Duggar Family Preventing Gay Activist Cousin's Reality Show From Being Made
Duggar cousin John Andrew Studdard was in talks to get his own reality show, but he's suffering the consequences of speaking out against his famous family. RadarOnline.com can exclusively reveal his family is preventing his show from being made after slamming Jill Duggar's husband Derick Dillard for his homophobic comments.
Studdard's father and mother, who is Jim Bob Duggar's cousin, are refusing to take part in his reality TV show after he ripped Dillard for his controversial beliefs.
"The producers were hoping to do a show with his immediate family, but all of his immediate family declined," a source told RadarOnline.com. "They think it's tacky that John Andrew spoke out about Derick's beliefs and have warned him if he speaks out publicly again he will be cut off financially."
Studdard, who is a gay rights activist, has been "begging" the producer to give him another chance without his family.
"He wants to show his life with his friends and the volunteer work he's passionate about," the insider said. "He wants to build a platform to spread awareness for causes. He wants to build an empire bigger than his distant cousins."
As for the comments towards Dillard, Studdard, 28, didn't mean any ill will.
"He doesn't think they're bad people," the insider said. "He spoke out against Derick because he wanted him to be considerate of others. His comments were very harsh. He doesn't know him well enough to say he's a bad person. He was so kind at his wedding to Jill."
- Derick Dillard Attacks Father-In-Law Jim Bob Duggar, Accuses Loser Politician Of Verbal Abuse & Manipulation
- Josh Duggar's Brother-In-Law Compared Jim Bob To Jeffrey Epstein, Accuses Family Patriarch Of Using 'Scare Tactics' On Kids To 'Keep Their Mouths Shut'
- Show Me The Money! Jill Duggar’s Husband Slams TLC For Not Paying The Family For ‘Counting On’
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As RadarOnline.com previously reported, Studdard slammed Dillard for making anti-gay comments about TLC stars Nate Berkus and his husband Jeremiah Brent in April.
He fired from Counting On because of anti-transgender comments he made to I Am Jazz star Jazz Jennings over Twitter in November.
"Derick needs to keep his mouth shut," Studdard, who was adopted into the family, said. "We don't have to agree with someone's life, but don't speak out when you know you're already disliked by half of America. As a public figure, he should stop being so harsh. I believe love is everywhere. Everyone should just be happy!"
Studdard also told RadarOnline.com that producers reached out to him about having his own reality show.
"I have a unique storyline," he said. "Being Asian adopted into an all-causation family living in the South."
He added that he would "carry a show way better" than his cousins because he's open to all religions and sexual orientations.
"Every religion, gender, sexual orientation and race is important," he said. "I'm somewhat conservative, but I know how to keep my opinions to myself!"
He added, "My show will be the real South, good style and a lot of colorful personalities. I could carry a show of my own with topics that could reach all audiences. I'm way more fun!"
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