Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have issued a statement following the release of the four-part docuseries Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets on Prime Video. The docuseries exposes the Duggar family's past scandals plus looks at the religion behind the family, Institute in Basic Life Principles.
Jim Bob and Michelle publicly responded to the new docuseries by posting a statement to the Duggar family’s official website.
“The recent ‘documentary; that talks about our family is sad because in it we see the media and those with ill intentions hurting people we love,” the statement began.
They said their family struggles are like everyone’s but are just public.
“Like other families, ours too has experienced the joys and heartbreaks of life, just in a very public format," the statement continued. "This 'documentary' paints so much and so many in a derogatory and sensationalized way because sadly that’s the direction of entertainment these days."
The statement then alludes to their daughter, Jill Duggar, and her participation in the docuseries.
"We have always believed that the best chance to repair damaged relationships, or to reconcile differences, is through love in a private setting," Jim Bob and Michelle's statement continued.
"We love every member of our family and will continue to do all we can to have a good relationship with each one."
They wrapped up their statement by leaning on their religion.
"Through both the triumphs and the trials we have clung to our faith all the more and discovered that through the love and grace of Jesus, we find strength, comfort, and purpose," the statement concluded.
Anyone who follows the Duggar family, even loosely, likely knows that Jill — the fourth oldest child of Jim Bob and Michelle — has been estranged from her family for some time.
She, along with her husband, Derick Dillard, have been vocal about alleged mistreatment Jill experienced at the hands of her parents, both in their personal lives and their time on reality TV.
And, according to Jill, her relationship with her parents is more strained than ever.
Jill, who previously admitted her relationship with her dad was “toxic,” said in the docuseries that "everything within the family dynamic has shifted — and not for the better."
In the docuseries, Jill shared that she didn’t get paid for any of the work she did on the family’s reality TV show, and she opened up about the interview she had with Megyn Kelly years ago to address the abuse she suffered at the hands of her brother.
"In hindsight, I wouldn't have done the Megyn Kelly stuff," Jill said while tearing up. "I felt like I was in a place, again, of bearing the burden and the weight."
The docuseries was released on June 2, and Jill was the only Duggar kid who participated.
Other members of the Duggar family were interviewed, including Jill’s cousin, Amy King, and her mom, Jim Bob’s sister, Deanna Jordan.
The series also discussed the former leader of the IBLP, Bill Gothard, and the allegations of sexual harassment he received over the years, as well as the leader’s tie to the Duggar family.
Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets is streaming now on Prime Video.
