Willis Clan Describes Healing After Their Father’s Sexual Abuse | Megyn Kelly TODAY
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2018
- The musical siblings known as the Willis Clan had taken the country music sphere by storm, but behind the smiles, the siblings were harboring a secret: their father had been sexually abusing some of his daughters. Jennifer Willis McDowell, Jeanette Willis Piatt, Jasmine Willis, Jeremiah Willis, Jedidiah Willis and Jackson Willis join Megyn Kelly to discuss how they’re healing.
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#WillisClan #NBC #Today
Willis Clan Describes Healing After Their Father’s Sexual Abuse | Megyn Kelly TODAY
Will never understand how someone could sleep with a child and especially their own child!
@@spicyavo3929 Thank you for the correction.
@@spicyavo3929 correct.
I'm in shock you said the perfect words, Thanks for sharing
It's about control. Very sad and heartbreaking.
Valerie Barla But it’s also perverted over-sexualization that’s rampant in our culture these days.
I was a Police Officer for 28 years and sadly I investigated many of these type of crimes. To this day, I can’t fathom how anyone could harm a child. But when you violate the sacred trust between a parent and child it still brings me to my knees. In all honesty I couldn’t watch this video. I have 4 children and it is too painful to even think about it. I pray for the children’s full recovery. God watch over them.
That's what separates us from those creatures.
Thomas Odetto thank you for all you did as a police officer. I know it wasn’t easy. 🙏🏻
Just really tragic indeed. In front of everyone too.
Thanks for keeping us safe and thanks for having a kind heart. I hope your life is good now. I know it was a tough job.
Tbh he probably was abused as a child it’s what he knew some people don’t break the cycle of abuse. And if his children don’t get proper counseling the could easily become predators.
I’m always amazed at how many men who claim to have a strong faith/religion turn out to be such villains, especially when they’ve provided themselves with a “wonderful” family. Really horrifying.
Alot of evil is hidden with a front of faith...
My husband(now separated) had a really bad drug problem and was often violent.
After one of his times doing a jail sentence he meet a bishop and the bishop believed he could rehabilitate him through faith and worship....
My husband was great at pretending which I later found out and everyone at the church just ate up his story of being saved including me.
That was until I started noticing past behaviors couple of months go by and he is back struggling with addiction all the while covering it up with faith
Abuse doesn't have a religion, a faith, a financial situation...it just has mental illness...God can give grace for true repentance; but it ruins lives and the ripple effects can last generations.
Very often hidden behind religion.
As with Jehovahs witnesses for
example.
People with very disturbed minds.
Religion is a man made construct it has absolutely nothing to do with God
Christian parents are most likely to be abusive and pedos
As a survivor, I always applaud the strength it takes to stand up to your abusers! I was 9 when I took the stand against my dad. Best thing I ever did! Prayers for recovery, it's still a part of my life process 🙏🏽 ❤
wowwww!!! your mother must have being behind you. Very proud of you. You can honour, love and respect and even forgive your father but that does not mean you will except his abuse nor have a close relationship with him after he does not understand boundaries and starts a toxic relationship with you in any shape way or form nor stop him from doing that to anybody else.
@@peaceandlove544 honour,respect???Absolutely not. Forgive & move on is the only option and that’s only because the forgiveness is for you and not him.
Trauma, IS TRAUMA, STAYS WITH YOU, EVEN THOUGH YOU GET counseling. You don't forget, stays with you, also you learned to be able to be strong, and some day your PAIN THAT you encounter will be at ease; time for our bad experience, is also a learning experience. Si se puede. We can do it!! With faith and wisdom. Amen.
You are a hero! Sending 💗 to you
@@PatriciaHernandez-xk4ce si, es
Posible sanar de este abuso, pero perdonar
es dificil. Solo con la ayuda de Dios mismo y consejeria. Si decides perdonar, es para si mismo, no para la persona que hizo la fractura solo. Dios es el que perdona, y solo para la perdón que arrepiente. Tomar responsabilidad de lo que hizo es el pimer paso.
How can a father do this? You don’t hurt your kids!!! You protect them!!!!
Well said...unfortunately he was only protecting himself!
I don't know how a father can do this, but mine did. It is very hard to know what to do, what to say or who to talk to.
Miryam Hernandez The video is full of racism and hate. These children are innocent. God bless them
Sorry to hear about that @Elizabeth Banet. You can tell the Willis kids still haven't found the words to talk about what happened in detail. They seem to be on the right path now, but what a horrible thing to have to unravel... as a child. It's so moving.
Elizabeth Banet I am sure it is. so sorry this happened to u, Elizabeth.
