TLC is reportedly in a dilemma after "19 Kids And Counting" star Josh Duggar's involvement in a molestation controversy. The cable network is said to be considering whether to cancel the family reality show or to continue without the Duggars' eldest son.
While TLC has temporarily cancelled all the "19 Kids And Counting" reruns, the series is still in the network's website.
Sources told TMZ that TLC has conducted a research, which revealed that sisters Jill Duggar and Jessa Duggar are the driving force of the family reality show. This means that axing Josh will not negatively affect the show's ratings.
The sources also told the publication that the cable network may cancel the family reality show if big advertisers bail. For example, General Mills has already blacklisted "19 Kids And Counting."
Still, TLC is said to be confident with the strong fan base of the show. The cable network has found out that "19 Kids And Counting" owes its ratings successes to the weddings of Jill and Jessa and the birth of Jill's baby.
When the news about the molestation allegation broke out, the Duggars were quick to release a statement. Through a Facebook post, Josh admitted that he "acted inexcusably" as a teenager 12 years ago, which he deeply regrets and is extremely sorry for.
"I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation," Josh said in the statement. "We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling. I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life."