Free Discussion, May, 2020

Please use this for Duggar and Bates sightings, speculation, or general discussion. Note that this is Duggar discussion not other families, TV shows, politics, religion, or personal stories. If the comment is more about you or some other issue than the actual Duggars or Bateses or other families seen on the show, please rethink before sending. Thank you!

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77 comments:

Ashleigh said...

It looks like the Duggar empire is starting to crumble from within. A dictatorship can not go on forever, and all the lying scheming dirty dealings I think are gonna catch up with Jim bob. We are talking about him controlling his children and mentally damaging them. In a sense jimbob and michelle are eroding the children’s human rights.

And unfortunately it’s the children who will pay the price of suffering long term damage mentally.

Sparkey said...

Basically Jim Bob & Michelle have held their children as prisoners. Prisoners under a dictatorship & the Gothard Cult. By law Jim Bob & Michelle should be held accountable.

Mickey2942 said...

They are. You reap what you sow. Josh is a grown up man child, who can't even be trusted with car keys, let alone a computer. Yet, he continues to be fruitful and multiply the Earth, even though he can't support himself, let alone a wife and children. He will be a perpetual taker from JB and Michelle.

I am very interested in the "wolf pack", when Michelle started having a baby a year, once JB realized that his baby machine was a money maker. Those boys went from Michelle to their sister-mother. I wonder if they even use silverware. Forget any type of meaningful employment.

Heart in Florida said...

Did I miss something? Ashleigh, how is the Duggar 'empire' starting to crumble? Is Jim Bob really being investigated by the authorities? If so, for what? Do we know? Thanks so much.

Size said...

From what I’ve seen during the Duggar’s shows they use paper plates & plastic utensils not stainless flatware or standard dish ware. I am sure it was Michelle’s idea to use throw away paper products. Lazy!!

Mickey2942 said...

https://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2020/05/jim-bob-duggar-is-this-the-end-of-his-time-in-the-spotlight/amp/

Looks like Derrick Dillard is writing the "Tell All" insider book. And JB isn't happy about it.

I bet that is where Derrick got the money for the new house, he probably got a hefty advance.

Yodel said...

Ha ha so Jim Bob isn’t happy about Derick writing a tell all book well boo hoo. Jim Bob does nor will he ever control the publishing company who has provided Derick with the advance to write the book. JB needs to deal with this reality & fact.

colen said...

If it's a good tell all maybe it will become a Lifetime movie.

Heart in Florida said...

Do we have any facts at all that tell us Derick received an advance from a book publisher? I haven't read anything about that. Let's keep the facts straight here. We do a good job of it and I'm glad we don't speculate of make things up about this awful family. The facts about them speak for themselves.

Mickey2942 said...

https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/counting-on-josiah-duggars-alleged-disobedience-was-a-major-source-of-frustration-for-jim-bob-duggar-claims-a-source.html/

This doesn't surprise me. Apparently Josiah's marriage is rocky.

Ellie On a Roll said...

Word on the street, Josiah and Lauren’s marriage is on the rocks. I think pretty much everyone saw this runaway train headed south.

Kate said...

I am not judging Josiah but have wondered if his creepy dad was trying to rush him into marriage to try to convert him from life style that the Duggar’s believe is evil. If that is the case I feel sorry for Josiah because conversion doesn’t work and has a potential for very serious consequences.

colen said...

Does anyone know why Jill Rodrigues moved?

colen said...

Per "Anonymous Ellie On a Roll said...
Word on the street, Josiah and Lauren’s marriage is on the rocks. I think pretty much everyone saw this runaway train headed south.

5/07/2020 10:06 AM"

If that's true, my heart goes out to Lauren.

Akasha said...

I think that if/when Josiah comes out, Lauren will take it extremely bad and spout out some homophobia that will make her even more hated than she already is.

Give me a break said...

Jessa referring to Mechelle as “the sweetest Lolli” makes me want to dry heave. Jessa is so delusional about her parents. For crying out loud. Is Jessa that clueless? And the baby is so not as adorable as she would make you think. Ugghh. Nothing special to see there, Jessa.

colen said...