I married at 17 and had three boys by the time I was 21. My husband after a year became physically and almost worse, terribly emotionally abusive. I took it as long as it was directed at just me but when he slapped my two year old in the face for not holding his spoon correctly I left him. Me I could deal with, my boys, no. I have never regretted my decision.
Stephanie Johnson good for you for getting out of that awful situation. My heart breaks for what you and your kids endured. Praying and sending all the positive energy I have to you and your babies.
Love and Prayers your way from my Wife and I. God Bless.
Good job leaving your husband and putting your kids first! Not a lot of women who are abused have the guts to leave the man. So God bless you for taking care of your children!
He slapped a baby for learning? I'm my niece did not hold a spoon correctly until about 4. She is a very smart kid but she had no interest in the small things. Creativity is her strong suit
It’s great that you put your kids first but while your husband was abusing you and the children are being abused just by watching that and being around it affects them just as much as if it were happening to them
"when you're a child, you don't have the vocabulary to talk about it"... my goodness they were wonderfully articulate. my sister was sexually abused by her father and she is absolutely shattered by it. something so sacred was taken from her when she was so so little. it touched every single member of my family, all of the relationships, decisions, life paths, finances-literally everything. i'm thankful that this topic is more openly talked about today in our society. for far too long, victims have been treated as taboo or stained by society; shunned and ostracized for having been perpetrated upon.
Some of my older family members were shocked and appalled to hear that I started teaching my son about the topics of consent, body autonomy, and "good touch, bad touch" when he was 2 years old. (You start with the basics, then build from there, with age-appropriate language.) But I wasn't deterred. THIS is why I do it.
There are so many children who are sexual abused by a family member, teacher, coach, peer, etc. You have to start talking about it when they're really young so that if, heaven forbid, it ever happens to them:
1) They know what's happening is wrong and it's not their fault.
2) They know to tell someone, and not keep it a secret, like their abuser told them to.
3) They will have the vocabulary if/when they tell a trusted adult.
And as a side note, topics of consent, body autonomy, and "good touch, bad touch" go beyond preventing sexual abuse. If a kid in class is hitting them, they know it's OK to speak up. If your kid wants to play with your hair, but you don't feel like get your hair yanked around just now, you can tell them no, and they'll respect it. Consent is a two-way street.
@@laurao3274 To reassure you Im 33 today. My mom did the same when I was 3 or 4 and that saved me in so many situations. Children are very vulnerable and some sickos try to take advantage even if left alone for a few moments. I remember 4-5 times when someone tried to do something weird I would run away or be able to tell my mom and this prevented anything from taken place. I wonder if I never knew it was wrong would I have been able to stop it or run prevent it. Im so grateful that my mom didn't shy away from telling me about good touch bad touch and respond appropriately. She also asked me not to hug or sit in laps of men in the family. She would even watch or be around when I was near my dad. She never trusted anyone blindly except herself. Our family used to tell her she is paranoid and fearful but she protected me and my innocence till the end. You are doing a great thing! Keep it up! Don't let anyone tell yoi otherwise.
@@laurao3274
I am the mother of 5 now-grown children. I did exactly the same as you do with your son, and for the same reasons-- plus reasons that are highly personal. You stated perfectly the how and why these things work in favor of children and I for one appreciate another parent who does this. I was ridiculed for all of it back in a time when these things just were not talked about-- church, friends, and family members were even horrified that my children knew proper anatomy language, acting as if I were teaching them filthy language. I am just happy that my children were protected. Thank you for your educational and even blessed comment! ~Peace!
@@wheathusk2499
I am thankful that your mother protected you. I am a bit sad that you had a fear instilled in you about the male family members. With the proper tools to know how to protect yourself and to tell a trusted adult you should have been able to give and receive love from all of your family. I don't mean to criticize your mother, as I'm sure she did what she believed was the right thing for you-- and that is best thing parents can do. I only point this out so that you may not feel the need to keep paternal and masculine love from your children as well.
We need the love and support of as many people as possible as we grow and mature-- to feel safe with them all. If I had felt closer and safer when I was so little, a family member may not have been so brave to hurt me, and I would have felt safe enough to tell them all what happened-- especially my uncle. Just a thought. ~Peace!
@@laurao3274 Thank You so much Laura for verbalising, articulating this ❤️ I was confused how to express it. Now I know.
God Bless You ❤️
Thank You, Jesus for my wonderful dad. He was always such a gentleman and so protective of me. If he wanted to tell me something and I was in my bedroom he would knock then WAIT til I opened the door. He wanted to give me time to grab a robe if I needed it. The he would stand outside my room and tell me what he wanted to share. He gave us both such dignity. He's been in Heaven for over 25 yrs now, but I still thank God for this wonderful man.
@ theresa bollman : AMEN ! Thanks for sharing !!! May God transmit your Dad's gene for respect of personal boundaries and privacy to all the children in his family !
