TLC attracted and intrigued the minds of millions of viewers with their most popular hit television show “19 Kids and Counting” which chronicled the lives of the ultra-religious Duggar family. The show highlighted the Duggar’s beliefs and lifestyle choices including their modest clothing, strict courting rules, homeschooling regiment, and their devout faith in God. With the hit television show, viewers were able to get a glimpse into the lives of a seemingly good, wholesome American family. Despite the petition for cancellation of the show signed by thousands for the family’s stance on matters concerning the LBGQT community, the show had positive ratings and a popular following. This, however, all changed this spring when the public learned a little more about the Duggar’s eldest son, Josh.

In May of this year, police reports were released from 2006 that revealed sexual molestation allegations against Josh Duggar when he was in his early teens. According to the reports, Josh inappropriately touched five girls, four of which were his sisters, on more than one occasion. Although this occurred before the Duggars found their fame on TLC, fans and viewers were appalled by the news of Josh’s past. Criticism erupted over the way that Jim Bob and Michelle handled the situation insinuating that they did not do enough to protect their daughters or get Josh adequate help and therapy. As a result of the reports leaking, Josh apologized for his actions and resigned from his job at the Family Research Council which is a prolife and pro marriage advocacy group. Jim Bob and Michelle assured the public that they dealt with the situation in 2006 the best way they knew how and continued to “seek God like never before”. Unfortunately, TLC cancelled their hit television show and the Duggars lost most of their sponsors and advertisers. Although most of their fans and the public thought at this point they knew everything about the Duggars, we quickly learned this week that was not true.

Josh Duggar’s already tarnished public image essentially completely deteriorated this week with the rumors that he was subscribed to the infamous Ashley Madison website, which enables married individuals to cheat on their spouse. On Thursday, Josh admitted to being “the biggest hypocrite” for cheating on his wife, Anna, and having an addiction to pornography. His statement came to a shock to most who assumed not only that he upheld his strict religious beliefs that were chronicled on the show and through his career, but also that he had grown up and learned from his mistakes of the past. As usual, Jim Bob and Michelle released a statement that through this disaster they are continuing to place their trust in their faith and God.

While it is terrible for anyone to commit infidelity, it is even worse when someone who publicly shares their religious beliefs, which are in complete opposition to infidelity and sex outside of marriage, to then commit such an act. As Josh himself said, he is a huge hypocrite by going against everything he supposedly believes in. I know I am not just speaking for myself when I say that as a fan of the show, I feel lied to and feel as though this seemingly perfect family pulled the wool over my eyes. Are all the Duggars frauds or do they actually uphold their religious beliefs and moral standards that they publicly depicted on the show? The recent scandals with the Duggars just go to prove that appearances are just that, and with appearances, we are not always shown the truth.