Josh & Anna Smuggar: A Series of Unfortunate Events

[Zella]

I've always found it psychologically interesting how much more horrifying the Duggars seemed to find the adultery than the molestation. It struck me that it were as if they couldn't fathom why people were offended about the molestations, yet the Ashley Madison scandal seems to have shaken them to their core. I can't figure out if that is because of their deplorable views regarding sexual assault (blame the victim) or because they had no control over the publicity or because they finally realized that Josh's dysfunction wasnt a thing of the past or maybe because, as unselfaware as they are, they still realized they looked like assholes for so strenuously defending him in the past. Maybe all the above.

I think cheating on your spouse is a shitty thing to do--saw it rip apart my own parents' marriage--but it really pales in comparison to MOLESTING your sisters and other young women staying in the family home. The fact that they can't seem to understand this is really telling.

[doodlebug]

1 hour ago, madpsych78 said:

If Josh had not molested his sisters, and the only notoriety he achieved was Ashley Madison and cheating, I bet we would all have a different perception of Josh. Yes, he would still be criticized for hurting Anna, but he probably wouldn't be regarded as pond scum the way he is now. Infidelity is hurtful but it's not a crime. Plus, I regard the cheating as illustrative of the cracks and flaws of their belief system. 

If anything, some of us might feel a little sympathetic to a guy forced into a rigid system of behavior, married off very young with a limited choice of spouse and who then had a bunch of kids right off the bat.  It isn't hard to see how someone in Josh' position might be tempted to cheat on his wife as an outlet for all of the stress caused by the fundie lifestyle he was born into/

[BitterApple]

1 hour ago, doodlebug said:

If anything, some of us might feel a little sympathetic to a guy forced into a rigid system of behavior, married off very young with a limited choice of spouse and who then had a bunch of kids right off the bat.  It isn't hard to see how someone in Josh' position might be tempted to cheat on his wife as an outlet for all of the stress caused by the fundie lifestyle he was born into/

That's how I would've looked at it. If it was just cheating and not cheating/molestation I could've handwaved the situation as a guy forced to marry too young and he got restless. It wouldn't make Josh any less of a jerk, but it happens. Some couples work through it, others can't. Either way, sex between consenting adults is far less scandalous than a teenager molesting five girls. 

[Scarlett45]

2 hours ago, Zella said:

I've always found it psychologically interesting how much more horrifying the Duggars seemed to find the adultery than the molestation. It struck me that it were as if they couldn't fathom why people were offended about the molestations, yet the Ashley Madison scandal seems to have shaken them to their core. I can't figure out if that is because of their deplorable views regarding sexual assault (blame the victim) or because they had no control over the publicity or because they finally realized that Josh's dysfunction wasnt a thing of the past or maybe because, as unselfaware as they are, they still realized they looked like assholes for so strenuously defending him in the past. Maybe all the above.

I think cheating on your spouse is a shitty thing to do--saw it rip apart my own parents' marriage--but it really pales in comparison to MOLESTING your sisters and other young women staying in the family home. The fact that they can't seem to understand this is really telling.

I find this interesting too. The girls he molested are his SISTERS, he was in a position of trust, and Joy was FIVE years old. Five!!!!!!!

People cheat on their spouses- yes it’s jerky, but I wouldn’t say someone who cheated on their spouse with another consenting adult was a morally corrupt individual. I would say that someone who knowling hurt their own sibling is a morally corrupt person. 

2 hours ago, Zella said:

because they finally realized that Josh's dysfunction wasnt a thing of the past or maybe because, as unselfaware as they are, they still realized they looked like assholes for so strenuously defending him in the past.

I think this is the primary reason. 

The secondary reason is “blame the victim” as you said upthread. When Josh was a teen he hadn’t made any promises to God about his sexual behavior. I think the Duggars are more upset that he broke a public promise than the fact that he hurt or could’ve given an STI to Anna. 

[Zella]

2 minutes ago, Scarlett45 said:

I find this interesting too. The girls he molested are his SISTERS, he was in a position of trust, and Joy was FIVE years old. Five!!!!!!

Yes the more info that came out on the molestations, the more horrified I was, especially with their excuses for why it wasn't such a big deal. Everything was just so predatory about it.