The world needs better role models for a few generations of respectful, decent, spiritually intelligent, God fearing and honoring citizens ! Otherwise, billions of children are bound to be traumatized, and grow into heavy weight on the scale of the conscience of humanity !
Divine blessings in Jesus' Name!
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: élise ( 5 / 26 / 21 ||| 3:00 AM ) :
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Jesus isnt God, he is a prophet:)
@@mahmah5897
P. S. I forgot to remind you that Sons and Daughters naturally inherit the genes (DNA) of their ancestral progenitors via their birth parents. Except for adopted Sons and Daughters of whom both adoptive parents have zero genetic link to the children's birth ancestors.
Much clarity is needed in TRANSLATION of complex scriptures from ancient tongues.
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: élise ( 8 / 19 / 21 ||| 9 : 43 PM ) :
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@@elise4458 jesus is not the son of God either, God doesnt have kids, only living creatures on earth do, if he was the son of God he would not have died, im muslim and thats what i believe, im not trying to force my belifs onto others in any way shape or form, thank you for replying in a nice manner, i respect your beliefs and im not trying to sound offensive just to be clear
@@mahmah5897: Hi again. Thanks for a prompt reply, and for politely ascertaining your stance. If you have been born and raised in a Muslim family, accept my apologies for referring you to the Judeo-Christian Scriptures. And for this very long reply !
I carry the spiritual guidance flag from multi generations of Christian parents and grand-parents. My Father's were Protestant, and Mother's Catholique. Mom converted to Dad's faith before their marriage. I am eternally grateful for the foundation that I have inherited via them.
In regards to your point denying Jesus Christ's identification as a " Son of God ", I cannot argue on that with you because I am barely familiar with your religion. I have worked with a couple of Muslims years ago; one was a colleague, the other was a single mother in my caseload. I remain profoundly impressed with their humility, the respectfulness reflected in their interaction with me.
Thinking that you might be a Muslim, I decided to watch a 3-hour video -- dated 10/25/2014 -- of a conference in Atlanta, GA, at which Mr. Farrakhan was the keynote speaker. The topic was " Who are The Real Children Of Israel ? " He affirmed the Muslims' belief in Moïse' mission, in the Prophets who wrote about their missions in the Old Testament.... He separately affirmed : "We believe in Jesus." No reference to Jesus as a Son of God, or a Prophet.
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As noted in my previous reply, the authors of the New Testament, in the Christian Bible, did identify Jesus Christ as The Son of God, whose mission was to save humanity.
He was to be crucified as a living sacrifice in order to secure redemptive salvation for all sinners, on this planet, who decide to abandon sinful paths, and to follow His teaching -- via words and actions -- as transmitted and accomplished by His disciples, as instructed by His Holly Spirit after His resurrection, and his ascension back to the celestial kingdom of Father God.
Keep safe, Mah Mah !
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: élise ( 8 / 20 / 21 ||| 6 : 23 PM ) :
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These kids are freaken gorgeous!
EVERYONE OF THEM!!!
They didn't even know that they were being abused they were so sheltered
@Sway Kid You need help, buddy.
That’s exactly what I was thinking! The only thing I can give the parents credit for is that they have great genes.
Bianca S I know! Both inside and out!!!
Notice the son at the end of the couch put his head down when they showed pictures of their father. This interview is cringeworthy and doesn't have any sensitivity to this family
I disagree.
Yes lord
This is a reality
They carried themselves well throughout the interview on this difficult subject that they wanted to shed light on. Sure, it’s an unpleasant subject, but they wanted others to know they’re not alone and provide hope. That doesn’t make the interview “cringeworthy” (ugh). Get a grip.
As I was reading this comment, he put his head down so I backed it up and they showed the father and I'm like, perfect timing.
The mother knew!! Even if she was being abused, she knew. Mothers always know.
They betrayed the truth.
If other people knew, how could their mother and siblings didn't know?
Maybe it is a defense mechanism to make think a bit less awful...
Agreed
Oh she knew and ultimately accepted it. The book talks about all of that. Very warped religious views kept all this abuse going.
Agree! She knew.
As a child who was molested, I can relate to not understanding what is happening to you and not knowing how to verbalize what is happening to you. As a child, you don't understand sexual gratification. You don't know WHY this is happening or what is happening to you. Oddly enough, you know it's wrong. But you don't know why. It's something inside of you that tells you that what they are doing is wrong, but you are powerless to stop it.
And you never understand the whys and going through life it's not the easiest thing even your smile is not real it tortures relationships whether it's friend or family the innocence is taking away as such a young age and what many people don't realize is that when you go through such you're not the same that little girl is no longer a little girl because she has been violated and innocence has been taken away everything changes.
