Jana Duggar is speaking out after being charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
The ex-reality star, 31, took to Instagram on Tuesday to list the “raw facts” of the incident, which allegedly took place in Arkansas on September 10.
“I’m only sharing this because the media has been having a field day with it all,” the “19 Kids and Counting” alum began in a statement on her Instagram Story.
“I prefer a more private life, but I know my last name means that everything we do is open to public criticism and interest, especially during this time.”
She continued by outlining “the raw facts” of the case.
“I was babysitting a few months ago when one of the children wandered outside alone. A passerby who saw the child called the police. This resulted in a written citation, as well as a follow-up with child welfare who concluded that it was an accident and the child was unharmed,” Duggar wrote.
“They recognized it was a case of a child slipping out of the house when you turn your back for a moment. It all happened so quickly and was scary. I am grateful for law enforcement and those who protect and serve our community.”
Duggar clarified that she was “never arrested” but was “upset at [herself] that it had happened at all.”
She concluded the statement, “[I’m] thankful it all ended safely and that’s truly what mattered the most to me.”
The former TLC star pleaded not guilty to the charge, according to docs obtained by Page Six, and her next court date is scheduled for Jan. 10.
Jana’s younger sister Jessa Seewald, 29, came to her sibling’s defense via her own social media statement.
“Getting messages about headlines about Jana. Bottom line — it was an innocent mistake,” the ex-reality TV personality wrote. “She was babysitting and one of the kids slipped out the door unnoticed, but it ended safely. Could’ve happened to anyone.”
“The media is sensationalizing this because of other current family circumstances and it makes me so mad,” she continued, seemingly referencing their brother Josh Duggar’s recent conviction.
Just last week, he was found guilty of receiving and possessing child pornography materials that contained children under the age of 12. Josh, 33, now faces up to 20 years behind bars and fines of up to $250,000 for each count.