought he was innocent, but then they started tracing the computer and phone activity and collecting evidence, and here we are.
Delete@3:44 If he was innocent, why did he ask the Feds if they were there at is car lot because "someone" was downloading CP? This was before he was even charged with anything. He KNEW why they were there! An innocent person would not have to ask this.
DeleteThank you for letting us know. Christian
ReplyDeleteI found both of them looking and acting arrogant by smiling at cameras this way. It's not a TV show anymore, it's real life. And real children who are on these files. Nothing to smile about, it's very serious actually. MHO
ReplyDeleteYeah. They seem to be out of touch with reality. They suffered a defeat in court and act like they won a prize. Totally strange.
DeleteI didn't know the reality TV show was a fake sitcom.
DeletePoor Anna. She and Josh looked so smug. She’s clearly standing by him. While I want to admire a married person for supporting her partner, I also think there’s a time to let someone you love face the consequences of their actions, and I also think you should stand up for the truth and for the vulnerable. When he’s convicted, what will she do? How will she handle the carefully created Duggar perfect world crashing down? My heart breaks for their kids, the innocent ones who will pay for their dad’s sins and their mom’s naivety. What a sad situation for everyone—and of course, my heart breaks especially for the child victims trapped in the world of pornography.
ReplyDeleteMore over readers on such a short clip.
DeleteWOW what weird/strange expressions on there faces.
ReplyDeleteAgree. I'm not surprised that he was smiling, but the way she appeared felt very off to me.
DeleteIf I were Anna, I would let him stew in his own juice. This has to be so hard for her.
ReplyDeleteIt wouldn't be hard for her if she knew he was innocent.
DeleteCurious about why Anna is still backing up Josh. Enough is enough. You can forgive, but you can also walk away.
ReplyDeleteMaybe...just maybe she believes he's innocent
DeleteHow do you know if he is truly guilty? She stands with him because she believes he is innnocent.
DeleteI'm not sure I will follow this trial, I just want justice to be served. if that means poor Anna spending the rest of her best years waiting for josh to get out, so be it.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how Anna has stayed by his side.
ReplyDeleteHe plead not guilty. She believes him and his on his side.
DeleteShe married knowing his history. Not surprising.
DeleteBecause she knew what he did before even courting him. She stood by him no matter what even during this third scandal. However, people seem to know what the evidence is when the trial hasn't even started yet.
DeleteNot sure what your motivation for posting this is, you must know the comments will be filled with nothing but negative energy. I am no Josh supporter and I believe he will either be found guilty or plead guilty to lower charges to receive less jail time.
ReplyDeleteAnna was beaming by his side as they exited the court house... heavily pregnant, their 7th child must be due very soon. I would find it difficult to stand by a man who had betrayed me to the degree Josh has betrayed Anna and now these charges which make him a monster if found guilty. She is either a Saint or unable to make healthy choices for herself or her children.
I hope this is all resolved in November for the children's sake.
Regardless of court outcomes or validity of innocence, how could it NOT have a post? Not being sarcastic, really. Readers would highjack other posts, and ask why it’s not mentioned.
DeleteMost everything else is mentioned like
missed birthdays or when no announcement on other life events.
Motivation for posting this? I'd say truth. It's the truth of what's happening in Josh and Anna's lives and the lives of their kids. You can't pretend it isn't happening. Josh brought yet another unpleasant or negative thing to the Duggar story, and that is the truth.
DeleteIt's a blog about the Duggar's and post is about a Duggar.
Deletei believe ellies 'motivation' was the fact that she reports on the whole duggar family, good and bad, and since this is in the news already, why wouldnt she? i've been a subscriber since practically the beginning of her/their blog and i guarantee if she hadnt, people would be all up in arms! also, fact, that ellie will not post something about the duggars that they would not allow about them when they give her the ok to post the things she does (not including birthdays and anniversaries obviously)
Deleteyes, they both looked extremely smug, which is not a good look for either of them considering the charges. they would have been better off wearing masks, or not making any expression at all. poor anna doesnt realize how bad she looks for doing this
It's posted here because it's factual, and traffic friendly. Duggar world is not just rainbows and unicorns. Ellie does an amazing job at keeping the comments as real as possible, while preserving us from all of the haters. This situation is Duggar news, whether some don't like it.
DeleteIt's posted here because well, read the name of the website.
DeleteI think it takes strength of character and faith to post this on the blog. This post is entirely justified by reminding us all of the innocent victims of child pornography. Regardless of the Josh Duggar outcome, there are children being abused in the most horrific ways. Please, please remember to pray for these “little ones” that they may be protected as Jesus asks.
