Hulu has removed “19 Kids and Counting” following star Josh Duggar’s admission that he acted “inexcusably” as a teenager in response to reports that he molested underage girls, including some of his sisters.
Episodes were available as late as Wednesday, and while they will appear when searched for, users of the streaming service will be greeted with a “404” error message when they try to watch them.
Hulu confirmed to TheWrap on Thursday it is no technical error, and the company decided to pull the series.
The move is just one development in a continuing fallout. Several companies, including General Mills and Walgreens, have removed their advertising from the show in response to the scandal.
The reality series has also been pulled from TLC’s schedule. However, there has been no official word yet from the network as to whether or not the show will be cancelled.
In a statement on Friday, TLC said that it is “deeply saddened and troubled by this heartbreaking situation, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and victims at this difficult time.”
The news first came to light last week when In Touch Weekly reported that Duggar’s father brought his son to the Arkansas State Police in 2005, and told authorities he learned his son had engaged in inappropriate behavior after catching him leaving a young girl’s bedroom. The prosecutors’ investigation was never completed.
Duggar has since resigned from his post as executive director of FRC Action, the legislative affiliate of the Family Research Council, and responded to the reports through a statement that admits guilt, but doesn’t detail his actions.
“Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends,” Duggar said. “I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation. We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling. I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life.”