Duggar reality show in trouble as advertisers pull commercials

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Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Josh Duggar
Josh Duggar, executive director of FRC Action, speaks in favor the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act at the Arkansas state Capitol in Little Rock, Ark.
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There's more trouble for the Duggar family, and their reality series 19 Kids and Counting is in serious jeopardy.

At least four major advertisers have now pulled commercials from the show, including General Mills, Payless and Choice Hotels.

"In the wake of recent news, we are no longer advertising on the '19 Kids and Counting' program," Walgreens posted on its Facebook page in response to user comments.

TLC has pulled 19 Kids and Counting from its lineup after reports surfaced that Josh Duggar had molested girls as a teenager.

He recently apologized for what he called inexcusable behavior as a young teenager. He's accused of molesting several girls, including some of his siblings.

A police report called it "forcible fondling."

"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," TLC said in a statement last week.

Photos: Duggar family over the years

Duggar has recently resigned from the The Family Research Council in the wake of the reality TV star's apology.

Tony Perkins, president of the Washington-based Christian lobbying group, said in a statement Thursday that Duggar resigned because of information becoming public that he believed would "make it difficult for him to be effective." As executive director of FRC Action, he served as a public face of the organization.

Hours after the resignation, Duggar posted the following statement on Facebook.

    According to ABC News, the apology is in response to a 2006 police report first obtained by In Touch magazine. When Duggar was 14-years-old, he was accused of molesting five underage girls as a teen, People Magazine reports.

    Josh's parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, issued the following statement on Facebook.



    Josh Duggar, 27, appears on the TLC reality show 19 Kids and Counting. He is the oldest of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's 19 children.

    Neither the Family Research Council nor Duggar could be reached for further comment. TLC had no comment.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.