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Duggar family's '19 Kids and Counting' series is pulled from TLC's schedule

By Karen Butler
Josh and Anna Duggar, and family from "19 Kids and Counting." TLC
Josh and Anna Duggar, and family from "19 Kids and Counting." TLC

ROGERS , Ark., May 23 (UPI) -- TLC has yanked its popular docu-series 19 Kids and Counting from its lineup, following the revelation that one of its stars was investigated for sexual abuse as a teen.

"Effective immediately, TLC has pulled all episodes of 19 Kids and Counting currently from the air. We are deeply saddened and troubled by this heartbreaking situation, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and victims at this difficult time," the cable network said in a statement Friday.

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TLC's announcement came after media reports said Josh Duggar -- now 27 and the married father of three children -- had been accused of molesting five young girls, including family members, starting in 2002. He was never formally charged or convicted of a crime.

The sexual abuse news also sparked the threat of a lawsuit from "Mama" June Shannon whose own TLC series Here Comes Honey Boo Boo was canceled last year after she was photographed on dates with a convicted child molester.

"Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends," Josh Duggar told People magazine late Thursday. "I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation. We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling. I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life."

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19 Kids and Counting, which takes place in Arkansas and follows the lives of devout Christians Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their 19 children, premiered on TLC in 2008. Season 10 began this past February.

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