Reg. the Josiah and Lauren marriage rumors; here is a vid from Crysal Ball explaining it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lpp0JQSnaB0&feature=youtu.be

Also, if the part about Cousin Amy is true (lawsuit), that is awful.

Aimee said...

I think Josiah rushed into courtship and marriage in exchange for the freedom from JB and Michelle. It's the ONLY way that family allows (males or females) freedom from the Big House. I think he liked Lauren as a friend, figured he could live with her, and her family was one of pre-chosen "Close Friends" kind of family that his parents would approve of. As for Lauren, I think she was raised doe-eyed deeply indoctrinated in the cult and thus saw a Duggar Son as a prize. I don't think Josiah is completely bad as he was patient and supportive during her long grief over the loss of the first baby and then through the delivery of the second. I think he will truly be one of the most unhappy of all of the Duggar Kids which is such a shame since he was always the one cracking jokes and having fun as a kid.

Size said...

Yes Aimee this situation with Josiah & Lauren is truly sad because both are trapped & have no support from each of the fundie Cult parents. It’s just sad that Jim Bob & Michelle are not held accountable for the way in which they Chose to raise their kids. Teaching their kids the only way to have a life is via marriage the only way to leave their childhood home is via marriage. Teaching female children their lives should only include marriage & children but never an education or a career is abuse & almost criminal behavior on the part of fundie parents. I am hopeful & sure that while growing up in this crazy cult some of the fundie kids realized their freedom of choice was a narrow limited window of opportunity & some bolted the cult. I believe when Derick realized his wife Jill was raised in a Cult he decided to confront & expose Jim
Bob. It’s just sad that TLC doesn’t or refuses to realize Jim Bob is not a smart plan to allow him to convey his sick beliefs on a TV program. If Josiah is unhappy in the marriage to Lauren & if he’s not heterosexual than he needs to move on. To force him staying in that marriage will only lead to unhappiness & a unfulfilled life as well as Lauren.

Sparkey said...

It’s good to know at least Jill & Jinger have some what parted from the sick fundie cult. Jill cut her hair & Jinger went blonde. In part the men these two women married have impacted the way they are beginning to think. The fact that Jill & Derick have enrolled Israel in a public school is a big step forward & they are thinking of his mental growth & education. Hoping that Jinger & Jeremy will one day choose to enroll their kids in a school as well. It is my hope that Jill & Jinger will continue to progress & move forward & Further away from the sick fundie cult.

Yodel said...

I realize Jill’s isolation from her parents & in a way Jinger’s too may be hurtful for them however I believe both are healthier mentally for distancing themselves & also happier plus they now have Freedom.

Mia said...

I have always felt that Josiah and Lauren were a terrible match. Josiah was ALWAYS my favorite Duggar. He had a big ol' personality, was mischievous and was just so very likable. You felt like you could relate to him, at least I felt that way. He was impish and saw the funny side of things.
Then along came Lauren. Whiny, weepy, depressed, hang dog Lauren. I've had more than one miscarriage myself so I am not minimizing her grief but good Lord! Every HAPPY occasion reminded her of her grief. Every SAD occasion reminded her of her grief. Then it was just EVERY occasion reminded her of her grief. And poor Josiah didn't know what to do with her.

I really felt that he would have been better matched with Marjorie and I would LOVE to know what happened there.

Aunt Bea said...

How do we know that Josiah and Lauren's marriage is in trouble?
I haven't seen anything about this anywhere. Thanks for the heads up.

Unknown said...

I call that SMART, not lazy. I wouldn't wash dishes every day for 3 meals for 19 people (and beyond really) for nobody. Your water bill would be enormous and with a continuous running dishwasher too. The only thing that makes no sense to me is how are these Duggar girls getting married and claiming they don't know how to cook. Old episodes show Michelle enlisting an "all hands on deck" attitude with meal prep in the kitchen.

Unknown said...

Nah, the Dilards don't work and my guess is they had to be living all this time off of somebody or something else (like payment for being on reality tv). I don't believe those claims by Derrick. They lived in one of Jim Bobs houses( probably rent free) for a while and Michelle sent them an air conditioner when they lived over in missions.