I very badly wanted someone to reassure the Duggar girls that THAT was not normal, no matter what bullshit narrative their parents tried to spin. I have three wonderful older brothers, including 2 whom were teenagers when I was born, and on behalf of little sisters everywhere, I was offended at their attempt to make it seem like his actions was just some normal teenaged boy behavior.

And they seemed to conveniently ignore that one of his victims wasn't even a member of a family! Like that poor girl never even existed!

[Nysha]

3 hours ago, Zella said:

I've always found it psychologically interesting how much more horrifying the Duggars seemed to find the adultery than the molestation. It struck me that it were as if they couldn't fathom why people were offended about the molestations, yet the Ashley Madison scandal seems to have shaken them to their core. I can't figure out if that is because of their deplorable views regarding sexual assault (blame the victim) or because they had no control over the publicity or because they finally realized that Josh's dysfunction wasnt a thing of the past or maybe because, as unselfaware as they are, they still realized they looked like assholes for so strenuously defending him in the past. Maybe all the above.

I think cheating on your spouse is a shitty thing to do--saw it rip apart my own parents' marriage--but it really pales in comparison to MOLESTING your sisters and other young women staying in the family home. The fact that they can't seem to understand this is really telling.

The molestation was years ago and Josh had already repented and been forgiven. As far as they were concerned, it was over. Plus, it was partially the victims' fault for not being modest enough, Josh was young, it happens in a lot of families, the girls don't even remember it, and they dealt with it. The Ashley Madison scandal was worse because Josh was an adult and he sought out sin. There wasn't anyone else to blame but Josh, which made it even worse because then it reflected on the whole Duggar brand. 

To Evangelical Christians, repenting and being forgiven means that whatever you have done has been washed away. After all, if God/Jesus has forgiven him, who are we to continue to condemn him? Even now, I'm sure they feel like Josh has been to Jesus Jail, his wife has forgiven him, so why can't he slide back into his place on TLC?

[Zella]

17 minutes ago, Nysha said:

it happens in a lot of families

I remember how they kept harping on this point and found it especially sinister. Of course, given Gothard's own behavior, it probably shouldn't be surprising but still.

[MyPeopleAreNordic]

If he (and JB) had any sense, they'd realize these lawsuits do nothing but keep reminding the public of vile actions, that he's a vile person, & that the Duggar parents failed their kids.  But no....in pursuit of money and all, they will keep drawing attention to his awful acts and how awful he is.   

No.common.sense.

That said, thanks for the reminder for anyone who doesn't regularly follow the Duggars who had forgotten about the scandal and that Josh still sucks. Keep on reminding society why you aren't role models and why your way of life isn't to be copied. 

Also, this is further proof to me that Josh is the Family Prince/Favorite Son. If JB and Michelle had any sense, they'd nix this lawsuit (since they're the ones employing/supporting Josh, they could do so or pressure him to do so).  Instead, they must be still upset that their Poor First-Born Prince Joshua was outed as who he is/what he did.  

The poor M kids. :(

Edited January 30, 2019 by MyPeopleAreNordic

[floridamom]

Does anyone know the status of the Duggar daughters' lawsuit?

[GleamingMist]

8 hours ago, floridamom said:

Does anyone know the status of the Duggar daughters' lawsuit?

I think it got dismissed.

[PikaScrewChu]

7 hours ago, GleamingMist said:

I think it got dismissed.

It was dismissed but I thought they appealed. The hearing for the remaining three defendants finally took place back in December. It says in that article that the lawsuit was dismissed against InTouch so I'm guessing they probably abandoned the idea of getting any $$$ out of InTouch.

[lascuba]

On 1/30/2019 at 4:22 PM, MyPeopleAreNordic said:

If he (and JB) had any sense, they'd realize these lawsuits do nothing but keep reminding the public of vile actions, that he's a vile person, & that the Duggar parents failed their kids.  But no....in pursuit of money and all, they will keep drawing attention to his awful acts and how awful he is.   

No.common.sense.

That said, thanks for the reminder for anyone who doesn't regularly follow the Duggars who had forgotten about the scandal and that Josh still sucks. Keep on reminding society why you aren't role models and why your way of life isn't to be copied. 

Also, this is further proof to me that Josh is the Family Prince/Favorite Son. If JB and Michelle had any sense, they'd nix this lawsuit (since they're the ones employing/supporting Josh, they could do so or pressure him to do so).  Instead, they must be still upset that their Poor First-Born Prince Joshua was outed as who he is/what he did.  

