Duggar Family Members’ Response to ‘Shiny Happy People’ Documentary: See Responses, Statements

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar

One day before the documentary premiered, Jim Bob and Michelle issued a statement via their website about the content discussed.

“The recent ‘documentary’ that talks about our family is sad because in it we see the media and those with ill intentions hurting people we love. Like other families, ours too has experienced the joys and heartbreaks of life, just in a very public format,” the former reality stars began. “This ‘documentary’ paints so much and so many in a derogatory and sensationalized way because sadly that’s the direction of entertainment these days.”

Jim Bob and Michelle then noted that they believe the issues raised in the documentary should be discussed in a “private setting.”

“We love every member of our family and will continue to do all we can to have a good relationship with each one,” the statement continued. “Through both the triumphs and the trials we have clung to our faith all the more and discovered that through the love and grace of Jesus, we find strength, comfort, and purpose.”

Jinger Duggar

While Jinger Duggar opened up about her experience with the IBLP in her 2023 memoir, Becoming Free Indeed, she chose to not participate in Shiny Happy People.

“I was actually approached and asked to participate in the docuseries, but I thought that from my perspective, I really wanted to make sure that I was able to share my story in my own words and in my own timing,” she told People. “So that’s why I wrote Becoming Free Indeed, was to share more of my journey out of IBLP’s teachings. I wanted to be able to share it in a way that was, like, God-honoring and hopefully sharing my story in a balanced way.”

Amy Duggar

Amy has always been vocal when it comes to criticizing her family, so it’s no surprise that she chose to appear in the documentary.

“I am not the type to hold back, and I just feel like as I get older, my voice is getting louder about things,” she told People about sharing her story in the docuseries. “Obviously, I prayed about it, talked to my husband, and I was like, ‘I think this is a really great move. It would be in front of a lot of people.’ It’s not about fame and it’s not about notoriety, it’s literally about just the hurting survivors and how much they have survived.”

Amy added, “I watched the documentary just the other day, and there’s so many people that just came out of so much fear and anxiety and shame. It’s like, ‘You don’t have to live like that.’ So I’m excited just to be a part of it.”

The vocal Duggar cousin posted a video on TikTok a week after the documentary dropped, revealing even more thoughts on the bombshell series and slamming Jim Bob specifically.

“So it all kind of boils down to this, right?” Amy started in her video. “If you’re not going to protect those beautiful daughters from a predator that was living inside your home and you knew about it, and you’re gonna sweep it under the rug and your mentality is kinda just like to brush it off and to hide it and to lie, not only do I not respect you anymore, but I also don’t want to give you a right to get to know my child. Because I will protect my child at all costs.”

She carried on, “Just focus on the fact of the abuse was hidden and then he was put on the stand, and he said, ‘Oh judge, I don’t recall.’”

“You don’t recall your daughters’ abuse? You don’t recall that?” the former TLC star questioned. “Well then, for me, I have to protect my son from you. Because something is not right here. A lot of screws are loose.”

Anna Duggar

Josh Duggar’s wife, Anna Duggar, has kept a low profile following his April 2021 arrest.

However, an insider close to the family exclusively told In Touch that the mother of seven has no plans to watch the documentary.

“Josh’s wife Anna isn’t a fan of Jill. While she isn’t saying much, I hear that she doesn’t want to watch the documentary and thinks the people who participated are toxic,” the source explained.

The insider added that “Anna’s faith has been tested enough,” though she is “still a strong believer.”

“She has shifted away from the core beliefs of IBLP, but her faith is all she has,” the source noted. “Some say Anna needs to watch it, to get another wake up call, but she’s not ready. She’s still trying to cope with what Josh did.”