Delete2:46 you don't know for absolute certainty that this is truth.. you all want to crucify him for past behaviors. He admitted to cheating on Anna and that was horrible, however, he plead NOT GUILTY. Of course it'll go to trial! His lawyer knows what he's doing
DeleteThis blog is supposed to be about what’s going on in the Duggars’ lives, and that included the good, the bad and the ugly. I don’t know why some readers expect the content and the comments of this blog to be super happy and positive all the Tom. That is not real life.
Delete@9:00 It is truth that Josh was arrested and is facing these charges. The post is about those facts. Do you think that his admitted past behaviors contribute positively to opinions about him now?
Delete9:00 Josh has a long history of lying. He only admitted to his cheating because he got caught.
DeleteIt has to be talked about. It cannot be ignored. People want to weigh in on it because it's so disturbing, dangerous, and a warning example for everyone to heed.
DeleteI don't know what advice Josh and Anna are getting from their lawyers but walking out of a hearing concerning charges Josh wanted dropped but was denied with smiles on their faces while being charged with such deviant, horrible charges was not a good idea. Good grief have some humility for crying out loud. Some people think they are untouchable but soon find out that that is not the case.
ReplyDeleteYes. That was bad optics to say the least. When someone suffers a defeat in court they usually aren't happy about it. Josh appears to think he can just smile and "charm" his way out of anything.
DeleteAt most, those were smiles of resignation to the writing on the wall. Obviously they didn't want to give the cameras the satisfaction of seeing them upset.
DeleteWhy? What's wrong with seeming upset? They should be upset, it would be an appropriate response.
Delete1 out of the 5 is still being processed. If the evidence was fully against him, that would had been a instant denial.
DeleteI agree, they did seem like wearing a mask rather than a true smile. The corners of their mouths were turned up but that is all. The eyes were flat and emotionless.
Delete@7:46 Not necessarily. It's part of due process.
DeleteOh look more people who reading into such a short clip. I wonder how you would look having a camera in your face.
DeleteIt's just so sad how Josh has turned out. Even if he were somehow to be found innocent of the present charges, he has hurt so many people that I don't think he will or could be trusted ever again. How Anna can remain with him is beyond me. He has long broken his marital vows and would likely be a danger to his own children. I predict he will spend many years in jail, however. I'm sorry his entire family has been hurt and tarnished by his crimes.
ReplyDeleteExcuse me! You just said if he is found innocent he has hurt so many people and he is a danger to his kids, do you realised if he is found innocent it means they will have proof that he was set up so the victim will actually be him! Victim of fraud, he would be entitled titled to compansation.
DeleteIf any of you have substance to your theories that Josh was set up, please inform the Justice Department because they haven't found anyone else connected to what occurred.
DeleteAnon 5:38. If his lawyers had proof Josh was "set up" they would have presented the proof at this hearing and his case would have been dismissed. Judges can do that and then the trial wouldn't be going forward.
DeleteJosh should take a plea deal.
ReplyDeleteI agree. If there had been something wrong with the evidence, the judge would have thrown it out. Didn't happen so it's not looking good for him if the case goes to trial.
Delete2:33 - If the evidence was solid and clear he did something wrong, the case be closed quicker and Anna wouldn't had walked out with him like that. I know these tactics, rather he is innocent or guilty, he's walking away from this.
DeleteHe will hopefully gets what he deserves, and at this point I don't have any sympathy left for Anna, she chooses her role too. it's all just a very bad play, the victims are not them.
DeleteMaybe the trial has to go ahead because Josh's lawyers have gotten proof that he was set up.
DeleteHe will take a plea, but it won’t happen until the last minute. They’ll continue to try to stall his trial date as they have, and when that time runs out they’ll take the last-minute plea. It’ll be prison time, years.
Delete@5:40 Where is this important proof? Why hasn't it been used already to get the case closed and Josh set free? Why hasn't someone else been arrested?
Delete@5:40 If that were so then that "proof" would have been disclosed already or used to form more dismissal motions. Both sides lay out their evidence for the other side to examine during the discovery period, which they've been in. The defense has not entered any motions to dismiss based on evidence of a "set up." They tried other strategies that did not work in court this week.
DeletePeople need to stop acting like they have inside sources to the evidence they have against Josh. Watch and see how it plays out.
