TLC halts 19 Kids amid abuse probe

US cablenet TLC has pulled episodes of reality series 19 Kids and Counting amid allegations one of its stars molested underage girls 12 years ago.

19 Kids and Counting

Discovery’s female-skewing lifestyle channel is yet to make a decision on the long-term future of the show but said it would stop airing episodes immediately.

“Effective immediately, TLC has pulled all episodes of 19 Kids and Counting from the air,” Discovery said in a statement. “We are deeply saddened and troubled by this heart-breaking situation, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and victims at this difficult time.”

Several petitions have called for the cancellation of the series about the devout Duggar clan, which comprises parents Michelle and Jim Bob and their nine daughters and 10 sons.

It comes after a police report was published outlining allegations that Josh Duggar, now 27, molested underage girls when he was 14 and 15 years old. The claims were reported to police when he was 18.