Z said...

Yes Lauren comes off as one who isn’t happy but very needy. Lauren was married too soon, immature not ready. When Lauren is on camera it’s difficult to watch as she’s so whiny. Lauren is now a Mom & should focus her attention to her child. Lauren needs to Grow Up!

Aunt Bea said...

I have not seen any evidence of Jinger's 'emancipation' from their cult beliefs. The only thing that has changed is her wardrobe. Plenty of IBLP women color their hair; nothing new there. Jeremy holds awful male-superior beliefs.

Chanz said...

Shortly after the Josh scandal Marjorie with the help of her parents bolted from the courtship with Josiah. Marjorie is now in college & thriving she’s definitely not focused on marriage & babies. Marjorie definitely escaped the sick controls of creepy Jim Bob.

Mickey2942 said...

I don't think Jill is the greatest Mother, and the public school for Israel is more about getting him out of the house so Jill doesn't have to pretend to homeschool the kid.

She is impossibly lazy, her house is always a disaster, her cooking skills are not much better. And it is not her fault. She didn't have parents who actually spent time with her, to teach her housekeeping and cooking skills. Her incubator just spent time being pregnant with the next JBot.

Jill and Jinger are now learning how to be adults, without having had any skills taught to them. They are learning every thing now.

Mickey2942 said...

Lauren will never "grow up" she was raised to do nothing but focus on breeding and read the bible.

It doesn't surprise me that she went into an obsessive grief over her miscarriage. Breeding is the on focus in her cult. She "failed" at this "task". Glad that she was able to have another baby right away. She probably would have been in a serious problem if she had not been able to get pregnant as soon as possible, to feel validated.

Josiah is probably unhappy, not living the life he wants, but has no idea how to get out of it. He has just been told what to do his whole Jbot life. He needs to be more like Anna, and just not think at all.

carolt said...

My biggest question about the Duggar family concerns Jessa and Ben. They have a very odd relationship. Jessa treats him like a pet. He never has anything to say about what he is doing--how he makes money--how he feels about his in laws--what his plans are for the future. Maybe he doesn't like being on the show or maybe he really doesn't think about his life. But he and Jessa have no chemistry and she always seems to tell him what to do and how to do it. I think they are miserable together.

sandi said...

Jinger waited a year to have a baby,and doesn't seem to be pregnant again already,so I do give her and Jeremy credit for that.And Jill as well,although I'm not sure she can have more kids

Heart in Florida said...

The Duggars were gifted 2 industrial dishwashers for their daily use. These dishwashers wash dishes and sterilize them in less than two minutes and use very little water in the process. There is no reason at all why they don't use normal dishes, glasses and silverware daily. More water is used washing by hand; which, BTW, they don't do either. They use paper plates and plastic Solo cups constantly. One use and they are thrown away in the trash....DAILY. Such an irresponsible thing to do, let alone a more expensive alternative not to mention the waste in their local landfill.

Mickey2942 said...

Poor Ben. He literally went from his Mama straight to Jessa. Any motivation to do anything has been conditioned out of him. It looks like he raises the kids. Not sure what Jessa does.

It seems like the dynamic in that pair, is that Jessa tells BenBot what to do. BenBot obeys. Not exactly the traditional fundie marriage.

sandi said...

Heart,yes,that's prob. why they keep a dumpster on the property.All the waster from paper and plastic adds up

sandi said...

Unknown,I think Jessa enjoys being the boss.She's older than Ben,and she let him know it one time.She treats him like he's her little brother,not husband.Jmo

Chanz said...

The Duggar’s have no respect for the environment. Their carbon footprint is enormous. Michelle is lazy & has taught her kids to disrespect the environment by using the paper products & plastic from
which to eat meals. Michelle is a horrible housekeeper & Jill & Jessa learned well from her as their homes are a mess. I just wish that TLC would stop featuring Jim Bob & Michelle during the Counting On program. Both are not authentic just disgusting.

Z said...

Also Jill & Jinger’s husbands don’t appear to be men that have bought into the constant pregnancy theory of the sick Gothard Cult.

