The Duggars might be a famous family that prides itself on walking the straight and narrow and adhering to a strict moral code, but that doesn't mean they are perfect or without fault. In the years they've been on television and in the public eye, we've watched many members of the family fall from grace over and over again, pick themselves back up, and even withstand accusations of some pretty serious things (especially with Josh Duggar's multiple scandals).
Sadly, it's hard for just about anyone to dodge judgment and ridicule when they live their entire life in front of the camera — and, boy do the Duggars get their fair share of shade and criticism from fans and foes alike. Whether it's people bashing Jill and Derick's parenting skills, slamming Jim Bob and Michelle for their pasts, or questioning Jessa's Instagram photos, it seems there's always a new controversy bubbling up for the Duggar family. Of course, some of this is criticism they bring on themselves; they've always been open about the strict rules they have in their family, so fans are extra vigilant to wait and see who breaks what rule and when.
With that in mind, we've rounded up a revealing (and juicy) look at all the times members of the Duggar family — and those who married into it — were charged with breaking the rules in the court of public scrutiny. Some of these old scandals are things even the most dedicated fans might not remember, but others are impossible to forget.
Joy-Anna's Premarital Pregnancy Rumors
Before Joy and Austin tied the knot, there were rumors that they'd accidentally gotten pregnant, which might be the biggest no-no in the Duggar universe of all. At the time, outlets were alleging that sources close to the Duggar clan were saying that they were not only sexually active, but were also expecting a love child — which definitely would have gone against Duggar courtship rules. Though Gideon did arrive about nine months after Joy and Austin's wedding, it's possible that he was a honeymoon baby.
Jinger & Jeremy Breaking Courtship Rules
If we had a dollar for all the times we heard Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo broke courtship rules, we could probably buy a tiny island. (You know this one is true when Michelle Duggar admits Jinger and Jeremy defied a few courting rules!) Whether enjoying a frontal hug instead of from the side, or straight up admitting they had their own set of rules they followed prior to saying "I do," J&J showed there was no stopping them — and obviously, it all worked out!
Amy Duggar & Her Husband on 'Marriage Bootcamp'
Perhaps one of the biggest Duggar shockers of all was finding out Amy (Duggar) King and her husband joined Marriage Bootcamp, a WE TV — and non-Christian —reality show that aims to repair marriages in front of the cameras. Things got awkward fast, and we have a feeling that Jim Bob probably did not approve.
Jim Bob Admitting Michelle Took Birth Control
Even though we don't think it's a huge deal, it's not hard to understand why Jim Bob admitting Michelle Duggar once took birth control pills would turn heads. Not only is the family pro-life, but Jim Bob writes in his blog post that a Christian doctor says "the pill could be abortive" — which is a pretty big no-no (abortion, that is) to this family … even if it might not be scientifically accurate.
Jill & Derick Misusing Missionary Funds
Back in 2015, reports started flooding in that Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard may have used missionary funds without approval to take trips back home — and that the Dillards were allegedly rejected as being official missionaries as they both lacked the necessary qualifications to get approval. Thankfully, it looks like their time spent in Central America was productive, though rumors like these are hard to sweep under the rug.
Josh Reportedly Stealing Someone's Identity to Use Ashley Madison
As if finding out Josh Duggar allegedly sexually abused girls — including his sisters — years ago and finding out Josh cheated on Anna Duggar using the website Ashley Madison weren't horrifying enough, the eldest Duggar child shocked fans once again in an unexpected way. In 2016, a DJ reportedly sued Josh Duggar for using his image without permission on Ashley Madison (yup, the same website) which, if true, breaks so many rules on so many levels.
Jessa & Ben Also Breaking Courtship Rules
Well, well, well — it looks like Jinger wasn't the only Duggar sister to not follow her family's courting guidelines to the letter. Jessa Duggar once admitted she and Ben broke a courtship rule by having many unsupervised phone calls. And as you would expect, what the now-husband-and-wife duo talked about was anything but racy.
Dressing Up as a 'Prostitute'
As you can imagine, some people were shocked to see Amy (Duggar) King dressed as Julia Roberts's character in Pretty Woman. After all, it's not every day that a Duggar chooses to dress up as a prostitute for Halloween — let alone celebrate Halloween at all, come to think of it.
Derick Acting 'Inappropriately' at Jinger & Jeremy's Wedding
Everyone knows there's certain etiquette you display at weddings. You don't wear white. You don't cause some dramatic scene. And you don't try to upstage the bride in any way. Duggar fans weren't happy to see Derick Dillard steal a kiss from Jill at the altar of Jinger and Jeremy's wedding … especially when Jinger and Jeremy waited until they exchanged vows to kiss. "I just watched it and that was super rude of him!" a fan wrote on the Counting On Facebook page. Yeah, not a good move, Derick.
Jessa's Beverage Putting Her Baby in Harm's Way
While too much of a good thing can be bad, experts believe expectant moms who moderately drink coffee aren't putting baby in harm's way. And yet, Jessa caught flack for drinking an iced coffee drink while pregnant with Spurgeon — because many people still believe pregnant women drinking coffee is a big no-no. Who knows if the drink was decaf, or if Jess got her doctor's blessing.
Josh's Arrest
It's safe to say that getting arrested by federal agents is also against Jim Bob and Michelle's rules. In April 2021, Josh was arrested on child pornography charges, and though he's still awaiting trial, Counting On has already been canceled because of it.
Breaking Dress Code
Though Jim Bob and Michelle only allowed their daughters to wear skirts or dresses, and required them to cover up their shoulders, many of them have grown up to make their own dress codes. Both Jinger and Jill wear pants, shorts, and tank tops … and it seems like some of their sisters may be following suit, too.
Abbie's Pilot License
John David's wife, Abbie, broke the Duggar gender norms when she got her pilot's license. In this family, the men are usually the ones who learn skills like flying, but Abbie decided to learn how to fly herself after seeing how much her husband enjoyed it.
Hospital Births
All Duggar births were once home births, but these days, the tides have turned. Most of the Duggar ladies are giving birth in hospitals these days, and some (including Jinger) are even opting for that sweet, sweet epidural, which would have been off the table once upon a time.
