George Zimmerman comes out in defence of Josh Duggar
Friends in high places - George Zimmerman comes to Josh Duggars defence
The "19 kids and counting"-scandal can scarcely have slipped past any American. The story about Christian family father Josh Duggar molesting 5 children, four of whom were his sisters, in 2002 and 2003 when he was a minor himself, broke last week and has been the talk of nation ever since. With 19 kids and counting cancelled, many fans of the show are outraged and are calling for a renewal, while most are simply aghast at what has happened - but there’s one man who is all but outraged, and that man, is none other than Florida Neighbourhood watchman, George Zimmerman - the man who was acquitted in July of 2013 of all charges related to the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.
Zimmerman supposedly visited the Duggar home in Tontitown, Arkansas, only days after the molestation story broke, stating that he wanted “to befriend him and support him through the tough times”. Zimmerman and Josh Duggar had only met once before, at a fundraiser in Florida, but according to reports they have, in the wake of the scandal, become “very close”, with Zimmerman even staying at the Duggar home. Today Zimmerman broke his silence on the newfound friendship in a local Arkansas radio interview. This is what he had to say:
- I’m probably the only man in America who knows what Josh is going through right now. I too, have been falsely accused of something I didn’t do and I know what it's like to have America's searing eyes burning on my skin. Now I know what Josh did, but he shouldn't be treated like this. I don't even think what he did warrants a slap on the wrist, I mean he was so young and it was only a little bit of fondling, it was nowhere near rape. The police should focus on busting thugs instead of going after teenagers copping a feel.
The Duggars have been very welcoming of Zimmerman, reportedly having "barbecues" and "family outings" with him, despite the tumultous times. We managed to get a hold of Anna Renee Duggar, Josh Duggar's wife, and asked him about the nature of George's and Josh's relationship: - I've never seen two people find eachother so quickly. I think they can relate because they both know what it's like to be under the media and publics' scrutiny. They've got a real bromance going on, laughing, watching the game and playing baseball together. George has lived with us for over a week now and we've made him feel very welcome.
To discuss Zimmermans support of the Duggars, tweet under #ZimDug