The poor M kids. :(

 

More than anything else, JB wants vindication. He wants to be able to say that a judge and jury ruled that the real criminals in all of this were the people who released those police reports. He's delusional enough to think that will change in anything in the court of public opinion.

Edited February 1, 2019 by lascuba

[Normades]

1 hour ago, lascuba said:

More than anything else, JB wants vindication. He wants to be able to say that a judge and jury ruled that the real criminals in all of this were the people who released those police reports. He's delusional enpugthat will change in anything in the court of public opinion.

And money.  Never underestimate Boob's drive for money.

[queenanne]

22 hours ago, lascuba said:

More than anything else, JB wants vindication. He wants to be able to say that a judge and jury ruled that the real criminals in all of this were the people who released those police reports. He's delusional enough to think that will change in anything in the court of public opinion.

I can also see and imagine someone in IBLP pushing him to help "set a legal precedent" as the stalking horse.  Heck, maybe even Josh is smart enough to figure that angle out, after his stint at the FRC...

[Marshmallow Mollie]

In the Christmas pictures, Josh is wearing a lime green shirt and red shorts. I am all for being festive, but his outfit, nay costume, was over the top “look at me!!!” A Smuggar doesn’t change his stripes.

At some point after the scandals broke but before Anna’s pregnancy, I did feel some sympathy for him. He was a social pariah and likely had no job options beyond his family. He was using his baby to shield his face on TLC. 

All of that should have humbled him (although he also should have gotten real counseling). Instead he seems as smug as ever.

[Sew Sumi]

11 hours ago, Marshmallow Mollie said:

In the Christmas pictures, Josh is wearing a lime green shirt and red shorts. I am all for being festive, but his outfit, nay costume, was over the top “look at me!!!” A Smuggar doesn’t change his stripes.

At some point after the scandals broke but before Anna’s pregnancy, I did feel some sympathy for him. He was a social pariah and likely had no job options beyond his family. He was using his baby to shield his face on TLC. 

All of that should have humbled him (although he also should have gotten real counseling). Instead he seems as smug as ever.

Anna was pregnant with Meredith during the Joshgstes. She didn't get pregnant again for over a year, 6 months of which were spent in the Girls' dorm while Smuggar was in Jesus Jail. I guess you mean after all of that transpired when he used one of his younger spawn (want to say it was Marcus) as a human shield at Jinger's wedding? Remember the mysterious flash in an outdoor shot that wiped him out of that shot? 

I had no sympathy for him. He got nothing less than he deserved, then got a new car lot handed to him close to his newly refurbished digs. Remember how his brothers banded together to spruce up his fixer upper after he was forced out of DC? His family gave him the Golden Son treatment all the way up to Ashley Madison. Cheating and porn were the straws that broke even Boob's back. Because we all know that left to his own devices, Smuggar never would have gone to Jesus Jail. That had Boob written all over it. 

[xtwheeler]

On 1/31/2019 at 7:39 PM, PikaScrewChu said:

It was dismissed but I thought they appealed. The hearing for the remaining three defendants finally took place back in December. It says in that article that the lawsuit was dismissed against InTouch so I'm guessing they probably abandoned the idea of getting any $$$ out of InTouch.

The thing that astonished me the most in reading that article was that the Duggars were represented by a female attorney. That would be a natural choice for, well regular people, since female sexual assault victims are often more comfortable with female cops/doctors/lawyers, but the Duggars exposing their daughters to a woman with an education is go smacking to me. 

What if it rubbed off?!?! 

 

ETA: Searched the 8th circuit opinions, and nothing has been published yet. I'm not familiar with their publication schedule, though. 

Edited February 4, 2019 by xtwheeler

[Soaper410]

I do think JB and Josh probably spend a lot of time blaming everyone else for their loss of fame.   And JB keeps coming up with ideas or specials or kids to marry off and Joshua acting like a dog with his head outside the window, tongue hanging out...loving every stupid idea.

I assume Anna hears it all the time too.  It isn’t his fault, it’s the clerks or the company workers or the medial or whatever. 

