Jill Duggar Dillard Says She Wasn't Paid for TLC Shows
Jill Duggar Dillard's memoir Counting the Cost will debut on Sept. 12, 2023, and the former reality-TV star is spilling some family secrets ahead of time, claiming that she wasn't paid to film the Duggars' TLC series 19 Kids and Counting or its spinoff Counting On. The problem, Jill explained in an interview with People, was that her father, Jim Bob Duggar, handled all negotiations pertaining to the show—and he didn't distribute any earnings to his children.
"I think I was so conditioned to this belief that we were benefitting from it, from going on this trip or that trip or whatever," Jill told People. "It was like, well we can buy frozen pizzas instead of beans and rice now because [TLC] is covering these things. It was literally so ingrained in me to be grateful."
Related: Learn More About the Duggars in the Documentary 'Shiny Happy People: The Duggar Family Secrets'
It wasn't until Jill was well into adulthood and already married to Derick Dillard that she seriously considered asking her father about compensation. "I was talking to a friend about not being paid and I was like, 'Well, I mean, they did cover grocery trips...'" she told People. "And they're like, 'Are you kidding me?' They were like, 'No that's not normal. That's not paying you.' But I still, it's so ingrained in me to always focus on the positive."
Eventually, after asking her father about the possibility of getting paid, Jill claims in her book (via People) that he eventually offered his adult kids a check for $80,000 each, which she and her husband turned down (she estimates in her memoir that the family earned about $8 million for a decade of work). After retaining a lawyer, she and Derick received a check from Jim Bob for $175,000, which they accepted.
Related: Jinger Duggar Is All Smiles in Family Reunion Photo
In a statement to People, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar said, "We love all of our children very much. As with any family, few things are more painful than conflicts or problems among those you love. We’ve aimed to deal honorably with our children, our finances, and our other endeavors. While imperfect, it is our intent and desire to live a life that honors Christ."
"We do not believe the best way to resolve conflicts, facilitate forgiveness and reconciliation, or to communicate through difficulties is through the media or in a public forum so we will not comment. As the future unfolds, we will continue to love our family, pray for them, and enjoy every moment gifted to us to be parents and grandparents."
Meanwhile, Jill insists she's speaking up years after the fact because she wants to help and encourage others who might feel like they can't advocate for themselves. "I feel passionate about empowering other people to find their voice, and if they do that through my story, great," she said. "I want them to feel like they're not alone."
