“Our family is both troubled and heartbroken over the alleged actions committed by our son-in-law,” the Caldwells said in a statement.

Kendra Duggar’s ‘devastated’ family breaks silence on Joseph Duggar arrest on child molestation charges

“Our family is both troubled and heartbroken over the alleged actions committed by our son-in-law,” the Caldwells said in a statement.

By Kathleen Perricone

April 15, 2026 9:49 p.m. ET

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Kendra and Joseph Duggar in TLC's 'Counting On' 2018 season 8 premiere. Credit:

- Kendra Duggar's family released a statement on April 15, one month after Joseph Duggar's March 18 arrest for alleged child molestation.

- “We are devastated for the young girl," the Caldwells said of the victim, who was 9 at the time of the alleged 2021 incident.

- The Caldwell family also extended unconditional support to Joseph and Kendra's four young children.

Kendra Duggar’s family is breaking their silence a month after her husband Joseph Duggar was arrested on child molestation charges and 15 days since he pleaded not guilty and was released from jail.

The lengthy statement, which the Caldwells released via Instagram, offers support to the alleged victim as well as Kendra and Joseph’s four young children who are at the center of an unrelated incident involving their parents.

“Our family is both troubled and heartbroken over the alleged actions committed by our son-in-law,” began the Caldwells. “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. Our love for this child remains at the forefront of our family’s priorities and minds. We are proud of her for being strong enough to share her story while also retaining her own identity and joy.”

Two days after Joseph’s March 18 arrest, the Tontitown Police Department in Arkansas announced that he and Kendra had also been charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, second degree, and four counts of false imprisonment, second degree.

Kendra was arrested on March 20 and booked into the Washington County Detention Center, where Joseph was already in custody. Kendra was released two hours later and is due back in court on April 29.

In a phone call to her husband on March 22, Kendra implied the children — son Garrett, daughters Addison and Brooklyn, and an unnamed fourth born in recent years — were not in her care.

The Caldwell family, which includes Kendra’s parents Paul and Christina and her eight siblings, didn’t acknowledge the custody of the youngest Duggars, but did extend their unconditional support.

“We also recognize how traumatic this incident has been for our grandchildren as well and continue to pray for their strength,” added the Caldwells. “Our love for them, and our daughter Kendra, remains.”

Kendra Duggar (right) with her mother and sisters in 2023.

The Caldwells/Instagram

Throughout the family’s recent “darkness,” they revealed “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.”'

Joseph’s parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, shared a similar statement last month, telling ** through a spokesperson they were “heartbroken over this entire situation.”

"Right now, they are focused on loving their family and helping Kendra and her children during this difficult time," the spokesperson continued. "They are praying for the victim. They ask for privacy and appreciate the kind words and prayers offered by so many.”

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Joseph Duggar was released from jail in Florida on March 30 after posting a $600,000 bond. He is expected back in court in Florida on April 20.

Nine days later, Joseph and Kendra are both due in court in Arkansas for the child endangerment and false imprisonment charges.

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Source: “EW Celebrity”