While it may have taken longer than most folks considered necessary, the hammer has finally dropped: The Associated Press reports that, as of this morning, TLC has officially canceled 19 Kids and Counting. The show had already been pulled from network's schedule following reports of Josh Duggar molesting five young girls, including at least two of his sisters. (Jessa and Jill waived the anonymity usually afforded the victims of sexual abuse and gave an interview to FOX News on the subject, in which they said they support their brother and want to "speak up in his defense.")

TLC's president Marjorie Kaplan told the AP that "we spent the past month and a half in thoughtful consideration about what is the best way forward here." And that "best way" is one that doesn't involve the Duggar family. While acknowledging that 19 Kids and Counting had been a "really, really" popular show, Kaplan said that TLC offers all sorts of other quality (and hopefully scandal-free) programming also. Like Long Island Medium, for example. Or Kate Plus 8.

While the Duggars have not yet commented on the news, Kaplan said the family are also "interested in putting the focus on" the issue of child abuse. "This is a fundamental problem in this country, so we've become quite passionate [at TLC] about making sure that we educate people," Kaplan explained. "We feel like we have a real obligation and an opportunity to create a moment here for people to be educated and for victims to find ways to come forward." In this vein, TLC will also air a "one-off special" on the subject of child molestation, in partnership with Darkness to Light and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). The broadcast will feature Jessa and Jill speaking out again, "as well as other survivors and families affected by such abuse." 

In a statement on the partnership, a RAINN spokesperson said, "We are pleased to be partnering with TLC to fight child sexual abuse and appreciate its efforts to spur a national dialogue about this issue. Child sexual abuse affects millions of families across the nation, and we all have a responsibility to work together to end it."

Update 7/15, 11:10 a.m.: In a Bible-centric statement posted on Duggar mom Michelle's blog, the family have spoken out on the cancellation and, obliquely, the scandal that necessitated it. "It is our prayer that the painful situation our family went through many years ago can point people toward faith in God and help others who also have lived through similar dark situations to find help, hope and healing, as well," they write. "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."

Reminiscing fondly over their decade on-screen, "our desire in opening our home to the world [was] to share Bible principles that are the answers for life's problems," they continue, giving thanks to both God and the network for making that happen. They add that they're "looking forward" to working with TLC on its child abuse documentary, and conclude, "We know Who holds the future and are confident that He will work all things together for good." Read the statement in full here; TLC have also released an official statement on the matter.

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