Size said...

Good point. Yes Anna has conditioned her brain to avoid thinking & has adopted the puppet behavior. I just don’t think Josiah will choose to dumb down.

Sukie said...

Unfortunately Josiah is trapped in a marriage & a sick cult. He’s still controlled by the creepy Jim Bob. I feel so badly for Josiah as he can’t become his authentic self.

Leia said...

Yes & from what I’ve seen Jill & Jinger are absorbing this new life as a sponge. Good for both women.

Ellie On a Roll said...

Jessa is definitely blanket training her children. Just go watch the video of her rinsing those two little children off after being in the mud.

Mia said...

Isn't it interesting that Josh, the golden boy, has been forgiven for what he did to four of his sisters, and also the affairs he had through Ashley Madison. He is ALWAYS welcome at home, where they give him birthday parties as well as an on site place to live with his wife & children.

THEN we have Jill. She has an outspoken husband whom she loves and respects. For this she is SHUNNED.

Tells you everything you need to know about the Duggars, doesn't it? Don't marry into the Duggar family, girls. They do not value women AT ALL.

Has there been any word on the investigation?

Aimee said...

Can I just say that of ALL the Bates/Duggar children the only one who seems to really have her own life/self is Alyssa Bates Webster. (Carlin and Josie are wearing pants but still living down the road from the family and calling them for every little thing) Alyssa truly moved away, got to know her husbands family, made friends, changed her wardrobe and home style. We see her cooking, decorating, teaching, etc on their YouTube channel in normal, everyday ways. I hope that by her example the other learn to pull away as well. I know Jinger moved away but her husband is a control freak who helps her plan every outfit and move, not the same as Alyssa's freedom.

sandi said...

Jill seems to be pretty much doing her own thing now,too,even sending Israel to school.I don't think Derick is planning her outfits and every move.Jmo

Willow said...

I have to mention something that has bothered me for a long time. On a recent episode of Bringing Up Bates, Gil and Kelly were visiting Alyssa and family in Fl. They just came right out and tried to talk Alyssa and John into moving to Tn. They have done this before and even though they kept it sort of lighthearted, I believe they really are serious about it. I mean, after all they were able to get Michael and Tori back to the "home" area and prevented Carlin and Evan from moving to Nashville as they originally planned. It is just my opinion, of course, but I believe Kelly has always put pressure on her children to live close. She doesn't give a care about what they or their husband's families might like. Remember when Erin and Chad first married they were planning on living in Tennessee for a short time so Erin could finish school, etc. and then move to Oklahoma where his parents lived. However, SURPRISE, they stayed in Tenn. I feel sure this subject came up when Trace was dating Chaney and also Nathan and Ashley. It always comes out in Kelly's favor. I think it is just weird. I feel Kelly puts the pressure on until they think it is their own idea. It is so hard for her to give up control. Everyone wants their children close by, but she has a lot of children and its funny that they all end up in her "backyard". I think she tried her best to get Michael and Brandon back "home", as originally Brandon said on the show he was not a country type person (I'm paraphrasing). Anyway, thanks for letting me vent this as it has bothered me for a long time. I know the kids are mostly close to each other, but, really what are the odds in most families that large. Just my opinion. Whew, now I feel better. lol.

Give me a break said...

I think Jessa is either pregnant or trying. She’s going for an attention grab moment soon.
Also, since when is Jessa all cozy with Lauren Duggar? Her birthday message to Lauren was overkill to say the least. Very phony.

Ben seems like such a whipped man boy. I can see in his eyes that he knows he made a BIG mistake marrying Jessa and now there’s no way out.

Size said...

Mia, Jim Bobs obvious favoritism of creepy Josh & shunning of Jill just further seals the lies & deceit of this jerk. Another valid reason to cancel
Counting On!

Leia said...

Jim Bob has taught his sons to objectify women. Basically JB believes once a woman is married she’s then owned by her husband that’s just really Sick on so many levels. However it is the mission statement of the Gothard Cult.

sandi said...