[OpieTaylor]

Now Anna is promoting some customized shampoo on an Instagram story, offering a discount if you swipe up. Good grief

[Lunera]

26 minutes ago, OpieTaylor said:

Now Anna is promoting some customized shampoo on an Instagram story, offering a discount if you swipe up. Good grief

Did they all get managers? Who's getting them all these sponsorships?

[babyhouseman]

Does that mean she's going to wash that man right outta her hair?

Edited February 23, 2019 by babyhouseman

[Annb67]

This is ridiculous. How many products has this family tried to shrill only to be tossed out by the company. They must be desperate for money. 

[jcbrown]

29 minutes ago, babyhouseman said:

Does that mean she's going to wash that man right outta her hair?

If only. Too much of a beat in that song for her, though, so probably not.

[awaken]

This shilling of products is over the top!  It so glaring that they’re suddenly all doing it. 

[BitterApple]

I think they're hurting for money. It's strange how the Duggars were radio silent for years, and now all of a sudden we're seeing a blast of daughters shilling merchandise. 

Given the amount of people Boob's supporting, it wouldn't surprise me if he's having cash flow issues. 

[Jenilane6]

Anna, your bathroom is beautiful and your now-straight teeth look great.  Hard to believe you used to live in a trailer.  But I still wouldn’t stay with him.  Take the trash out.

Great bath, though.

[Rabbittron]

2 hours ago, Lunera said:

Did they all get managers? Who's getting them all these sponsorships?

In the first picture to me she looks pregnant.

[bigskygirl]

Just because Josh has two idiots for parents and a crappy childhood, does not give the right to molest his sisters more than once. There is no excuse for his actions. There are millions of kids who had terrible childhoods who do not harm their siblings.

And speaking of Smugs... Yesterday I was watching a hearing for a bill to give gays, lesbians and certain others human rights. I was secretly hoping someone would brought up the Duggars with their certain groups of people are child molesters while they hid the fact their son molested four of their daughters more than once. A few of the bill’s non supporters reminded me of the Duggar’s especially with their bigotry, hate and ignorance.

[Scarlett45]

13 hours ago, Rabbittron said:

In the first picture to me she looks pregnant.

Anna has looked pregnant for a while now. I too thought she was several months ago because she looked “swollen” not just heavier. I think she’s just gained a bit weight in her face. Of course she could be pregnant at any time but she has gained weight recently. 

[Sew Sumi]

She's right smack in the wheelhouse to get knocked up to stay on her every two years, plus a couple of months,  pregnancy plan.

Edited February 23, 2019 by Sew Sumi
forgot a comma

[floridamom]

Where is the picture of Anna's bathroom? I couldn't find it.

[Trillium]

I use Function of Beauty shampoo/conditioner (it’s not an MLM) and everyone who orders gets a link they can share to offer a discount and if someone orders from your link you get a $5 product credit. She ain’t going to be buying Josley many burgers with this venture. 

Edited February 24, 2019 by Trillium

[ginger90]

annaduggar

We had a fun-filled family night again! We had an asian-themed dinner 🥡 — Jana and I made fresh spring rolls, Jessa made Indonesian fried rice 🍚 🥢 (thanks @jennishartono for teaching us!) and Jill gave us all some sushi lessons! 🍣 🍱

After dinner we played some games 🎲 , 🎹 enjoyed music 🎶 and those who were willing to brave the cold enjoyed a game of (freezing🥶) capture the flag! 🏳️👟 Monday nights have quickly become a favorite as we each make it a priority to set time aside and catch up with our family! 💞Thanks again to Jana & Joy for making this happen once again! 🥰❣️#littleduggars

[BitterApple]

Of course Jana made it happen. When does Jana ever NOT make it happen?

Oh, and sushi prepared with grimy, unwashed Duggar hands with greasy hair floating over the ingredients? I'll pass. There's less germs in a sewer.

[Minivanessa]

Oh, look. Anna knows how to use emojis. Like a 12 year old. 

ETA: and of course, the feast was eaten off landfill-bound one-use Styrofoam™ plates and bowls, with one-use plastic utensils. Because, Duggars.

Edited February 24, 2019 by Jeeves
I typed "ETA" and autocorrect decided I mean "EAT." Of course it did.

[realityfan26]

Monday night get togethers? Most of us avoid work night gatherings. Oh right....

