This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Advertisers Ditch '19 Kids And Counting' In Wake Of Molestation Scandal
Major advertisers are abandoning support of TLC's '19 Kids and Counting' following the admission that as a teen Josh Duggar molested five girls, including his sister. General Mills, Walgreens, Payless Shoes, and Choice Hotels, have all joined a growing list of advertisers who have announced that they are pulling advertising from future episodes of the reality show.
Many of the advertisers announced their departure on social media, including Payless Shoes:
@SweetBabbyJesus Our ads ran during this show as part of a larger buy w/ TLC. We are taking steps to have them removed from future episodes.
— Payless (@PaylessIsBack) May 26, 2015
Ace Hardware echoed the sentiments:
@jacquigsmith Ace ads ran on this show as part of an overall ad buy with TLC. We are removing our ads from any future episodes of the show.
— Ace Hardware (@AceHardware) May 27, 2015
The litany of other advertisers who have distanced themselves from the show over the past couple days includes: CVS, H&R Block, Jimmy Dean, Pure Leaf Iced Tea, Walgreens ConAgra Foods, Party City, Behr, Ricola and Keurig.
Following the ongoing revelations of the Duggar story, TLC has also said they are removing upcoming episodes of the show—currently in its 15th season—from their schedule. And while the network hasn't revealed long term plans for the show, the sudden drop in confidence from advertisers likely does not bode well for its return.
Sponsored message
Mike Huckabee, on the other hand, still shows no sign of withdrawing his support from the Duggars.
Related:
Here's Josh Duggar Making An Uncomfortable Crack About Incest In 2008
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