I totally understand. I was also molested as a child, by a teenage boy and a girl. Both of them my cousins. The girl would molested would tell me it was my fault and she would take advantage because I had no one to go to. It happened from my earliest memories from five to eight years old. It stopped because my mother went back to Mexico and took me and my sister with her to the city. I recently learned that my sister was also molested by my boy cousin. He was fourteen and she was thirteen years old. My sister is a year younger than me. And it hurts so much to know that she had to go through the same thing I went. I was really hoping that nothing happened to her. But a few months ago as me and my sister were talking about many things, she brought it up. And I was devastated to know that it happened to her too. I now have my own children and I'm very protective of them I trust NO ONE.
Couldn’t have explained it better!!
I was also molested as a child, which is why when I had my own child, I decided that it was very important to teach him about consent, body autonomy, and "good touch, bad touch" from a very young age. If only someone had ever done so for me, I don't think I ever would have been molested. I would have known to heed that still, small voice inside and speak up.
I hope and pray that my children will never need protection from sexual abuse, but these preventative measures are paramount. And as an added bonus, when you teach a child about topics like consent, it goes both ways. Teach a child to respect his body and what happens to it, and he will in turn respect the bodies of others.
@@laurao3274 so true. It's very important to teach our children from a young age, because most of the molestation occurs before ten years old. I was about four when it started, and ended at eight years old, just because my family moved to the city and my cousins that molested me lived in the countryside. I talk to my kids alot, I also pray then never have to go through what I did. And I trust no one with my children, thank God that I have always been able to be with them.
They’re so eloquent, sweet, and intelligent. I wish them the best
The sons are giving me some Leonardo DiCaprio vibes lol
WTF does that mean?
The older one? Yeah. I think he could do a body double
DEEREMEYER1 he kind of resembles DiCaprio.
Less Hidal chad Michael Murray too
What, fake with fat heads?
My father is in prison for 40 plus years for abusing me and several other children. I was 14 in 2004 when he was arrested and that was the first day of the beginning of my life this family gives me hope through the hard days and times!!
Did your mother know what was going on?
Wish you all the best!!
How a father could hurt his daughters like that is just unforgivable .. I grew in a home with drugs and alcohol but even in that mess I felt safe because my father protected me and never once tried to hurt me or would alow anyone else to, God bless his soul😇.
Same here. He had a demon but I was his angel. He's now mine🥰
What does forgiveness have to do with it? God doesn't exist, we are all God's children right? Yet God molests us/them time and time again. God is the father and an abusive one. He tortured his only one.
@STRONGEST NATTY IN THE WORLD. seek therapy
Agreed.....physical and SA are totally different to negligence, or emotional abuse. I realise some emotional abuse can be life altering and traumatic, but in personal experience still think that they are not just one and the same, especially as addicts and also other sorts of mental or emotional abuse are usually, tho not always, unintentional; the person causing it doesn't normally know at the time that they are causing trauma, to any extent, lesser or greater, but physically touching or hitting somebody you know what you have done.
I cringed so hard when Megyn asked if they felt relief when they found out their siblings had also been sexually abused, and when she said I can't help but notice how lucky you are... this is definitely not how you interview anyone about their trauma.
She asked that because she wanted to know if it was a relief to know that the abused weren't the only ones, that they weren't alone. It's comforting knowing that there is someone walking that same road with you to talk to and relate to. And as for how they are lucky, they are lucky. They are siblings that still stand for and with each other even after this trauma. They are lucky to be alive. They are lucky to have faith in God. They are lucky that they still have a voice. That's why they are lucky. Its a shame you dont see that.
I felt relieved that I wasnt the only one sexually abused in my family
I agree with you. I think reporters should have to be trauma informed before being allowed to interview those who have been abused. They should have to go through some formal training in the area of trauma.
I was RELIEVED when I found out my younger sisters were NOT molested
Actually she chose her words very carefully. How lucky you are was referring to having each other.
You just never know what is going on in someones house after that front door closes.
So true!
Some people are very good at putting on appearances 😎
So true!
Some people are very good at putting on appearances 😎
To be sexually aroused by a child - especially by your own child - is beyond SICK!
Toby Willis is getting his while he is in prison. What other prisoners detest are child molesters - prisoners consider child molesters the lowest of the low!
Isn't that what Biden did to his daughter
came from a family of 5 kids . My father wasn't sexually abusive , but we all , including my mom , got our lights knocked out on a regular bases . He was a mean person who didn't like himself. And we all suffered because of it. My mom lived many years after him . I was glad that she had time to enjoy life and realized that it had so many things to offer her in her later years. Wish these kids a life of happiness and peace because life is better when you feel safe and happy.
