As much as people love them, the Duggar family is a controversial group — and there's no beating around that fact. Whether it's their dedication to their faith, skeletons of the past coming out of the closet, or the Duggars acting … like the Duggars — sometimes it's a hit, and other times it sparks controversy. Believe it or not, the Duggars have been accused of taking people's money or trying to take advantage of the system, which can be considered the same thing.
Though the Duggars have amassed thousands (if not millions) of fans around the world, could it be possible that they are doing something sneaky behind the scenes? While we do think that people give the Duggars a lot of side-eye for some pretty crazy stuff, we're undecided on whether we believe some of the ways that people have accused them of trying to take advantage of other people for money. From trying to get donations on YouTube, to Jill being an "unqualified midwife," to asking their fans for financial support, we have to admit that some of these things seem a little shady.
Some instances warrant a side-eye, while others might make people shake their heads in disbelief. Take a look.
Asking Fans for Financial Support
While Jill and Derick were still doing missionary work in Central America, fans weren't happy with the fact that they kept hitting people up for cash. On their blog, they seemed to hint at "continued financial support," and it didn't take long before outlets started accusing Jill and Derick of begging for money.
Trying to Score YouTube Donations
Not too long after the cancellation of 19 Kids and Counting, the Duggars made headlines for seeking donations on YouTube via their Duggar Studios channel. Featuring a blue "Support" button, the once-call-to-give reportedly said, "Help Duggar Studios make more fresh quality content. Every contribution is helpful, big or small."
Folks who took issue with this monetary request thought the videos shared on the Duggar Studios YouTube channel did not warrant fans' help to finance them.
Being an 'Unqualified Midwife'
Who else remembers Jill Duggar's midwife certification being called into question? Not only was there speculation the Duggar sibling faked her credentials, but there's also allegations Jill learned from a midwife who lost her license, which is no bueno … at all.
Should this be true, women who give birth under Jill's assistance could be duped in a way, as she might not be the certified expert they were hoping for.
'A Monthly Pledge of $1 a Day'
We've all seen commercials from organizations pleading with viewers to find it in their hearts to contribute financially. Jill and Derick once took a similar route in February, asking fans to consider taking a financial pledge to help their missionary cause.
"We hope you'll consider partnering with us in this mission," the Dillards wrote on their family blog in a post from 2017 that has since been deleted. "A monthly pledge of $1 a day can help cover the cost of meals we serve to children every week. We invite you to partner with us in this next chapter of our lives, as we return to the field."
Taking a Family 'Vacation' on Fans' Dime
It's no secret that certain endeavors — like a mission trip — require funding, including donations from generous people with the assumption said donations would go toward the cause.
… And not a trip to the US to visit your family.
In 2015, Jill and Derick were accused of "misusing" missionary funds, as the family reportedly used some of their mission trip monies to attend Amy Duggar's wedding and enjoy a "planned, month long trip to take care of some things."
Asking Fans for Gift Cards
Jessa and Ben once caught fire for reportedly asking fans for gift cards — as in, "I like Target and Walmart, so feel free to pick one up there" kind of gift cards. News outlets reportedly noticed the happy couple encouraging Duggar fans to gift them with store cards in a now-edited Duggar Family blog post. In addition,The Ashley's Reality Roundup has been accused of writing specific gift card instructions for fans to consider, writing, "For readers who have asked about sending gift cards to the Seewalds, Jessa told us that her favorite stores are Target and Walmart." (This, of course, has since been deleted.)
Advertising Family Conference Nonstop
If you follow the Duggar Family's Facebook page, you might notice Jim Bob and Michelle promote something they call ALERT family conferences … more than once.
While some might not think anything is wrong with this, others, however, feel it's a ploy for the Duggar family to get some type of financial kickback. "Advertising the Alert academy every few days means they are getting free admissions for their kids," one fan wrote. "It costs thousands of dollars for these courses."
Charging Fans for Fashion Advice
Is it so wrong for people to receive some type of compensation for the advice they give?
Apparently so.
Duggar fans were mad at Jessa for charging money for fashion advice at an event she once held called "Fashionably Modest With Jessa" speaking event in Ohio. Though the $20 includes lunch and seeing Jessa at a meet and greet, fans didn't seem to be here for it.
"Being paid to talk about your modest lifestyle seems like an oxymoron," one commenter wrote.
Taking Advantage of Free Meals
What's a family of 19 to do if and when a restaurant advertises a "kids eat free" night? Go, obviously!
Some folks accused the Duggar family of taking advantage of the system by trying to save money. While this could look as a way of "robbing" a business, we don't think this is the case.
Swindling 14 Dozen (FREE) Donuts
It was so cute to see members of the Duggar family dress up like pirates for a Krispy Kreme event to score some free donuts. And, yet, their swashbuckling attire and adorable Instagram video was met with some fans who thought 14 dozen free donuts was a bit much.
"Why does each kid need their own box of donuts? #greedy," one commenter wrote. "To me that was taking advantage of the situation, just because it's free doesn't mean you have to take it. 'Specially every single kid. Shame on them," mentioned another.
Using a Pregnancy to Get Money
Believe it or not, people accused Jill and her family of using her second pregnancy to score mission donations, as the Duggar sister encouraged fans to see how they can get involved by visiting their website that, of course, led to a place to make a donation.
Though the video of the Dillards shared last December is touching, some questioned why Jill and Derick would post it.
Looking to Public Assistance
During the mist of Josh Duggar's scandals and the 19 Kids & Counting cancellation, some outlets reported the Duggars were in such a financial mess that they considered going on public assistance, which is pretty nuts to think about! The Examiner once claimed the Duggar clan "allegedly is considering all options to survive, including public assistance," which could've added thousands of dollars to Jim Bob and Michelle's pockets each month.
Needless to say, the thought of a famous reality show family receiving government assistance received side eyes.
Staying Married for a Paycheck
It's quite clear the Duggars cannot catch a break, as folks once accused Jim Bob and Michelle of staying together to earn money. According to the rumor mill at the time, the only reason the Michelle and Jim Bob were married was because of the financial strain of the 19 Kids & Counting cancellation and the need to show a united front for monetary gain. It doesn't seem likely, though, because years later, they're still together.
Justin & Claire's Wedding Registry
When a wedding registry appeared online that seemed to belong to Justin Duggar and Claire Spivey, fans accused them of "grifting" — they were requesting a lot of top dollar stuff! Later, the couple denied that they made the registry to begin with, but it was all very shady and left a bad taste in fans' mouths.
Jill's PO Box
In early 2020, Jill was accused of asking fans for money and gift when she made the announcement that she'd gotten a PO Box in case anyone wanted to send her mail. A lot of fans side-eyed the choice, especially since Jill made the address so readily available.