[FizzyPuff]

7 hours ago, Jeeves said:

Oh, look. Anna knows how to use emojis. Like a 12 year old. 

ETA: and of course, the feast was eaten off landfill-bound one-use Styrofoam™ plates and bowls, with one-use plastic utensils. Because, Duggars.

I’ll be surprised when I see anyone with a real plate and cup.

[OpieTaylor]

Anna now has a paid partnership with Fabletics- she’s got an instagram story up today. She says the word “leggings” as “leggins” 

[DangerousMinds]

15 minutes ago, OpieTaylor said:

Anna now has a paid partnership with Fabletics- she’s got an instagram story up today. She says the word “leggings” as “leggins” 

That’s just ridiculous. Do they think leaving off the “g” is cute? 

[BigBingerBro]

Josie used to look rather cute.  Lately she's been looking rather sickly!

[Lunera]

4 hours ago, OpieTaylor said:

Anna now has a paid partnership with Fabletics- she’s got an instagram story up today. She says the word “leggings” as “leggins” 

Alyssa did an ad for Fabletics too but Anna? Wtf she doesn't even work out or wear leggings. How is she going to show off the pattern of the leggings if she has a fugly skirt over them?!

Edited February 25, 2019 by Lunera

[yogi2014L]

13 minutes ago, Lunera said:

Alyssa did an ad for Fabletics too but Anna? Wtf she doesn't even work out or wear leggings. How is she going to show off the pattern of the leggings if she has a fugly skirt over them?!

OMFG. hahaaha. Sorry. 

Fabletics is actually paying her to show about 3 inches of calf ?? Seriously?? 

[madpsych78]

51 minutes ago, Lunera said:

Alyssa did an ad for Fabletics too but Anna? Wtf she doesn't even work out or wear leggings. How is she going to show off the pattern of the leggings if she has a fugly skirt over them?!

There's something oxymoronic about all this...I mean Anna is shilling LEGGINGS. Not modesty workout wear. LEGGINGS. 

I mean it would make more sense for Jill or Jinger to shill this product.

[BitterApple]

Anna's shilling leggings we can't even see. Somebody in the Fabletics marketing department really dropped the ball with this one.

Does anyone else think Boob gave Joshley some kind of ultimatum regarding finances? It's weird that all the girls are hawking on Instagram, but especially weird for Anna given the toxicity associated with Josh. I wonder if Boob has cut back their allowance.

Edited February 25, 2019 by BitterApple

[Annb67]

I think how this works is if you refer someone you get a discount. She isn't actually working for them. I have a friend who did this. Here's the difference. My friend didn't have an idiotic expression on her face, she didn't wear them with a long top and skirt, she didnt take a picture from above, her outfit was super cute.  Dimwits...all of them.

[DangerousMinds]

33 minutes ago, Annb67 said:

I think how this works is if you refer someone you get a discount. She isn't actually working for them. I have a friend who did this. Here's the difference. My friend didn't have an idiotic expression on her face, she didn't wear them with a long top and skirt, she didnt take a picture from above, her outfit was super cute.  Dimwits...all of them.

Does Anna really need a discount on workout wear since she doesn't work out ?

[ChiCricket]

  This all makes me wonder if someone gave JB a heads up that the show was going to be cancelled after this season (maybe they said unless Jana gets married or something.)

  I could see someone who has worked with them for years giving them a heads up, and maybe now JB is panicking.

[graefin]

10 hours ago, OpieTaylor said:

Anna now has a paid partnership with Fabletics- she’s got an instagram story up today. She says the word “leggings” as “leggins” 

I'll take Anna's "leggin's" over Joy's (would-be) "leggingks."

And, yes, the (overacted, badly shot) ad is ridic. But, hey, it's the Duggars, so what else would we expect?

Edited February 25, 2019 by graefin

[Albanyguy]

2 hours ago, ChiCricket said:

This all makes me wonder if someone gave JB a heads up that the show was going to be cancelled after this season (maybe they said unless Jana gets married or something.)

If TLC told Jim Bob that the show would be cancelled if Jana didn't have a courtship/wedding, he'd make dammed sure that happened fast. He'd pull a suitor out of thin air and Jana would "fall in love" just in time for a Very Special Episode.

[lilwhitelion]

Is that Jackson in a clown wig photobombing Jill and Jessa?