Why are the Duggar sisters suing?

Answered by Douglas Hiatt

The Duggar sisters, Jill, Jessa, Jinger, and Joy, are suing over the release of records from a police investigation involving their brother, Josh Duggar. The lawsuit was initially filed in 2017 but has now been reset for a federal trial in April.

The reason behind the sisters’ lawsuit stems from an incident that occurred when they were minors. It was revealed in 2015 that Josh Duggar, a former reality television star known for his appearance on the show “19 Kids and Counting,” had fondled his sisters when they were younger. This revelation came to light after it was discovered that Josh had also been involved in an extramarital affair and was a subscriber to the Ashley Madison website, which facilitates extramarital affairs.

The police investigation into the incident resulted in the creation of records that contained sensitive and private information about the sisters. These records were supposed to be confidential and protected from public disclosure. However, in 2015, the records were obtained by a tabloid magazine and subsequently published, causing immense distress and harm to the sisters.

The lawsuit alleges that the release of these records violated the sisters’ privacy rights and caused them emotional distress. They are seeking damages from the city, county, and individuals involved in the release of the records.

The Duggar sisters’ decision to sue is understandable given the nature of the incident and the subsequent invasion of their privacy. It is important for individuals to have control over their personal information, especially when it involves sensitive and traumatic experiences. The release of these records not only violated their privacy rights but also exposed them to public scrutiny and judgment.

The emotional distress caused by this invasion of privacy can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s mental well-being. It is therefore crucial for the sisters to seek legal recourse to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

It is worth noting that this lawsuit is not the first legal battle the Duggar family has been involved in. In 2015, they filed a lawsuit against the magazine In Touch Weekly for publishing information about the incident. That case was ultimately dismissed, but it highlights the family’s determination to protect their privacy and seek justice for the harm caused.

The Duggar sisters are suing over the release of records from a police investigation into the incident where their brother, Josh Duggar, fondled them. The release of these records violated their privacy rights and caused them emotional distress. By seeking legal recourse, they aim to hold those responsible accountable and protect their privacy.