Josh Duggar, the eldest son of controversial reality TV family the Duggars, completed seven months of treatment for porn addiction at a faith-based rehabilitation center. The family, former stars of TLC's hit series "19 Kids and Counting," announced Duggar's release from the program in Rockford, Ill., today, and he returned to his wife Anna and their family in Arkansas.
The 28-year-old disgraced former reality TV star checked himself into the Reformers Unanimous facility last August after a year of scandals rocked his whole family, which includes wife Anna and their four children, 6-year-old Mackynzie Renée, 4-year-old Michael James, 2-year-old Marcus Anthony and 8-month-old Meredith Grace.
"Josh has completed his residential rehabilitation program," said a statement from the Duggar family. "We are so thankful for everyone who worked with Josh in this program. It was a crucial first step in recovery and healing for Josh. Josh has now returned to Arkansas, where he will continue professional counseling and focus on rebuilding relationships with his family. We look to God for help and guidance and place all of our trust in Him. We are forever grateful for the love and prayers offered by so many and hope you will continue to pray in the days ahead."
The first of two scandals involving Duggar was when a 2006 police report was published in a magazine last May, revealing that he molested five underage girls in 2002 when he was about 14 years old. It was later revealed that two of his victims were his younger sisters, Jill and Jessa. Shortly after, Duggar released a statement confirming that the reports were true. TLC then pulled "19 Kids and Counting" from its programming schedule.
His second scandal came to light in the aftermath of the Ashley Madison hack last August when it was revealed that the former executive director of the conservative Christian lobbying group Family Research Council spent almost $1,000 for services on the website, which is dedicated to helping married men and women find partners for extramarital affairs.
Duggar's release comes just days before the Season 2 premiere of his sisters' "19 Kids and Counting" spin-off show "Jill and Jessa: Counting On," which documents the eldest Duggar children's lives and how they're coping with their brothers scandals.
"The Duggar family has confirmed to TLC that Josh has completed his residential treatment program," the network confirmed in a statement. "Josh is not appearing in 'Jill & Jessa: Counting On.' We wish the family continued healing."
"Jill and Jessa: Counting On" premieres March 15 at 9 p.m. ET on TLC.
