[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]
Another Duggar scandal is making headlines, and this latest twist is getting people talking for all the wrong reasons.
Joseph Duggar is reportedly trying to change the legal restrictions tied to his ongoing criminal case because he wants access to his children again. And yes, the situation is every bit as messy as it sounds.
The former reality TV personality, who was at one time far back in the past best known from the Duggar family’s time in the spotlight on the once-popular reality TV show 19 Kids and Counting, has reportedly filed new legal paperwork asking a judge to revise the strict no-contact order currently hanging over him.
According to court records first viewed by TMZ and others on Monday, Joseph wants permission to have contact with his own biological children despite the conditions tied to his criminal charges.
As Perezcious readers know, Joseph was arrested earlier this year following disturbing allegations involving a minor. Authorities say the accusations stem from incidents that allegedly took place during a family vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida, back in 2020. A now-14-year-old girl reportedly told investigators that several inappropriate encounters occurred when she was just 9.
Since his arrest, Joseph has been out on bond while the case works its way through the legal system. But one major condition of that release has apparently become a huge obstacle for him personally: see, the current order bars him from unsupervised contact with minors, and that reportedly includes the four children he shares with wife Kendra Caldwell Duggar.
Now, per TMZ, Joseph is attempting to carve out an exception that would allow him to see his own kids.
The request is already stirring strong reactions online, especially because anything involving children and allegations of this nature immediately raises emotions. Critics are questioning whether the court should make any adjustments, while others argue parental rights are a separate issue that deserves consideration while the allegations against Joseph are, well, still allegations. Innocent until proven guilty, and all that.
At this point, all eyes are on the court to see whether the judge will agree to modify the restrictions. Until then, Joseph remains under the existing terms of his release while the criminal proceedings continue behind the scenes, per that news outlet.
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If you have sincere cause to suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org.
If you or someone you know is experiencing substance abuse, help is available. Consider checking out the resources SAMHSA provides at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline or check out StartYourRecovery.org.
[Image via Washington County Sheriff’s Office]
