'Derogatory and sensationalized': Duggar parents criticize 'Shiny Happy People' documentary

Scandal-ridden reality TV parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar are pushing back against a new documentary alleging their family were "poster children" for a cult that "franchised" abuse.

"The recent 'documentary' that talks about our family is sad because in it we see the media and those with ill intentions hurting people we love," the couple wrote in a statement on their website Thursday.

The explosive four-part limited docuseries, "Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets" (streaming now on Amazon Prime), features accusations against the once beloved reality TV stars known for their 19 kids and conservative values.

The Duggars have been plagued by a child sex abuse scandal surrounding their eldest son Josh Duggar, who was sentenced last year to more than 12 years in prison after being convicted of downloading and possessing child pornography.

"Like other families, ours too has experienced the joys and heartbreaks of life, just in a very public format," Jim Bob and Michelle said. "This 'documentary' paints so much and so many in a derogatory and sensationalized way because sadly that’s the direction of entertainment these days."

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'Shiny Happy People':Duggar family documentary alleges there was a secret cult of abuse

"Shiny Happy People" makes the case that Josh Duggar's abuse was not an isolated event. By detailing how the Duggars grew up in a cult led by an accused sexual abuser who taught women and children to be unwaveringly obedient and submissive, the series presents Josh's abuse as less of a shock and more of a terrible inevitability.

The show featured interviews with fourth Duggar child Jill Duggar Dillard, who accused her family of "never" paying her for her appearance on "19 Kids and Counting" or the spinoff series she starred in and pressuring her to appear on Fox News to downplay the abuse she suffered from her brother.

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The Duggar parents' statement ends with what seems to be a reference to Dillard. "We have always believed that the best chance to repair damaged relationships, or to reconcile differences, is through love in a private setting," the statement read. "We love every member of our family and will continue to do all we can to have a good relationship with each one."