Kendra Duggar's Caldwell Family Breaks Silence on Joseph Duggar's Arrest
Joseph Duggar's in-laws are thinking about his alleged victim.
Kendra Duggar's parents Paul Caldwell and Christina Caldwell spoke out for the first time since Joseph—who married Kendra in 2017—was arrested last month for allegedly molesting a 9-year-old girl on a family vacation in 2020.
"Our family is both troubled and heartbroken over the alleged actions committed by our son-in-law," the Caldwells wrote on a family statement on Instagram April 15. "We are devastated for the young girl, a child who was courageous in every way to share her truth. We stand by her, both in support and prayer, and forever will."
Paul and Christina emphasized that the unnamed girl—who is now 14 years old—is their priority.
"Our love for this child remains at the forefront of our family’s priorities and minds," they wrote. "We are proud of her for being strong enough to share her story while also retaining her own identity and joy."
The Caldwells also expressed their support for Kendra and Joseph's four kids, aged 3 to 7 years old. In an email sent to Joseph while he was in jail, his sister-in-law Anna Duggar shared that the children had been separated from Kendra, who was charged with child endangerment and false imprisonment two days after her husband’s March 18 arrest.
"We also recognize how traumatic this incident has been for our grandchildren as well and continue to pray for their strength," the Caldwells continued. "Our love for them, and our daughter Kendra, remains."
Sharing that the “only way to freedom is to shine light in the darkness,” Kendra's parents added, "And in this time, part of the light in our lives has come through the outpouring of love and prayer from people near and far. Thank you who have given in all the ways, through prayer, finances, time, energy and words of encouragement. We love you all."
Amid the legal ordeal, Kendra has stood by her husband, who pleaded not guilty to lewd and lascivious behavior. In fact, she frequently called him in prison to share updates before he was released on $600,000 bail on March 31.
"Just know that everybody loves you—even if they're disappointed," the 27-year-old told him in a recording obtained by E! News. "Just understand that they love you, too."
Although she admitted to feeling down, she encouraged the TLC star to remain strong.
"Every time I look up the staircase I melt into a puddle," she said in a call, "so we've decided to take it one day at a time, one moment at a time."
As for Joseph's family, read on to see what they have said about his arrest.
Duggar Family/Instagram
Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar
Joseph Duggar's parents broke their silence in a statement on March 30.
“Jim Bob and Michelle are heartbroken over this entire situation,” a spokesperson for the Duggar family told Us Weekly. “Right now, they are focused on loving their family and helping Kendra and her children during this difficult time."
The spokesperson added that the couple was "praying for the victim. They ask for privacy and appreciate the kind words and prayers offered by so many.”
Jill Duggar Dillard & Derick Dillard
“We were shocked yesterday evening to learn of Jill’s brother (Joseph Duggar’s) arrest,” the couple wrote in a blog post March 19. “We first learned of anything related to his charges yesterday via a text from a friend who messaged us about the recent media reports of Joseph’s arrest and his alleged confession to molesting a juvenile female in 2020. We are shocked and heartbroken.”
Derick and Jill—who spoke out against the family in the 2023 book Counting the Cost—said they “strongly condemn abuse.”
Kris Connor/Getty Images
Josh Duggar
"Josh understands the stigma of being accused," his attorney told the Daily Mail in a story published March 20. "He lives with the painful reality of how false accusations can destroy a life. He understands how the targeting of a person for publicity can twist the truth into sensationalized fiction."
Noting that Josh—who is serving 12 years in prison for child pornography—is "not in frequent communication" with Joseph, the attorney said the former TLC star "hopes and prays for his brother's well being in this difficult time."
Instagram/Jana Duggar
Jana Duggar Wissmann & Stephen Wissmann
"We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by the situation involving my brother, Joseph," Jana and her husband said in an April 2 statement shared on Instagram Stories. "This news came as a shock to us, as we have no prior knowledge before it became public."
The countinued, "Our hearts are with the child who has been harmed—this is a grievous and unacceptable wrong. We continue to pray for the victim and for justice to be carried out."
Insatgram/Jason Duggar
Jason Duggar & Maddie Duggar
The couple, who married in 2024, said they are "angered" by the "unthinkable" actions of his brother Joseph.
"We, like many, have spent the week completely shocked, confused, and grieved to list a few emotions," Jason and Maddie said in a statement shared on Instagram March 26. "We are disgusted to hear the news about my brother, however, this isn't about how it's impacted our lives. Our hearts are burdened because a child's life has been turned upside down due to evil actions of someone who should have never hurt the vulnerable."
"Maddie and I have always had a special place in our hearts for the vulnerable around us, and we will continue to do so," their message went on. "To fathom that someone would abuse their authority to harass the innocent is vile."
They asked for prayers for the "brave" victim as well as Joseph's family, saying, "His children must face the reality of losing a father that should have been a spiritual leader in their lives."
Joy-Anna Duggar Forsyth
"What has come out about my brother is heartbreaking and deeply disturbing," Joy-Anna wrote on her Instagram Stories March 26. "My heart is with the victim, and I am grieved by the pain and harm caused. I have been a wreck this week and am taking time to process."
She added, "I will be taking some much-needed time with my family."
Jinger Duggar Vuolo/Instagram
Jinger Duggar Vuolo & Jeremy Vuolo
As Jeremy put it in March 25 episode of The Jinger & Jeremy Podcast, “It’s been a really difficult week for us to process and think through and pray through this with the podcast.”
As for Jinger—who moved to Los Angeles with Jeremy in 2019—she said, “I did not think my heart could break like it has this week,” adding, “The pain and heartbreak that we’ve had over this and just thinking of how it’s affected so many. It’s just unthinkable. It’s so hard and painful on many levels.”
“It’s hard,” she continued. “All we can do in those moments is cry out to God and ask him to sustain us and give help because you can’t just be prepared for news like this.”
Amy Duggar King/Instagram
Amy Duggar King
"I am sickened, heartbroken and deeply angry," Joseph's cousin said in a March 20 statement to People. "My first thoughts are with the victim, a child who deserved to be safe, protected and surrounded by people she could trust."
Amy explained she was "utterly shocked to hear about these allegations and Joseph’s arrest."
"For years, I have spoken out about the importance of truth, accountability and protecting children, even when it meant going against my own family," she added. "Family ties should never equal automatic trust or access, especially when it comes to the safety of children."
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