Twitter Reacts To Jim Bob, Michelle Duggar's Statement After Josh's Child Pornography Arrest

Jim Bob Duggar and his wife Michelle Duggar spoke out Friday about their son Josh Duggar's arrest on federal child pornography charges.

In a statement, the former "19 Kids and Counting" stars affirmed their love for their eldest son and thanked fans for their "continued prayers." They also said they remain hopeful that the truth will prevail after Josh was charged with receiving and possessing material depicting the sexual abuse of children. He pleaded not guilty in a court hearing Friday.

"We appreciate your continued prayers for our family at this time," Jim Bob and Michelle said in a statement on the Duggar family website. "The accusations brought against Joshua today are very serious."

"It is our prayer that the truth, no matter what it is, will come to light, and that this will all be resolved in a timely manner. We love Josh and Anna and continue to pray for their family," the couple continued.

Twitter users immediately reacted, with some saying they need more than prayers for Josh, who was also previously accused of molesting several underage girls as a teenager in a scandal that led to the cancellation of their TLC show.

"Prayer denied. Everyone can move on now, let justice be done," one person commented, as Rosanna Arquette added, "Prayers that he goes to prison."

"I'm indeed praying that he gets his a-- tossed in prison for what will hopefully be the rest of his disgusting life. I pray that his wife is able to get the hell out. I pray that she gets counseling for her children. I pray that she cuts them off from the other Duggars. There," a third user added.

"I pray he didn’t harm his own children," another wrote, while a fifth user added, "Yes, I’ll pray that he will be locked up for life and get his karma in prison. I’ll pray for his victims to receive help and peace."

Other Twitter users expressed their support for the Duggar family and Josh's pregnant wife Anna amid the trials they are currently facing.

"I feel so sad for Anna Duggar and her children. Josh Duggar is a lost cause. I hope the Duggar family embraces and supports Anna and her children," one person commented.

"Anna, if you need help getting out, DM me. I know a lot of women who would love to come together to support you and your kids to get free and safe," another added.

"Anna Duggar- I’m sure you feel alone and terrified. God sees your pain and I’m confident he wants you to know that you get to make your decision on what you do. You have what it takes and the Lord’s love for you isn’t based on being married," a third user wrote.

"@Anna_Duggar I'm so sorry you are going through this. Much love for you and your children," another tweeted.

After being arrested Thursday by Homeland Security, Josh pleaded not guilty in the Western District Court of Arkansas to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography stemming from internet activity in May 2019, People reported.

In a statement after his Friday hearing via Zoom, his attorneys Justin Gelfand, Travis W. Story and Greg Payne said, "Josh Duggar has been charged in a two-count indictment. He has pled not guilty to both charges and we intend to defend this case aggressively and thoroughly. In this country, no one can stop prosecutors from charging a crime. But when you’re accused, you can fight back in the courtroom—and that is exactly what Josh intends to do."