http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2015/07/16/1-kids-and-counting-officially-canceled/Published July 16, 2015FoxNews.com
After months of speculation, TLC is officially canceling "19 Kids and Counting" following a sex abuse scandal which shocked viewers and prompted the network to pull the show off the air.
The hit reality show is done for good, a rep for TLC told FOX411 in a statement on Thursday.
"After thoughtful consideration, TLC and the Duggar family have decided to not move forward with '19 Kids and Counting.' The show will no longer appear on the air," the network stated.
For 10 seasons, "19 Kids and Counting" chronicled the home life of Arkansas couple Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their now-19 children. The show had been in limbo since May after revelations that 27-year-old Josh Duggar molested five children when he was younger. Four of the victims were his sisters, the other victim was a family babysitter. Josh Duggar admitted to touching the girls inappropriately.
Josh Duggar, his parents and two of his sisters subsequently spoke about the events.
Jessa Seewald, who identified herself to Fox News' Megyn Kelly as one of the victims, insisted that Josh Duggar's behavior was not as bad as the media made it out to seem.
"...He made some bad choices, but really the extent of it was mild, inappropriate touching, on fully clothed victims, most of it while girls were sleeping”
Following the cancellation of "19 Kids," TLC also announced it has teamed with two prominent child-protection organizations, RAINN and Darkness to Light, for an ongoing campaign to raise awareness about child sexual abuse. The initiative will begin with a one-hour, commercial-free documentary likely airing later this summer. The documentary will feature the Duggar family, and focus on two of Josh Duggar's victims, Seewald and sister Jill Dillard.
"We look forward to working with TLC on this upcoming special documentary and hope that it is an encouragement to many," the Duggars stated on their website.
TLC added, "TLC has been especially concerned for the victims in this situation, including the Duggar family, and it is our hope that this effort will help those in need learn where to turn for information and help," the network stated.
RAINN told FOX411 in a statement that their organization is pleased to be working with TLC.
"As this multi-platform campaign moves ahead, we look forward to working closely with TLC and our partners at Darkness to Light, which does great work to train adults to recognize, prevent and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Together, we believe we can help families that have been affected by this terrible crime and make sure that parents and others have the knowledge and tools they need to help keep kids safe."
The Duggars thanked the film crew that worked on their hit show as well as fans in their statement reflecting on the end of their hit series.
"We appreciate the love, support, prayers and kindness extended to us by many of you. You have deeply touched our hearts and encouraged us, during this time," the family stated. "We know Who holds the future and are confident that He will work all things together for good."
