TLC's "19 Kids and Counting" may survive the Josh Duggar molestation scandal.
According to TMZ, the network is "saddened and troubled" by recent revelations of Josh's past actions as a minor, but is struggling to decide how to proceed with the family-friendly reality show.
Sources claim that network executives are considering firing Josh from "19 Kids" and focusing upcoming episodes on the family's other children. This may be the best scenario given the stellar ratings for episodes featuring the wedding of Jill and Jessa along and the birth of the couple's baby boy. The Duggar girls have apparently become "the driving force" for the show.
"Entertainment Tonight" reported that advertiser General Mills has bailed on the network and executives are worried that if the show continues, other big advertisers will follow them out the door. However, the network "believes the show has a strong, loyal evangelical base and so far support has not wavered."
As of Friday, TLC had pulled all episodes of "19 Kids and Counting" from its lineup.
"Effective immediately, TLC has pulled all episodes of 19 Kids and Counting currently from the air. We are deeply saddened and troubled by this heartbreaking situation, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and victims at this difficult time," TLC Network said in a statement to E! News.
In 2006, The Oprah Winfrey Show cancelled a scheduled appearance by the reality stars after receiving an email about Josh's alleged actions. The report was reportedly handed over to the Department of Human Services, which led to an investigation by Springdale, Arkansas, police in December 2006.
Last week, In Touch Weekly reported that Josh was named in a police report as the "alleged offender" in an underage sexual abuse probe. Since reported were made public, Josh has apologized for his actions and has respectively removed himself from the public eye.
"Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret," Josh said Thursday in a statement to People.
"I hurt others, including my family and close friends. I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation. We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling. I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life."