I grew up in a large family. My parents had 11 children. My father sexually abused all four of my sisters and at least one of my brothers. He was physically abusive, but more than anything, he was emotionally abusive. I grew up believing I wasn't worth anything. For those who question why didn't the mother divorce him, why didn't the children speak out, it's not even remotely that easy. I am someone who always speaks my mind, but as a child, as a part of a family, as someone who was constantly taught that I was worthless and no one would be there to help me, it is not like some TV show or song. And the thing is, you all know that, you're just upset and angry that things like this happen, and you want to believe if only someone had said something or done something, everything would have been magically fixed, but that's not how life works. I feel for those kids, but I also know there is healing through time, there is understanding, there is forgiving yourself (because when you're abused, you always blame yourself, which is so ridiculous). The abuse shapes who you are and how you think and how you act, but as time goes by, you learn to let it go and appreciate who you are and not who you were diminished into being. I wish them the best. It's a hard road ahead and it's a hard road behind, but it honestly gets better as you get older and stronger and learn that you did nothing whatsoever to deserve being treated like that; you were not at fault, your abuser was.
Well said. People that's never experienced such abuse have no idea what they're talking about.
Tommy Marx I really wish you well. Thanks for your enlightened view. I can't add to it except to add a point of my own observation which is when things like this happen people look for a target to blame and often it's an easy target like one of the victims. This attitude just drives abuse underground as the victim now feels gagged by us in society. If this is to stop we have to be willing to hear it from the victim. They are full of shame which has been placed on them. However they truly are free of any guilt.
❤❤❤
Thank you for sharing. Be well & stay strong.
You are honest in a beautiful and comforting way. I hope that no matter how hard or easy days come and go for you..you know that you are purposed not an accident or worthless...your voice has waken inside of me a love for humanity in a powerful way... May there be a voice like yours that leads more children out of victimization... Truly moved
Liberia L. Flahn
I can’t believe people actually disliked this video... the fact they sat down & was brave enough to talk abt it to the whole world is amazing, I’m so sorry for what they went through. The fact how many dislikes this got is disgusting...
I'm sure some of them had bad intentions but, some people might've disliked it because they disliked what the father did. That's why certain people dislike videos like this.
@@christophergoodroe1825 exaclty and maybe some people don't like the interviewer
Probably all the people that failed lie detector tests on the Steve Wilkos show or met Chris Hansen instead.
There are bots that dislike videos sadly
Hi there Jesus
They're so well-spoken and very intelligent. My heart breaks for them for what they went through.
I knew nothing about this until today. My heart really goes out to each one of you. I’m so thankful that you’re all healing and still singing!
When i found out, a couple years ago, i was gobsmacked, could not get over it either
I'm from a family of ten children and my father sexually, physically and emotionally abused us all. It's was a horrific life, years later it all seems so surreal. Like it was another person that it happened to. My father was a sadist, and I found out many years later that he had violated a few of my friends. I know there were many people that he violated. He never was held accountable for his actions. My mother was an abused woman and for whatever reason she was unable to protect us. This type of childhood changes the way you look at the world. My heart goes out to these young people, the memories will fade as you creat new happy ones, my prayers are with you all.
egnalag- wow, unfortunately this kind of stuff in big families is not rare. So sorry to hear that and hopefully you and your siblings has gotten the help you need to heal from such a terrible existence at that time.
I’m so so sorry. Do you need a friend? I’m here. God loves you. He is your true Father in Heaven.
I no exactly how it feels.
@ ginger and engalang up to now l keep wondering what would have happened if l had seen more genuine love in my childhood 🙌🏿
What kind of person would l be today ?
@Ginger Engels Hi Ginger!! Ask God for healing and deliverance and for the TRUE YOU to emerge.
What a sick human being, sexually abusing your own children.
Pervert!
kcmn00 agreed
Sadly it happens a lot, all the time to children all over the world :(
Don't be to surprised. Even Brothers within the family can sexually molest their own sisters.
@@skymoon2008 sisters abuse brothers as well..
I’m so grateful that I’ve had such a wonderful, protective and respectful dad. Brings tears to my eyes to see what this family went through. I cannot fathom how a man could do that a child-especially to their own child!!!?? It’s sickening.
Good for you but people have the potential to do anything, and yes our parents will be the ones to shock us the most.
It may be a sick thing for you but what he was doing may have actually been normal in his mind. He may have experienced things like this as a child. They didn’t get that deep but there is a root cause of a situation like this. I was abused by my father and I still
Love him probably as much as u love yours. We forgive and let god handle those people. He is only guilty as a HUMAN
@@_CierraLeone_ I find your comment some what disturbing. The father is human, he was probably victimized himself? I understand forgiving, yourself being molested by your father, let me be brutally honest, their children, any child can never be left alone with the father. The justice system has failed the victims/family, as long as he is alive, I don't believe they can live in peace.
