Josh Duggar Claimed Family Wanted to 'Ambush' Him After Conviction

Josh Duggar reportedly lamented about being judged by family members in an angry text to his mother following his 2021 conviction for receiving and possessing child pornography.

"[F]amily members continuing to judge and condemn, saying hurtful things is so hard to deal with," Josh, 38, wrote to mom Michelle Duggar in a text obtained by People on Friday, May 1.

The 19 Kids and Counting alum added that he received "more compassion and love from strangers" than he did from members of his own family and "close ‘friends.'"

Josh then wrote that he was "still in shock and awe of how hurtful and judgmental people can be," noting that some family members were exhibiting "less character" than even "non-believers," whom he would expect to be "prideful and hateful."

The disgraced reality TV alum alleged that there was a lack of "decency and respect" for the "seven little kids and wife crying themselves to sleep every night without daddy," referring to wife Anna Duggar and their children.

The text continued to argue that some people were willing "to get on an airplane or drive [a] truck and trailer to help perfect strangers … risking their lives" at times, but they lacked compassion for him or his family.

"[E]ven just to be quiet and shut up and not say anything, but no, its [sic] like they enjoy it and they have been waiting to ambush me," Josh wrote to his mom, per People. "[These family members] are glad to gloss over their own personal ‘indiscretions' [and speak about] redemption, love, grace, mercy, wisdom," but fail to exhibit those same virtues for Josh, Anna, 37, and their kids.

Josh argued that he would support these people if they were in his position.

According to the outlet, Josh maintained his innocence in the text, telling his Michelle, 59, that he was "struggling with raw pain and hurts [sic]" from family members and "the guy who did the crime that put me in here." He claimed that this alleged person was on the "top of my list [of people he is] trying to forgive."

Michelle reportedly later responded to the text saying, "I'm so sorry for all that you, your precious bride, and sweet children are going through. Josh.????"

After being found guilty of receiving and possessing child pornography in December 2021, Josh was sentenced in May 2022 to 12 years and seven months behind bars. He has since filed multiple appeals, which have been denied.

Josh most recently appeared virtually from his Dallas prison for an appeal in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on April 15. Most of the hearing was focused on whether or not the TLC alum filed the required paperwork by the required deadline, according to KHBS News. A decision is expected to be made in the coming weeks.

Us Weekly later confirmed on April 22 that Josh's prison release date was pushed back for a third time. He will now be released on February 2, 2033 - a nearly three-month delay from his previous December 23, 2032, release date.

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This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 2:53 PM.