DeleteThis isn't an old rerun of Matlock or Perry Mason. If Josh's lawyers have "gotten proof that he was set up", by law they have to enter that into evidence with the Court and share it with the prosecution well before the trial date. The only last minute "surprise" or "Hail Mary" play will be if Josh takes that last minute plea deal that he previously turned down.
DeleteJosh's case appears to be systematically unraveling for him and my heart breaks for the victims, as well as his own children. I am thankful that federal authorities are working hard to bring perpetuators of these horrific crimes against children to justice.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn’t a good look for Josh and Anna to be smiling leaving court.
ReplyDeleteWould it have matter? THe public is tearing him apart, I pray he gets a trial that isnt tainted in any way. Only facts are heard. God be with the all the family.
Delete@1:40 Yes, appearances matter. Leaving the courtroom with those smirking mugs is not doing themselves any favors. BTW, the public has every reason for tearing Josh apart. He's not earned anyone's respect or trust, based on past behaviors.
DeleteThe public are treating him the way they would treat anyone who has been charged with these horrendous crimes. But, I agree that a little humility wouldn't hurt.
DeleteIf they had straight faces then people would be remarking on how stressed Anna looks and how sad they are. People will read whatever they want into pictures. Maybe right before the smile, they were frowning. No one knows, so why mention?
DeleteNo, Anna and Josh knows what their doing. If they think he's innocent, this is what they should be doing actually.
DeleteThe public are only acting like they would with anyone else who allegedly does these crimes. What he supposedly did deserves people being very critical to him
DeleteActually they know what they are doing.
DeleteWow Anna strikes me as very different than her normal self, I realize that she is heavily pregnant and that may be accounting for the difference. However, in the past, especially on the show, she seems so doe eyed and "innocent." The way she is walking and smiling rather than casting her eyes down and cowering behind her husband makes me think this is nothing new for her.
ReplyDeleteHer body language was strange to me too. I like Anna and feel bad for her, but it reminded me more of someone who was complicit rather than someone in her shoes. That was just my impression.
DeleteI have one word.... creepy.
DeleteI agree 100% it's very difficult to watch her walk out of court like that. Her demeanor, everything about her did not seem like her usual self. I bet she is hurting on the inside, but it's tough watch her fake it.
DeleteCowering? Anna has nothing to cower about.
DeleteShe is a confident woman, strong one at that, and a woman that knows she's going to bring her innocent man back home.
DeleteIt's more likely to be self preservation and survival mode body language - when your world is crashing you try to control what you can, and her body language is a struggle of trying to control how she really feels vs being told to smile and stand by your man.
DeleteIt's amazing how much one could read from a single picture and short footage of something like this. You are reading way to much into it and have no clue what's going on.
DeleteI don't think he will be found guilty from the way it looks. I guarantee they'll come back with someone sent him that link and it automatically downloaded somewhere in his computer. The Duggars has enough money for a good lawyer to flip everything.
ReplyDeleteNo! Not to "flip " anything! He may very well be innocent!
DeleteExactly what I'm thinking.
Delete@2:01 I guarantee that the prosecution will lay out all the facts about how Josh was the only one who could have downloaded that stuff on that part of his computer on that particular day at that particular time. Preponderance of evidence should prevail.
DeleteGood lawyers are not exclusive to the defense. Good lawyers cannot transform reality and evidence, money neither. ✌️
Deleteif the state didnt have a good case against him, we wouldnt be awaiting trial
DeleteNot sure how you came to that conclusion. Even JimBob doesn't have enough money to pull off an acquital. It looks to me like he's going to be found guilty. So far, what the defense has tried throwing at the wall has been falling flat.
Delete@2:01 Where is that someone? Why haven't they been investigated and arrested?
DeleteJosh's "good" lawyers may become more desperate for a defense as the trial date approaches. We may see a plea deal accepted at that point, or a request for a further delay.
DeleteHe will be found innocent. My prediction and the fact his lawyer knows their business. People don't know all the facts to the evidence and neither do I but look at the past history of this lawyer. Rather Josh is innocent or wrong, he's going home.
DeleteExactly what I am thinking. He'll be free not really knowing if he was truly innocent or guilty.
DeleteThe expressions on their faces were disgusting to put it mildly.
ReplyDelete100% agree
DeleteI do not think that anyone would want a rapidly taken photo judged like that. Any wise person knows that media outlets take quick pictures and then pick the one that they think represents what they want. How many people have had pictures taken that show an expression that had nothing to do with the situation and just happened to betaken at that time. Being critical and judgmental hurts others.