I was a daddy’s girl . I used to take naps with him , he never even thought about such filth he was wonderful to my sister and I
How do you know what he thought.
It's somewhere in the Bible.
Solomon I believe...
"Mens thoughts are evil and mad."
he should have known.
He was the most wisest man of them all!
And? Don't put that comment on this video. It can make these children feel bad.
I didn't realize until this interview that all the family suffered physical abuse as well. I am so sorry they all went through this for years. Wishing them all the best as they continue to heal. Much love from Indiana.
Nice to read a caring comment.......
@Mike Carter totally agree pure garbage
Mike Carter why would you say that?
Mike Carter oh boy, what an insensitive, insulting and cruel comment. who are you mike? what made you so insensitive? why do you hate them so much that you can only come with this? what happened to you? why do you feel the need to belittle and smear them?
Mike Carter where you are born does not make you a molester my family is from Arkansas and we are not like this Toby chose to be this way
Regardless of your social status or finances, if your children are in jeopardy...LEAVE! I did! Walked away from a lifestyle most only dream of living..took my four children and struggled for many years but...we made it! I wouldn’t change my past actions or decisions. I am a mother and it is MY responsibility to protect my precious children.
May the Willis “survivors” heal, prosper and continue to hold fast in their faith.
Neta Buckwalter exactly! Agreed 100%
I did the same thing....left when my youngest was only ONE....I warned my husband ( at the time } if he hit me
or them one more time .... I would leave........it took a few months ...( since I never drove ) but we escaped.
I NEVER turned back nor regretted my actions...MY childrens safty came first.... When they were 14/15 ..etc..
they wanted to 'visit' their dad ( who HID in another state .... so as NOT to give me the legal 'child support'..)
I allowed them to visit...paid for their trip....they ALL came back... with a dislike of the man himself...
Neta Buckwalter So glad you made it. Much happiness to you and your children.
Mad props to you as a mother. So many women are so scared to let go of a lifestyle or financial security and will sacrifice their children bc of this. They don't realize the damage they are doing or how their kids will blame them later for not protecting them or doing whatever they could to protect them.
Unfortunately the children never see this dynamic because it's all they've known. But we have to forgive the mother's and move on. But anyone reading this. Know that THE RIGHT DECISION FOR ALL INVOLVED IS TO LEAVE THE ABUSE, no matter what. I repeat. No matter what. You will gain so much more-sanity, peace of mind, peace. Feeling safe!
To see them speaking as their ok..I applaud them for the courage, strength and allowing themselves to continue live without fear. PROUD OF YOU GUYS.
I remember how shocked I was when this story broke, and how heartbroken I was for what these kids went through. I’m so glad that they are able to work through this and keep going with their amazing talents. I pray that they continue to heal.
Megyn Kelly is the last person to interview these traumatized children now adults. Sensitivity of a doorknob.
Jane Stewart after she lost her job at Fox news she never recoverd .she became just a regular struggling woman trying to find herself.i feel bad for her.
Jane Stewart what ever are you perfect 🤔🤔🤔
Not exactly sure what you are referring to there...I think that M.K. is a very caring & positive person. Her interview style may not jibe with what YOU expect. However, this is such a difficult topic that I imagine anyone would have a difficult time with it.
Agreed
Idk she asked the questions I’d want to know straight out
My heart goes out to ALL OF THEM! CANNOT BELIEVE THE MOTHER HAS STAND BY THE FATHER'S SIDE!!! That is insane!!!
Belen Alexa Serrat agree..she might not have known, but doubt it
@@ellimae1548 even if she didn't know. She has an obligation to her children and keep them safe
Elli Mae highly.
I believe the Mother knew more, than what appeared. She probably felt stuck, fearful, and helpless. However, if she dismissed any abuse regarding her kids, she's just as guilty. As a result, she may reap for not protecting her kids.
The mom didn’t stand by the dad’s side; she stood up for her kids.
This just made me appreciate and love my dad even more...I miss you sooo much!! I pray these kids have a healthy and safe life from now on.
This family is so strong & inspirational. Thank you for being willing to talk about your experiences & put your healing journey - which is so personal - in a spotlight to help others who are struggling. Thank you. May you all find a wholeness & peace that overlays the history you are endured.
I was watching Jasmine closely in this interview and you can clearly see the sadness in her eyes as her other two sisters were talking about the dark side of the family. I wanted to give her a great big hug.
Is Jasmine the blonde in the middle? If so I was also thinking that too,like maybe she got it worse than the other 2 sisters😢
@@FloridaManYT no the other blonde is Jasmine
Me too she has a lot of healing to do.
