Content warning: The following piece contains mentions of sexual assault, abuse, and trauma and may be triggering for some. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please dial the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit RAINN for more resources.
The Duggar family has been a TV phenomenon since 2008 when their reality show 19 Kids and Counting first aired on TLC. The show, which followed Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their 19 children, was cancelled in 2015 following allegations that the couple's oldest son, Josh, had allegedly inappropriately touched several minor girls. Now, Prime Video's limited docuseries, Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets, is revealing details behind the wholesome surface of the reality TV family and their shocking connection to the controversial religious organization, Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP for short).
In the new docuseries, the couple's daughter Jill Duggar Dillard goes on the record for the first time alongside close friends and family who witnessed what really went on when they were involved with IBLP. Shiny Happy People also touches on the backstory of IBLP, including its founder Bill Gothard. As you watch all the details unfold in the new series, you may be wondering where Bill Gothard is now and if IBLP is still around. Ahead, find everything we know about the founder.
Who is Bill Gothard?
In 1961, Bill Gothard founded the Institute in Basic Life Principles, which originally stemmed from his thesis while he was pursuing a graduate degree in Christian education. Per People, Gothard's master's thesis highlighted "seven Biblical, non-optional principles of life," that lead to "harmonious relationships in all areas of life." The seven principles were eventually taught in his seminar. His seminars became increasingly popular, especially with the fundamental Christian community, as Gothard began sharing his teachings with huge crowds. IBLP eventually became a Christian ministry with several campuses, workshops, and a homeschool program that focused heavily on religion.
Per the Shiny Happy People docuseries, many young women were mentored by Gothard throughout their time in the IBLP and reports of sexual harassment and allegations of molestation started to surface in 2014. More than 30 women in the IBLP made complaints about Gothard, which led to his resignation as the organization's leader.
Two years later in 2016, The Washington Post reported that 10 women had taken legal action against Gothard and other church leaders by filing a lawsuit that cited "sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and cover-ups." At the time, Gothard denied the allegations and told the publication, "Never in my life have I touched a girl sexually. I'm shocked to even hear that." In 2018, the case was dropped for unknown reasons and Gothard called the accusations in the lawsuit "false and defamatory statements" in a post on his website.
Where is Bill Gothard now?
According to tax records obtained by Patch, 88-year-old Gothard now "lives quietly" on Arlington Avenue in La Grange, Illinois. The report reveals that he is no longer the leader of IBLP. There is speculation that Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar may be heavily involved in the leadership of the organization. This has not been confirmed by anyone in the Duggar family.
Gothard is still active on Facebook, where he last posted on May 23, 2023. He has not posted anything in regard to the Prime Video documentary. In November 2022, a moderator for his page posted a photo of him at a men's gathering in his home. Per Patch, the post celebrated his 88th birthday and noted that he had been through a lot that year, such as "shattering his ankle while pruning his trees, as well as having a positive COVID test (no symptoms, praise the Lord)."
WATCH SHINY HAPPY PEOPLE: DUGGAR FAMILY SECRETS ON PRIME VIDEO
Sam is an assistant news editor at Cosmo, covering all things pop culture, entertainment, and celebrity news. She previously covered those same topics along with health, lifestyle, and beauty at Seventeen. When she isn't draping her cheeks in blush, you can probably find her live-tweeting awards shows or making SwiftToks.