Jim Bob didn't need to lie about getting paid for the show.It's obvious he was,as they live much differently now.
He could have just said,yes,tlc pays him,and in return,he helps everyone out.Or he could have encouraged the married couples to get their own contracts.Either way,no need to lie.Jmo

Z said...

Sandi so glad you addressed the issue of Jim Bobs Lies! He’s such an incredible hypocrite & narcissist. The fact that TLC continues to allow JB to control the finances of his married kids is despicable. The reason Counting On vs the 19 Kids show became an alternative is because Jim Bob & Michelle were complicit re Josh’s disgusting behavior & never held him a accountable. Jim Bob hides behind the Dumb rules of the stupid Gothard Cult which govern his family. Jim
Bob is a true creep & a wolf in sheep’s clothing. TLC needs to wake up & completely distance from Jim Bob & Michelle.

Chanz said...

Just my guess however I believe Jill & Jinger are probably on birth control. Hopefully this is the case.

Special Ed Lady said...

I wonder if the married one move away, Kelly feels secrets might get spilled ?

Mickey2942 said...

These fundie families are absolutely enmeshed. They want to keep their families together. Forget about moving for a new job, or school. Just stay close to the cult, so that you can be brainwashed and controlled easier. Independent thought is not allowed. ILB is a Cyborg, enjoy the collective.

Mickey2942 said...

Agreed. Ben has decided to just embrace his life as a Jbot. He has no other function than to do what his boss, uh, wife, tells him to do.

Mickey2942 said...

I wonder if Josh is allowed to leave the compound ever, without a chaperone. Probably all of the Duggars and DuggarBot son in laws, can only be out with chaperones, to make sure that they don't hang out in strip bars and meet hookers in hotel rooms for quickies.

Imagine being treated like that.

Jenny Wren said...

Chanz, Jinger has just announced that she is pregnant. https://people.com/tv/jinger-duggar-vuolo-is-expecting-a-baby-girl-after-suffering-miscarriage/

Unknown said...

Jinger is expecting!

Gail Howard said...

Oh what a surprise. What else does she know how tobdo.

Sparkey said...

Well ok yet another fundie pregnancy. Not surprised.

Mickey2942 said...

https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/the-duggars-are-back-counting-on-is-slated-for-a-june-2020-return.html/

Of course, JB must have pregnancies to peddle for da JBot Duggar fans.

Mia said...

So TLC is betting that the public wants to see another mind-achingly dull round of pregnancies and birthings. Really?! Does anyone ever watch anymore?

What is left to see? These are boring people! Come on, TLC!!!

Leia said...

So Jinger is expecting second child, well
guess I should do a cartwheel or just a golf clap! Duh how completely underwhelming!

Mickey2942 said...

Maybe Josh can get in trouble again. Or Josiah. JB is keeping Jana for the last ditch "courtship ratings".

Aunt Bea said...

I don't care to re-watch another birthing segment. They already aired those 'birth specials' for these babies. No need to rehash how large those girls' cervixes are expanding...play by play. (I'm looking at you, Michelle.) Jinger's pregnancy at this time in their lives, I believe isn't ideal. They SEEM to have no stable home to live in, they are in a 'borrowed' luxury home, on the good graces of his supervisor at that seminary, no jobs, and evidently no medical insurance either. I wish them well with this child, however, but they all seem to live strange lives with no evidence of financial support...How do they do it? Some have posted that they don't smoke, drink alcohol and have no cable TV and save a lot on those bills every month. Maybe that is true but a couple and a family still need reliable monthly income from a real job. You also need medical coverage if you're having baby after baby. Still, I ask, how to they do it? These are some things TLC should cover on this dying program. Fess up, Duggars.

Willow said...

I agree about TLC. So much they could cover on the Duggars but they refuse. It is their own fault (TLC and Jim Bob) that their show has low ratings. Same with the Bringing Up Bates. Jim Bob and Kelly Bates rule with iron thumbs hidden behind big smiles. JMO. The fans deserve better.

roddma said...

As far as he carbon footprint, Jim Bob is as lazy as Michelle. All of that family can help wash the dishes but it is women's work to them.

Even though it may seem overbearing, I find Jessa strong' personality refreshing compared to the robotic, submissive existence of other wives in their circles.