This clip just solved a 51 year old family mystery for me. Had a Eureka moment. God Bless this family.
Whatever that is, I’m so sorry for that memory.
I’m grateful you are healing now. I wanted you to know how fortunate you are to have your whole family supporting each of you. I also am grateful this came out when it did and didn’t remain a secret. I’ve been there. Blessings to all of you.
What I loved the most out of this whole story is you came together to support each other and by doing so,you became stronger than he will ever be.Continued courage,continued strengthening,continued healing.Sending much love.
I love their form of speech it’s so simple yet elegant and sounds so smart .
It broke my heart when she said a child doesn't have enough vocabulary to describe abuse.
Children should be aware of bad/good touch since the very beginning!
It s hard to believe that happened to that family boy it s hard to know one that looked so nice wood do that to their children and make them perform so sad
I agree. As a homeschooling mom my kids learn about good/bad touch from anyone and how it's not appropriate to touch (including siblings, family, etc) at a early age. It blows my mind the mom never taught them this.
They probably were very young when it started
You have to teach the kids the proper vocabulary. These children were not taught.
Protect children!🙏🌎
They are all gorgeous & so strong. I pray for their continued healing.
Thank you, Willis Clan, Megyn, & the production team. That took great courage & determination, & helps so many of us...
They seem very level headed. Good for them and hopefully with each day they continue to heal.
... healing is a lifelong process, w/or w/o support. Mum's about coocoo for Cocoa Puffs w/o the milk...
.....
They either are coping very well or are masking it away super well. That's my fear. Because the sons here seem to not be able to handle it, it worries me that the daughters may actually be masking it since they've learned so long ago to hide it all away and appear happy and bright. I pray they are actually just coping that much better today. I'm not surprised these sons are taking it hard. In a way, they go through a different betrayal, because if you see this done to your sisters, you not only feel rage, but to find out that the man you were looking up to, is the offender, twists your mind up completely. You can feel even more helpless finding out I think was your own father, who you may have looked up to. Reminds me of the Josh Duggar case. When will all these crimes end. Enough.
My dad was abusing me with his friend before I could tie my shoes, this interview helped me feel less alone.I will never believe my mom didn't know, she just didn't care.
Julia Hoover Thank you , still healing the bruises , yet I have let go of needing validation or blaming myself , most of my existence I believed I was born evil & my dad was my victim . Held onto that lie till a few years ago .
These siblings are GORGEOUS! They shine from the inside out, and I thank God that they have each other.🌞❤️
How could a parent do something like this. My heart breaks for these kids.
I've always wondered how a mom couldnt know. I think she knew just didnt have the strength to do anything about it. I hope the father serves the full 40 years
Summer Spradley's Mom tales of 3 it seems to me that the father knew exactly how to manipulate everyone just well enough.
The Mother probably grew up in a home like that.
Jan Graham my mom grew up in a family like that. She says she never knew it was happening to my sisters. It is hard to believe. Especially when you have the knowledge of what obvious signs would be there. Even subtle changes would have my radar up
They know they just don’t want to deal with a inconvenient truth
because child abusers are very cunning and make the victims believe if they tell they will be disbelieved so victims feelings ashamed keep it well hidden
I was sitting here, watching this interview calmly...but when that one guy started talking about wanting to let others know thst they're not alone and point them in the right direction. I just started to cry. He seemed so genuine. I know they look healthy and happy on the outside, but they've been deeply wounded. I'm so sorry for what they've been through. God bless.
They're so respectful and well-spoken. God bless them.
I've just watched your story. I don't understand how you coped with a father like you had. Your a amazing beautiful family and my heart broke hearing what you've been through.
I never liked the father. I always saw him as having an evilness about him. I was right.
I agree something felt fishy about him right from the start
I am 65 and in tears as I watch this - those three young women spoke so honestly about why this was not discussed as a family. At the age that my stepfather molested me, I too, did not have the knowledge or vocabulary to speak about it...I was left with the terror and confusion of the experience and to this day, I still feel like a shattered child when I think about it and my mom died never knowing that this had even happened to me by him. I can compartmentalize that part of my life, put it away in a "box" in my head, lock the box and bury the key but the vision and fact that it happened will never go away...
There are ways to heal. Maybe not completely forget but to heal to a better place. Believe me.
I'm 57, I could not bring myself to tell my mother either because I could not handle the thought of her rejecting me. A month after my mother died I went into counseling, 3 months later with the help of my counselor, I filed a restraining order against my brother and finally got some of the protection I should have had many years before this.
I'm 60 and I still sad about this happens to me, and that my mom when I trying to explain what was going on, she make me feel like I'm going to damage and destroy the family.
