Josh Duggar Trashes His Ex's Mom As 'Bitter' For Testifying Against Him In Bold Plea For New Trial

Josh Duggar has taken aim at his ex-girlfriend's mother, Bobye Holt, who testified against him during his 2021 child pornography trial.

In a new legal filing requesting a new trial, the convicted reality TV star described Holt as "bitter" and claimed her testimony was "prejudicial." Prior to this, Duggar had requested that the court provide him with a free legal team to help him appeal and review his case.

Josh Duggar is currently serving a sentence in federal prison after being found guilty in 2021 of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material.

In his latest legal filing, Duggar is attempting to have his child pornography conviction overturned by challenging the key testimony of his ex-girlfriend's mother.

According to The U.S. Sun, the former reality TV star argued in court documents that the "uncorroborated and prejudicial testimony" from Bobye Holt violated his constitutional rights and deprived him of a fair trial.

Holt had testified during the trial that she once prevented her older daughter, Kaeleigh, from continuing to court Duggar after learning he had allegedly molested a teenager in the past.

Duggar, who was never charged in connection with the alleged molestation, now insists that the court should never have allowed Holt's testimony.

"Despite multiple objections from defense counsel, the trial court allowed Holt to testify about an alleged confession of uncharged criminal conduct by the defendant dating back to 2003," the "19 Kids and Counting" star said in the filing.

He added, "Holt refused to speak to defense counsel prior to trial, and the prosecution failed to disclose key facts undermining her credibility."

Slamming his ex-girlfriend's mother further, Duggar noted in his filing that he believes her motivation to testify against him was "far from neutral."

"In many ways, she resembled a bitter ex who hated Joshua since she couldn't have him for her own daughter," he shared, seemingly referencing how he eventually married now-wife Anna, 37, with whom he shares seven children.

He also pointed out that Holt had posted several "anti-Duggar" statements on social media and harbors a "deep-rooted desire to destroy the Duggar family," with whom she was once friends.

"She also participated in paid, anti-Duggar media productions, including an Amazon docuseries [Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets], appearing alongside her husband, which directly defamed and disparaged the Duggar family," he added.

According to Duggar, "this pattern of hostility and bias was not disclosed to the jury" during his trial, adding that it further solidifies his argument that he did not receive a fair trial.

Prior to his latest legal filing, Duggar also appealed to the court to give him a free legal team.

"I seek the Court's assistance in appointing counsel to help evaluate my case and, if appropriate, prepare a motion to vacate, set aside, or correct my conviction and sentence," he wrote in a letter to an Arkansas judge, Judge Timothy L. Brooks.

The convicted criminal claimed that there were a number of "significant issues' that have stemmed from his case, which is why it should be reviewed.

He said, "I believe there are significant issues relating to trial errors, evidentiary rulings, and other constitutional violations that merit a thorough post-conviction review."

"I am unable to fully assess these matters on my own, which is why I seek the assistance of qualified counsel to help evaluate whether relief is justified," he added to further justify his need for a legal team.

In May 2019, Duggar was accused of downloading child pornography as part of an investigation by Homeland Security investigators.

However, no arrest was made until April 2021, after which he was charged with receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material.

In November of that year, Duggar, who pleaded not guilty, stood trial, with proceedings lasting nearly two weeks.

Ultimately, he was found guilty and, in May 2022, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison. At the time, he was also ordered to pay $50,100 in fines and special assessments as part of the verdict.

Following the conviction, Duggar and his legal team swiftly appealed the ruling but were denied in late 2023.

The former reality TV star later sought a new trial, but that request was also rejected in June 2024 by a judge.

Duggar is currently serving his sentence in FCI Seagoville, with the expected release date set for December 23, 2032.