DeleteI thought it bizarre. They come off as very arrogant and sure that Josh will be cleared of any wrong doing.
Delete2:17, I watched it again and she had the kind of smile that wasn't really smiling, and it looked like she held his hand for only a very short time before she moved to get him to let go. She doesn't really look happy about the situation.
Delete110% It is super wrong!!!!
Delete3:32 - Agreed. The media is so toxic and twists so much.
DeleteThis isn't a rapidly taken photo by the media, that's being used out of context. It's a 1:48 second rolling video from the time the court building doors open to the time they bypass the press. IF this were anyone but Josh Duggar being accused of this, most of the posters here would have already had the guy tried and fried (so to speak) for such despicable crimes against small children. The level of people making excuses for this man and grasping at anything to get him off is very telling. The vast majority of posters here likely do not feel quite so generous and benevolent to other men/boys on the evening news for same type of offenses (or those in their own neighborhoods and communities). The hypocrisy is astounding.
DeleteThere are many comments on here regarding the "smug" or "smiling" faces on the Duggars, especially Anna.
ReplyDeleteYears ago, our son was in serious trouble and I found myself "smiling" through lawyer/court meetings. I was very upset with myself and did a little research about my inappropriate facial expression. What I learned is that the expression of "smiling" is very close to the expression of "crying" in the range of human emotions. Even though I was crying inside, it expressed itself as a "smile" on my face. I learned the human body does this to preserve itself so it can survive.
Let's please cut Anna a little slack. From one who's been there, I think Anna is crying inside.
(Our son is doing fine now, praise God).
Thank you for saying this. I agree, and I thought when I first saw it that it was a nervous smile. Like she didn't know how to make her face look. People are so close-minded.
DeleteThank you for shedding some personal light on it for us. I'm glad your son is doing well.
DeleteIf you cry on the inside and smile on the outside, it WILL tear you apart. You cannot continually swallow your real emotions. It's not healthy.
DeleteI think those lawyers told them to smile for the cameras, even though there was nothing for any of them to be happy about yesterday. Smile and look innocent until the trial.
That’s interesting. I appreciate your comment.
Deleteomg do i get it! my mom used to laugh at funerals for the same reason! it was not intentional and actually bothered her very much. she'd just put her head down so people thought she was crying and not take offense but she avoided going to funerals as much as possible because of this and yes, its the mind saying 'you've got this but it isnt going to be easy'
DeleteI'm glad that things are going better in your life, but I'm not one to cut the Duggars any slack. They have spent many years shielding Josh from consequences and I seriously doubt that either he or Anna are truly aware of the legal jeopardy in which he stands. They have played to the cameras for so many years they just do what they've always done (look happy). Anna has spent years pretending they are somehow have an ideal marriage. This show at the courthouse is typical of their behavior.
DeleteThank you! I thought the same. The tension is something you have no clue how you would deal with until you do.
DeleteI have the same problem. When I hear something bad sometimes I have to fight against a smile. It's so annoying... Or my little son, when he feels ashamed, he often smiles or laughts. It sounds weird but it's a real thing.
DeleteAs someone's who's instantaneous shock trauma reaction to pain is to laugh (PTSD-makes it hard for my family members to tell if I'm in pain or not)), instead of crying like "normal" people, I can somewhat relate to what you're saying. However, being that this case involves the horrific abuse of toddler children-12 year old children, Anna is both a mother to children in that range (specifically a stay-at-home, homeschooling mother=very hands on interaction 24/7) and currently pregnant, I would expect her protective Mama Bear instinct to kick in and her to feel revulsion at this whole thing. Serious yes, but smiling would be the absolute last expression I'd expect to see from a pregnant mom (particularly given his history). It was the visible chin lifted defiantly that bothered me (it appeared to be pride-I'm not going to let them see this bothers me). I've seen wives (and mothers) throw the real victims under the bus because they refuse to face what their spouse is-they want to protect themselves, their own self-esteem, and not lose their lifestyle. Not saying that's what Anna's doing (and I hope and pray not), but she should be seeing a licensed professional personal counselor for herself.
DeleteTo all of those claiming their smiles are inappropriate or smug… I think you’re reading their body language at face value. To me, their eyes look worn out. Anna looks like she is exhausted and doing everything she can to hold her emotions back and not break down in front of a bunch of strangers/cameras. I don’t think she is purposefully trying to be smug… I believe she’s hurting badly and trying to remain “put together” in public. She’s had her whole life ripped to shreds, turned upside down, and blown apart… please give her some grace. I believe she is doing the best she knows how.
