Hobby Lobby Funded the Duggars' Allegedly Sex-Abusing Cult Minister

[Galraedia]

17. Bill Gothard practically admitted to it.

"This emphasis on outward appearance was also manifested by bringing selected young people to serve at the Headquarters and causing others to feel rejected and offended by my favoritism. My actions of holding of hands, hugs, and touching of feet or hair with young ladies crossed the boundaries of discretion and were wrong. They demonstrated a double-standard and violated a trust. Because of the claims about me I do want to state that I have never kissed a girl nor have I touched a girl immorally or with sexual intent." ~ Bill Gothard

Yet at least 34 women have accused him of sexual harassment and several women have gone on record saying that Gothard kissed them or fingered them while they were working at Headquarters as teens. And does Gothard honestly expect anyone to believe that a 50 or 60-year-old man could play footsie with a 16-year-old girl, hold and stroke her hands for long periods of time, caress her hair, etc., all without any “sexual intent”? Especially a 50 or 60-year-old man who leads a religious empire and teaches his followers that couples should not touch or have physical contact before marriage?