Counting On got the ax last week, due to eldest Duggar son Josh‘s upcoming trial for receiving and possessing child sex abuse materials. While several members of the Duggar Family have since spoken out, including Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, the “black sheep” of the family— estranged daughter Jill Dillard and her husband Derick— had remained quiet on the topic…until Monday.
The Dillards— who have been battling Jim Bob & Co. publicly and privately for the last several years— gave their thoughts on the cancellation of ‘Counting On’ in a statement posted to their family website. While Jill and Derick have not been on ‘Counting On’ in years, they still had a lot to say about the show getting axed.
The couple mentioned that ‘Counting On’ and its predecessor 19 Kids & Counting caused them “many pressures and unexpected challenges” and even made it so that they had limited control of their lives and what they shared publicly.
In their statement, Derick and Jill said that they found out with the rest of the world that ‘Counting On’ had been cancelled by TLC last week. They also stated that, in the four years since they left ‘Counting On,’ they started to slowly speak out about the injustices they say the show caused them, including not having control of their own lives.
“During our years on the show, we had many great experiences with the network, and several of the crew members have even become like family to us!” the Dillards wrote. “However, we also faced many pressures and some unexpected challenges which forced us to step away from the show in an effort to gain more control over our own lives and to do what was best for our family.”
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They also stated that they have been focusing on their “pursuit of freedom and authenticity,” and that having the show that caused them so much pain off the air is a step in the right direction.
“Our family’s departure from ’19 Kids & Counting’ and ‘Counting On’ has allowed us to make our own decisions, including the ability to have a choice in what we share,” they wrote. “For now, we will move forward on our own terms, and we look forward to whatever opportunities the future holds.”
Derick and wife Jill have been feuding with some of the Duggars for a few years now, beginning when Derick claimed that Jim Bob kept the profits from the family’s TV shows for himself, among other unsavory alleged actions.
Jill’s sister Jinger Vuolo and her husband Jeremy also expressed their happiness over the show being cancelled. In a statement released the same day as the cancellation news was announced, the Vuolos wrote that they agreed with TLC’s decision to end ‘Counting On.’
“We wholeheartedly agree with TLC’s decision not to renew ‘Counting On’ and are excited for the next chapter in our lives,” the statement read. “We’d like to thank our fans, friends and amazing film crew who have shown is love and support.”
Another sibling– Joseph Duggar— and his wife Kendra also wrote a statement; however, it is far less critical than Jill and Derick’s statement, and basically just rattles on about their new “season of life.”
“Wait…what? My hooter is still recovering from the last three blessings, Joe! Gimme a break!”
“We know that God guides our lives and cares for us every step of the way and while this is the end of one stage of our journey, life continues with new seasons and new endeavors. Thank you for loving and supporting us!” Joe and Kendra wrote.
TLC made the decision to stop production on the reality show that chronicled the lives of the Duggar children as they started their own families following eldest son Josh‘s arrest for receiving and possessing child sex abuse materials in April (his trial was due to start next month but has been postponed to November, The Ashley reported earlier this week).
“TLC will not be producing additional seasons of Counting On,” the network said in a statement to TODAY. “TLC feels it is important to give the Duggar family the opportunity to address their situation privately.”
RELATED STORY: Anna Duggar is Reportedly Feuding with Duggar Family & Blaming Others for Husband Josh Duggar’s Arrest
(Photos: TLC; Instagram)
I wish they could all tell their true stories! THAT would be a show I’d watch!
You must be a horrible person with no life. God don’t like ugly. That is a horrible thing to say about anyone
Too bad not only JB and Mooch but The Pest ruined this show. If it had stayed about Jana, Jill, Jinger, and Joy I would’ve watched but it turned into 19K&C all over again.
I think these two will get their own show
Derek only spoke out after he got kicked off the show. He also had his children around Josh after if was revealed what Josh did to his wife. Derek is a loser and is mad that he got the ugliest duggar girl. Jill is the ugly sister who looks like she has downs. They both brag about their s*x life but lets be realistic who else would want to engage in s*x acts with either of these unattractive losers.
Wow just wow. What a sad pathetic individual you are
Run free children. Run free. Wear what you want, have some adult beverages, and most importantly….dance to some defrauding music.
Oh please TLC, I really want to see all the hairsprayed hair fall off Jim Boob’s head — Give the Dillards their OWN SHOW! Call it something like “Turning the Tables”.
Or any damn name that will make all of the IBLP shake in their pervy fake patriarchy shit kicking velcro closing walmart brand sneakers.
Oh…Poetic Justice would be so served.
Would it be boring? Possibly, but I think a season would be interesting, and let’s see them get that coin!
Derek had his children around Josh after it was revelaed what Josh did to his wife. Derek and his wife with Downs will burn in h*ll along with Josh.
You’re sad person. Using Down Syndrome as a dig is pitiful.