Gothard stepped down from IBLP in 2014 amid allegations of sexual harassment, but the organization still holds family conferences throughout the country, including in Big Sandy, Texas, where Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have been regular speakers.
People featured in the docuseries trailer note Gothard’s emphasis on authority and the importance of homeschooling. One woman compared his teachings to the novel, “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
Referencing “19 Kids and Counting,” one person said, “TLC created a PR show for Gothard’s teachings.”
The trailer portrays the Duggars as promoting a way of life that aims to raise children to take over the country. “You give these kids training in political engagement,” said Dr. Kristin Kobez Du Mez, Professor of History at Calvin University. “From there, you send them into the halls of Congress, into the White House as interns. They’re playing the long game.”
Another man implied the threat was even more extreme: “World domination was the goal.”
The four episodes in “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets” will premiere on Prime Video on Friday, June 2.
Clarification: This article has been updated to clarify that Josh Duggar molested four of his sisters, not just two.
