As the oldest of Jim Bob and Michelle's children, Josh Duggar used to enjoy an unparalleled amount of respect from his 18 siblings, but that has all changed in the wake of his two recent sex scandals. According to the latest gossip news updates, Josh's brothers John-David and Joseph are publicly distancing themselves from their former role model since it was revealed that he cheated on his wife, Anna, using the now infamous infidelity website, Ashley Madison. Word has it that unlike the rest of the 19 Kids & Counting cast, Anna Duggar still hasn't been able to come to terms with the depths of her husband's depravity and even plans to bring their children to visit Josh in rehab for this Christmas.
When you grow up in the Duggars' uber-religious household you are taught to idolize and immolate your older siblings, but that all changed for John-David when he learned that his older brother, Josh, had violated his vows to God and his wife by cheating with women he met online.
During a TLC's new Duggar family special, Jill & Jessa: Counting On, 25-year-old John-David recalls how difficult it was for him to tell Josh, that he no longer admired or looked up to him (via Us Weekly):
"I've got a whole bunch of younger siblings looking up to me and I've got to be an example to them...Because whatever I am, that's what they want to be.
"That's what it was for me and Josh. I always wanted to be like him.
"But, one of the toughest things I ever had to tell my older brother was, 'I don't want to be like you anymore.'"
Sadly, Anna Duggar is said to be having an even harder time accepting that Josh is guilty of everything he's been accused of in recent months.
One source in the latest December 21, issue of InTouch claims that Anna knows that Josh cheated but just can't come to terms with Danica Dillions claims that Duggar sexually assaulted her, despite the half-a-million-dollar lawsuit the porn star has filed against them:
"She believes Josh cheated on her -- because he admitted he did -- but she does not believe Danica's story.
"Even though it all adds up, Josh is still denying it happened and told Anna that since he was living a life of sin, he isn't surprised that people are making things up about him.
"But Josh doesn't admit anything until he is absolutely caught in a lie."
What do you think about Josh Duggar's fall from grace?
Would it be best if the entire 19 Kids & Counting cast went away for a while, instead of ostracizing their former role model?
Or, should the rest of the family be allowed back on television now that they are finally willing to admit that Josh Duggar's behavior has been somewhat less than exemplary?
Let us hear what you have to say about it in the comment field below.
