Update: Looks like Josh Duggar needs a better editor: His official statement concerning the Ashley Madison hack has now been updated — and excludes his admission of pornography addiction. The now-deleted portion stated: "I have secretly over the last several years been viewing pornography on the Internet and this became a secret addiction..." That's the thing about the Internet, Josh: Once you spill the beans, there's no going back. See the amended statement below, and scroll down for the original version, as reported by R29.
Another day, another Duggar apology.
On Wednesday, Josh Duggar — the former 19 Kids and Counting star who, earlier this year confessed to molesting five underage girls when he was a teenager — was one of the 32 million names revealed in the Ashley Madison hack. It was discovered that Duggar used at least two accounts on the extramarital affair website, and it was reported by Gawker that he "paid more than $1,000 for the service, including a $250 for a money-back 'affair guarantee'." (Just in case you forgot, this guy was a "family values" activist).
In light of the news, the hyper-religious and conservative Duggars released a statement on their website. Josh's parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar begin the release by saying, "Please see the statement below from our son Josh regarding recent media stories about him. When we learned of this late last night our hearts were broken. As we continue to place our trust in God we ask for your prayers for Josh, Anna, our grandchildren and our entire family."
Then the man of the hour, Josh Duggar, gave his official statement:
"I have been the biggest hypocrite ever. While espousing faith and family values, I have secretly over the last several years been viewing pornography on the internet and this became a secret addiction and I became unfaithful to my wife.
I am so ashamed of the double life that I have been living and am grieved for the hurt, pain and disgrace my sin has caused my wife and family, and most of all Jesus and all those who profess faith in Him.
I brought hurt and a reproach to my family, close friends and the fans of our show with my actions that happened when I was 14-15 years old, and now I have re-broken their trust.
The last few years, while publicly stating I was fighting against immorality in our country, I was hiding my own personal failings.
As I am learning the hard way, we have the freedom to choose to our actions, but we do not get to choose our consequences. I deeply regret all hurt I have caused so many by being such a bad example.
I humbly ask for your forgiveness. Please pray for my precious wife Anna and our family during this time."
We will update you as the story develops.