Also Alyssa Bates homeschool by video. She just sits the kids in front of it. She doesn't seem to enjoy home school but her FIL is a big supporter of it.

Mickey2942 said...

I don't drink alcohol, smoke, or have cable TV, and we can barely make our salary stretch from paycheck to paycheck.

Maybe Jeremy Vuolo and Jinger should host an infomercial on how to live in LA with no jobs. How to wear trendy clothes, eat out at the newest restaurants, manage a family, with seemingly no income.

I bet a lot of people would pay to see how that lifestyle is managed.

Leia said...

Mickey excellent point. Also the entitled behavior displayed by the Vuolo’s or fly in your face insults & angers those of us with a limited income.

Average Viewer said...

I agree with Aunt Bea's comments that all couples need a stable income, especially if they are having baby after baby & no medical coverage. Of course, most of the Duggar Daughters & daughters-in law, plan on home births. They probably give those well-trained midwives they use, some home made gift of some type for their effort with the delivery, instead of monetary payment. I'm sure those emergency trips to the hospital some have had, the hospital might work out some type of payment plan. I know from working in a hospital, that after a certain length of time passes without payment, the hospital forgives the debt. I think Jinger's hospitalization with Felicity was a planned procedure,as well as a couple of the daughters-in law. If & that's a big IF Abbie ever goes back to working as a nurse, she can probably work off any hospital bill she might have. I wonder if she has her license in AR & if she will ever return to work?I know as a nurse myself, I would have been back to work a few months after my baby was born. The same holds true for my co-workers. Of course, the Duggar girls don't spend more than a few hours in the hospital anyway but you have to pay something, even if it's a half hour stay. Of course, emergency situations are often handled differently. If Jim Bob wants all these grandchildren why doesn't he pay the medical bills? Michelle had plenty of hospital bills related to the births of her children. She only had 2 or 3 at home. My God, just how many more pregnancies & births does TLC think the average viewer wants to see? We always know the gender & the only possible big surprise (tongue in cheek) is the baby's name. There's nothing left to that show.

Heart in Florida said...

Mickey2942: Your comment should be sent directly to TLC. You made great points. These issues; maintaining an upper lifestyle without any visible means of income; flying around the country; purchasing and maintaining aircraft are things we would love to see addressed on the show. The real issues will never be touched with a 10 ft pole. They show silly 'competitions' instead.

Sparkey said...

However any time that I’ve contacted TLC & expressed an opinion re the Duggar’s written or voice mail my comments are ignored. For me TLC has no integrity, credibility or honesty. Not sure someone from TLC reads this blog? TLC has their own agenda & believe we actually want to see more of the dumb Duggar’s pregnancy announcements. When & if will TLC get it? They need to hire a competent & creative programming staff as currently they are failing!

Mickey2942 said...

TLC, "The Learning Channel". What a joke!

sandi said...

Unfortunately.TLC hasn't been The Learning Channel in a long time.At least not as far as content goes.Jmo

Size said...

Too funny thanks for the good laugh. Nothing to “learn” on the pseudo learning channel. The staff in charge of TLC is a Joke! Perhaps JB is on the board of TLC that could be the reason for the boring shows about continuous arranged Duggar marriages & continuous pregnancies? JB couldn’t manage his way out of a paper bag. He has zero leadership qualities.

Yodel said...

Geez another Duggar pregnancy well Golf Clap!

Cloud and rain said...

I watched “On the Road with 16 children” - I think they made the same trip when the went to LA to see Jinger last year. Stopped in Las Vegas at a chocolate factory. Josh just turned 18 and Johanna was a baby. Narrator went on and on about their healthy diet of fruits and vegetables as tons of canned goods went into the motor home and one kid licked a styrofoam plate (probably Joe). The girls all wore regular shoes - when did they change to flip flops? A fan commented on how well Michelle keeps her kids in order. OMG! Josh and Jim bob both had their phones or were they pagers on their belts. The narrator commented on how the sleeping arrangements were hard on mom and dad - only one bed that rotated between everyone. The episode was just hilarious knowing what we know now.