ReplyDeleteI have met Anna in person before and I can tell you, without a doubt, that she is a very sweet, kind, and loving soul. Nothing smug about her. I feel awful for her and her children… must be a nightmare to go through what they’re experiencing right now.
ReplyDeleteThat sweetness, kindness, and love must be getting sucked right out of her soul these days. Who is responsible for that? The man with that smile on camera there.
Delete3:24 And I have met Josh in person and he is a really nice guy.
DeleteIf Josh goes to prison the nightmare for the family will on continue. Someone in prison will either recognize him or the guards will reveal who he is and what he did. I've heard even hardened criminals despise pedophilia. Josh's cellmates will know the Duggar's have money and they will threaten him with bodily harm unless he gives them money. He will be threatened each and every day and Jim Bob will have to put money on Josh's account for Josh to distribute to those that are threatening him. This is going to be a continuous nightmare for Jim Bob for years to come.
ReplyDeleteWhy would JB be required to pay off anyone threatening Josh while he's in prison? Josh created this situation, he should bear the consequences not JB.
DeleteI was surprised Anna was smiling too, but she was probably putting on the good wife face. How is she going to react when she sees and hears all the evidence? Is she still going to believe it was all a set up? I really hope she eventually has the courage to leave him. I know it must be hard for her. It’s easy for everyone to say she should leave, but no one knows what’s going on behind closed doors.
ReplyDeleteIt's one thing to put on your "game face" and maintain your composure, but I didn't understand Anna's behavior. Josh has betrayed her twice with his behavior. Time for her to stop being the "good wife" and protect her children.
DeleteYou all act like you know the evidence when all of it can't be presented until court time. The evidence may show that someone emailed him and automatically downloaded it to his computer.
DeleteI don’t think she will attend the court case. What spouse would want to hear all the details. Afterwards, someone can give her a nice summary but without too many examples or details.
DeleteDoes this couple realize this is real life, not a TV show? Things are not going well with the legal tactics so Josh isn't going to get off scot free it appears.
ReplyDeleteThere is simply no defense for a mother of young children, knowing her husband’s past attractions, his porn issues, and molestation history, to allow him around her children. I’m sorry Anna married such an awful person, but there’s no excuse for putting her children in harms way. If I was in this situation my husband would not see the children, or at the least not be alone with them for even a moment. Sympathy for her leaves when she puts her children at such risk
ReplyDeleteWell she knew what she was marrying tho
Delete5:26, I agree. This is the third or fourth strike for Josh. He did not change before and getting caught never seemed to matter to him, not in the long run. The situation is pitiful for all involved and no mother should allow it to continue. If he goes to jail this time, that should be it. Anna should take the children and go build a new, better life for them all.
DeleteTotally agree!
DeleteAs a Christian therapist, first of all, I am a marriage advocate ALL the way, but Jesus does not expect His people to suffer abuse, of any form. Therefore, Biblically speaking, Anna has every right to divorce Josh. However, I am not sure what "advice" she has been getting, nor from whom. I tend to believe there is a great cloud of deception over Anna, along with some naivety. Anna must pull her hand out of the sand and protect those children, or run the risk of losing them to the system. It's time for her to face the gravity of her current reality and get her priorities right.
ReplyDeleteSpot on comment! Thank you for posting this. I hope Anna reads this <3
Delete5:35 As a Mennonite therapist I agree with you. Protecting the children is utmost important.
Delete❤Since it's not my place to judge or gossip,I will be praying. I care about everyone involved in this very sad case. Praying especially for a safe delivery for Anna.❤
ReplyDeleteYou're wrong about judging. Jesus, Himself, told us to judge people by their fruit. If their fruit is consistently on the bad side, their heart is not right with God and they are not following Him-they're following the devil. Speaking the truth about facts (the stated evidence)in a case is not gossip. You are not the only one who cares about everyone involved here. Josh has gotten away with "inappropriately touching his sisters" (as they so cleanly put it) without the legal penalties others have gotten. He got away with stealing another man's identity and using it in the Ashley Madison scandal. Josh's defense was that the man had put it on social media and therefore should have expected someone to steal it-Josh won with that argument (well-documented). Someone had a need to bypass the computer usage reports that monitored for pornography-the reports that went to his wife Anna. I am praying specifically for Josh. I do not like what he has consistently chosen to do- it evidences that he has no fear of God, nor actual personal knowledge of God. I'm concerned about him being utterly destroyed without remedy. The same goes for people making and using those videos and pictures. Those children and anyone being tortured like that are high in my prayers as well. Anna-for discernment and godly wisdom that guards her life and the lives of her children. IF anyone is complicit within the family (who had prior knowledge of Josh's "issues" and moved to protect Josh's reputation or their own, or an income stream), I pray they won't leave the planet without coming clean with God. I pray for his sisters and that babysitter who've been re-traumatized and horribly embarrassed yet again, having to work through all the trauma plus some now. I pray for anyone who's children may have been unsupervised at family events, family camps, group gatherings, etc. And yes, I pray that Anna will have a safe delivery as well and that this baby will be well loved, nurtured, and protected (unlike the children in those videos).
