A federal judge in Fayetteville, Ark., will soon decide whether to grant immunity to officials for releasing information on the Josh Duggar incest case. Four daughters of "Counting On" star Jim Bob Duggar sued police for a privacy violation and an odd complaint of failed due process in the "19 Kids and Counting" pedophilia investigation.

Duggar girls forgive molester brother, but not cops

The Duggar family of "19 Kids and Counting" have been trying to hush talk of Josh's incest. No one knew which four girls were molested, but there were only a few it could have been.

Jana Duggar, Jill Duggar Dillard, and Jessa Duggar Seewald were interviewed publicly saying that they have forgiven their brother and don't think people should call him a pedophile. Yet after appearing on television to discuss it, the "Counting On" stars are suing police for revealing victim names and In Touch Weekly, a celebrity magazine, for publishing it.

Duggars want privacy and limelight

Jill, Jessa, Jinger Duggar Vuolo and Joy-Anna Forsyth were the victims but few people realized that until they filed their lawsuit. Their lawyer blames cops for being quick to run to the media. Actually, most sources were reluctant to print names till the Duggars self-identified--which the "19 Kids and Counting" ladies obligingly did by suing.

They claim their privacy as minors was violated. Now the Reality TV incest is back in the limelight where the "Counting On" girls thrust it.

What are 'Counting On' stars suing for?

If privacy was the objective, why are the "19 Kids and Counting" celebrities going public? If awareness of victims' rights is the aim, why are monetary damages attached?

The "Counting On" gals are suing for unspecified damages on several charges beside privacy invasion including outrage and right to due process. Nobody's quite sure how police failed due process when no one was charged, not even Josh, his father who covered it up or his arguably negligent mom Michelle Duggar. Josh is suing the police himself.

Duggars profit both in reality TV ratings and lawsuit

Police didn't hedge in criticism of the Duggar ladies. Springdale, Ark., and Washington County officials called the Instagram and Facebook stars "misguided" "cash-grabbers" who were wasting taxpayer money. Since Josh Duggar's sex scandal got "19 Kids and Counting" canceled, the reality television spinoff "Counting On" is even more popular. The Duggars earn well from TLC. Ratings should skyrocket if they win their lawsuit.

Judge may grant immunity

Springdale and Washington County officials asked Judge Timothy Brooks to toss the Duggars' lawsuit, claiming they are immune, violated no law and were only doing their jobs. The Freedom of Information Act made info legally available and it was already public knowledge when released.

Actually, "Counting On" fans didn't know if Jana Duggar of "19 Kids and Counting" was one of the sexual assault victims. The girls' lawsuit confirmed that she wasn't (or if she merely chose not to sue). Ironically, the reality parents have been faulted for exploiting their kids' privacy on Facebook, social media and television. Anna Duggar even blames the show for her husband's problems.
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