Amy Duggar King’s new book, Holy Disruptor, provides a harrowing account of her experiences with the Duggar family, particularly highlighting the 2015 scandal that led to the cancellation of the popular TV show 19 Kids and Counting. In the book, she recalls a confronting moment when she met with her cousin Josh Duggar, who faced allegations of abusing four sisters and a babysitter. During this encounter, Josh Duggar displayed a passive, non-responsive demeanor, which deeply affected Amy, who felt the weight of the situation.
Making the situation even more difficult, his mother, Jim Bob Duggar, intervened, telling Amy to not stir up contempt. This action enraged her, as she believed that the focus should be on addressing the abuse rather than on her words. Amy expressed her frustration that the son, who was a predator, was not being properly held accountable for his actions. She emphasized that the girls were violated in such a hard way, and she felt that she was the only one taking action for them. She admitted that her relationship with her cousins, uncle, and aunt is now strained, with a need for boundaries to create a more peaceful life.
Additionally, Amy has described her cousins as ‘happily brainwashed’ due to the strict religious teachings of Bill Gothard. She explained how the family members were not allowed to have a lot of freedom in their lives. She also admitted that she had a different upbringing from her cousins, which led to her being labeled ‘Crazy Cousin Amy’ in the show. She laughed about the label, explaining that she was always more open to experiencing the world in her own way. She expressed her hope that her cousins would reach out to her again, as she would always be there for them if they chose to question what they were taught.
Duggar King has also reached out to one of her cousin’s victims to apologize for what happened. She described the victim as moving on and ready for a quieter life, but she pointed out that Josh was barely held accountable for his actions, which is why he was later caught in another scandal. The father of seven, Josh Duggar, is currently serving a nearly 13-year prison sentence for receiving and possessing child pornography. This highlights the ongoing impact of the original scandal and the consequences that followed. Amy’s insights give a deep look into the family’s history, the consequences of abuse, and the importance of questioning teachings and being open to a different way of living.