DeleteFor the “Anna’s smile” comments:
ReplyDeleteTo me it just looks like an awkward, “I don’t want to be filmed right now” smile. Not a happy, carefree one.
Plus, we can’t read minds. You never really know what’s going on in someone else’s head.
I will make a donation to a local clinic where they give care and support to sexually abused childrens. It just hurts too much to do nothing. Hopefully this will inspire others to help how they can. Heartbreaking
ReplyDeleteIn a way I feel sorry for Anna, they are taught to always smile. That's what my take was on the smile. She has to be falling apart on the inside. 6 kids 1 on the way, who's going to help her? I hope that she can get or is getting the mental help that she needs to get thru this.
ReplyDeleteAnna's fake smile looks more like keeping up appearances and putting on a brave front, and wanting to get off camera and out of there as fast as possible. I note she let go of his hand as soon as she could. I doubt she would have had much say in whether she wanted to be there or not. Hard enough being pregnant and all the emotions that come with late pregnancy and then some self preservation of her wee world collapsing around her, and dealing with all this, definitely a face of trying to survive and hold her emotions together. My heart goes out to her, as well as all the victims.
ReplyDeleteI don't see that at all.
DeleteI really wish Anna had taken a different approach (like using wisdom and exhibiting a gentle and humble spirit and body language) exiting that court building. I get wanting to portray confidence and "assurance", particularly in light of losing 4 significant motions to dismiss the case, and particularly if you're expecting what you perceive to be hostile press attention. She would have been better served showing quiet, gentle restraint which equates to (reads as) personal strength and character. If she truly believes Josh is innocent, then she needs to let the Lord fight her battles and his and practice loving her/their enemies, real or perceived (granted that's easier to say, when it doesn't involve me). I'm concerned for her.
ReplyDeleteMy first impression was the same as yours, but I went back and watched it again, and she seemed kind of frustrated, especially if you watch what she does with Josh's hand at the end. Her smile is not sincere, it's more like she was told to smile or she didn't want to appear upset on camera.
DeleteEven if she wasn't smiling and walking out with Josh, people would still find something to complain about.
DeleteI am praying for everything to smoothly for Josh, Anna and the Duggar family. It's in God's hands guilty or not. I feel sorry for everyone and what they're going through. I know it's really hard for them. I really ♥️ love the Duggar family and extended family members. I am also praying for another spin off to come back on cable tv with a new show and new seasons hopefully sometime in the future of 2022. I would be very interested, excited and 😊 happy when they officially come back on cable tv. Hopefully sometime in the future. I am very devastated and miss watching the entire Duggar family. Natasha b
ReplyDeleteI don't know why they came out of the court with those fake smiles pasted on their faces. It was bad optics. If the lawyers had any evidence that Josh had been "set up" they would have presented it at the hearing and the judge would have dismissed the case. Didn't happen so the trial will take place. I really don't get why Anna keeps "standing by" her man. She has children that need to be protected.
ReplyDeleteThis is a train wreck. In Anna's world people get married have numerous children, the wife stays home to nurture them, the husband is the wise leader and provider and they live happily. Watching Anna try to make that happen with Josh is painful and bizarre. I wonder if she'll ever come to terms with reality.
ReplyDeleteSweet Anna, take your kiddos and run! This isn't what God meant when he wanted spouses to be faithful!
ReplyDeleteI wish she would be able to move and live close to David and Priscilla. That way, she would have help, and all of the kids could be raised close. Those children need normalcy!
We have a lot of uneducated county lawyers in here that should never admit outside the case that you have evidence against someone. It looks really childish. Leave it to the professionals that actually know what they are doing. Please.
ReplyDeleteI don't know which one is more hilarious - #1. People reading into to much of Josh and Anna's expressions or #2. People acting like they have inside information on the evidence against Josh. Ya'll need help.
ReplyDelete