While one mega-family is under distress, another mega-family is prepared to offer support.
The Bates family from Tennessee, stars of UP TV's reality show "Bringing Up Bates," are known to be friends with the Duggars of "19 Kids and Counting" fame. The latter is currently embroiled in a huge child molestation scandal after a decade-old police report revealed that eldest son Josh molested five female minors, four of which were his sisters.
In a brief statement published by Access Hollywood late last month, the Bates parents, Gil and Kelly Jo, said: "We are praying for our dear friends. We respect their privacy and have no further comment at this time."
The heads of the Bates family issued the statement back when the Duggars were still mum about the issue. Recently, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their daughters Jill Duggar-Dillard and Jessa Duggar-Seewald broke their silence about Josh's molestation charges.
According to the Duggar parents, Josh made a mistake when he was just 14-years-old, and he and his victims already received counseling because of his past actions. Both Jill and Jessa, on the other hand, admitted that they were among the victims of their brother, but claimed that they both chose to forgive him.
The Duggars have been friends with the Bates for a long time, and they actually launched their television career in one of the episodes of "19 Kids and Counting" on TLC. People.com even referred to them as "the new Duggars" because of their similarities, especially since Gil and Kelly Jo also have 19 children just like Jim Bob and Michelle.
However, Erin Bates-Paine, the third in the Bates brood, told OK! Magazine in 2014 that while they have several similarities, the Bates and the Duggars have a lot of differences as well.
"Bringing Up Bates" is currently airing its second season. The premiere episode was aired last week, showing how the family celebrated Valentine's Day. The season will reportedly feature the birth of baby Allie Jean, Alyssa Bates and husband John Webster's bundle of joy; Erin's pregnancy to her and Chad's first baby; as well as Michaella Bates' courtship and engagement with Brandon Keilen.
