Jason Duggar has publicly addressed the shocking arrest of his brother, Joseph Duggar, who is facing serious child molestation charges in Florida.

In a statement shared on Instagram alongside his wife Maddie on Thursday, March 26, Jason expressed heartbreak, anger, and disgust over the allegations.

“We, like many, have spent the week completely shocked, confused, and grieved,” the couple wrote. “We are disgusted to hear the news about my brother.”

Jason emphasized that the focus should remain on the alleged victim, saying their hearts are “burdened because a child’s life has been turned upside down due to evil actions of someone who should have never hurt the vulnerable.”

“We are angered by what has happened, and we pray God’s righteous hand and the court system will serve justice in the situation as deserved,” he continued. “We stand with innocent children. Always.”

Joseph Duggar, 31, was arrested on March 18 and charged with lewd and lascivious molestation involving a child under the age of 12, along with lewd behavior conducted by a person over 18 years old.

According to an affidavit obtained by authorities, the allegations stem from a 2020 family vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida, involving a then-9-year-old girl. Investigators allege Joseph asked the child to sit on his lap and later touched her inappropriately while they sat under a blanket.

Authorities stated that Joseph allegedly later apologized for his actions, and the incidents stopped afterward. The victim, now 14, later participated in a forensic interview regarding the alleged abuse.

Police also claim Joseph admitted to the conduct during conversations with the child’s father and detectives.

Two days after Joseph’s arrest, his wife Kendra Duggar was also arrested on separate charges involving child welfare and false imprisonment. Family representatives stated her charges are unrelated to the molestation case and that she is not accused of participating in the alleged abuse.

Several members of the Duggar family have since spoken publicly about the case. Jinger Duggar described the situation as “devastating” during a recent podcast episode with her husband, while cousin Amy Duggar King said she was “sickened, heartbroken and deeply angry.”

The arrest has reignited public scrutiny surrounding the Duggar family, especially after Joseph’s older brother, Josh Duggar, was previously convicted on child pornography-related charges following earlier molestation allegations involving his sisters.

The investigation into Joseph Duggar’s case remains ongoing.