UNITED STATES
New York Daily News

Josh Duggar accused of sexually abusing 5 underage girls as minor; admits he ‘hurt others, including my family and close friends’

BY ETHAN SACKS , KIRTHANA RAMISETTI

The Duggar family is digging out from a shocking scandal.

Josh Duggar, 27, eldest son of the uber-religious Arkansas clan featured in “19 Kids and Counting,” has admitted to molesting multiple girls when he was a teen.

“Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends,” Duggar said in a statement to People on Thursday. “I confessed this to my parents, who took several steps to help me address the situation.”

Duggar admitted fondling the breasts and genitals of at least five girls, sometimes as they slept. He has resigned his position as a lobbyist with the…