Duggar docuseries producers say they unearthed 'pandemic of abuse' during investigation into family's 'cult-like' church
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The executive producers behind the upcoming Duggar family documentary, 'Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets,' have recently unveiled their astonishment at the levels of abuse endured by survivors within the confines of what they describe as a 'cult-like' religious ideology. The highly anticipated show aims to delve beneath the surface of reality TV's beloved mega-family, exposing the truth that lies beneath their seemingly wholesome Americana image.
In particular, it will shed light on the controversial church the Duggars are associated with—the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), a radical organization founded by shunned minister Bill Gothard in the 1960s. Executive producers Olivia Crist and Julia Willoughby Nason have now spoken out about their shock at the widespread influence of the IBLP ideology, dubbing it a 'pandemic of abuse.'
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Producers stunned by the widespread influence of IBLP ideology
Nason expressed her disbelief at the far-reaching impact of the IBLP ideology, especially its integration into the modern-day culture, where it intertwines with political agendas and human rights issues. She added, "That's shocking to me. And what's shocking to me, too, is listening to the survivor stories. I feel like being a woman in this culture, whether I'm coming from a place of a high control system as IBLP or coming from not that place, just inherently being a woman, I could identify with the themes of abuse and trauma that were going through these people's lifelines," People reports.
Crist echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the pervasive nature of the IBLP culture and suggesting that there is much more to uncover. The docuseries features several members of the Duggar family, including Jill and her husband Derick Dillard, as well as Amy and her spouse Dillon King. Crist revealed that Jill initially hesitated to speak out but eventually found the courage to share her story after further discussions and support. The producers expressed their gratitude for the trust placed in them by the Duggar family, stating that they were honored and humbled to be entrusted with their narratives.
From reality TV fame to dark secrets
The Duggar family, consisting of Jim Bob, Michelle, and their 19 children, gained fame through their TLC series '19 and Counting' (2008-2015) and its spinoff 'Counting On' (2015-2021). The shows documented the family's daily lives as devout members of the Institute in Basic Life Principles. The Christian group imposed strict rules that regulated various aspects of their existence, including dating, attire, media consumption, and even social connections.
In a preview of the documentary, Jill declared her determination to tell her own story, indicating that the series will shine a light on previously undisclosed information. The trailer also showed Jill's younger sister, Jessa, appearing somber and introspective. The documentary aims to explore the IBLP teachings and their departure from traditional Christianity. One unidentified individual interviewed in the teaser emphasized the centrality of authority in Bill Gothard's teachings, noting the strict obedience expected from children to their parents and wives to their husbands, as well as to Bill Gothard himself.
The trailer also hinted at an exploration of Josh Duggar's child pornography charges, which led to his 12-year prison sentence in 2019. The scandalous revelation that Josh had admitted to molesting underage women, including four of his siblings, years before his arrest, is also expected to be addressed. 'Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets' is scheduled to premiere on June 2 on Prime Video, promising to provide a revealing and insightful look into the dark underbelly of the Duggar family's world.