This experience destroy the ability to trust people, and I was afraid my whole life about intimacy, I'm sure that damage my personal relationships as women, as wife.
I can said that I had have a great and beautiful life, a great childrens, but with this secret in my mind, WHY, WHY, WHY, and is not awnser, I learn to be very grateful for all I have and to don't let this memory's ruin my life.
I am so sorry for you... Hugss
My adoptive father and brother both molested me when I was younger and it was never talked about till a few years ago. Everyone knew about my brother but didn't believe me about my dad. I feel so sick for these women and somedays I still can't believe it happened. May God bless and heal their hearts
You guys are so courageous!...it breaks my heart to hear what you went through. And the fact that you have each other gives you strength.
Take good care of yourselves and especially the younger children.
G-d bless!
I love these children and was a following fan from the beginning. I constantly searched for general information of their well-being. Forever a fan and so glad I found this story even two years later.
It’s so incredibly sad that this goes on in families.😭
Their mother, victim or not, failed to protect her family. Her being a victim makes it even worse.
yes but if it got to the point where she tried to protect he could of done something much much worse as in killing them
the father is the one who failed.
Excuse me. All the blame shud be in the father!
Where is she through all of this anyway?
An abuser has the ability to hurt and fool many people, including a spouse.
I remember this family on America's Got Talent and their performances were wonderful. They even had the little ones performing. I hope they all can continue to heal. It's a tragic family situation.
These kids are a wonderful example of strength faith and hope,God bless them all
What a sick person the father is. Unfortunately this is a common story in the world. God bless this family and wish you all the best in life.
This is 🇺🇸
I agree. I never knew about this! Unbelievable! I'm so thankful they're healing & moving forward! God bless them!
David Sisk 📛
David Sisk AAA
"...god bless...". Really???? The DELUSIONAL PROGRAMMING OF SOME INVISIBLE MAN!!!!! WHERE TF WAS SKY PAPPY WHEN ALL THE RAPING WAS GOING ON!!! HUH?????😠
I am so so so sorry for what these kids went through. This breaks my heart. But I am so grateful that they are willing to tell others how to get help.
It is amazing to leave , experience so much abuse, and be able to come through as a family to tell us this sad story. I filled that though this grown up kids are able to tell their own suffering story , still there hearts are not heal. It is a long process. I wished them good luck and perseverance. Amen.
Fear is a powerful weapon. So sad to hear stories like this but thankful it ends in a positive way.
It is not ok for a mother to ignore the abuse but I do believe she was probably terrified of her husband.
I don't think she really ignored it. She was trying to find ways to help her children.
Jess said she was 9 she was too young to know how to confirm what her mom was asking her I think she is staying away from media not her family
Speaking from experience...…you can have all the money in the world but when someone else is controlling a victim's mindset for whatever length of time, the victim doesn't always see their way out.....until they do. Not in your view, not in your time, in the victim's time - sometimes it takes someone else to see it. Abusers groom their victims so that by the time the abuse is exposed, the abuse has looked normal for a long time and the victim no longer feels confident that they can do something about it. The big questions are, "will I be believed? what if I can't prove it? what if he still has access to the kids without me there?" Sad but true....the courts often say there's not enough proof and the abuser still gets visitation without supervision. The courts rule.
Terrified or not a real mother would find anyway to protect there children
My guess is you've never experienced the terror of abuse.
This is why parents need to have real conversations with their children and build unconditional trust. This is terrible. So glad they are not using this horrible experience as an excuse to fail. They are beautiful and I wish them the best.
Harder when it's the actual parent that breaks that trust
@@daniellesupersad4354 Agree with you and they are homeschooled by those parents. Who is going to teach them about inappropriate touching? Not said parent. that is taught by parents/teachers in an attempt to protect kids from that behavior. If it were not for fame and others in that circle having concern over this father's behavior, this abuse would most likely have continued on down the line to the younger kids. SO very sad. Nothing against homeschooling, but some of these cases the children are more isolated and less aware of what is and is not normal behavior.
There is never a place to use this as a excuse as you put it... Some Children and Adults do not recover from Physical and Sexual abuse and deteriorated within themselves and as you put it an excuse to fail .. pls don't victim blame
@@teepeeX I think your misinterpreted my comment but it is to be expected from an oversensitized audience.
@@teepeeX you are right. it's not that traumatized people use it to fail. Some people's destiny that they chose and accepted before accepting to come to earth to start their terrestrial earth existencr includes never healing and some traumatized people's destiny includes finding help and learning responsibility law to heal because they find an environment that helps them use responsibility law and they overcome sexual abuse and heal themselves and heal their life.
I am very happy to hear that they are healing and are trying to help other victims get help. God Bless them all
No one protected me, people did horrible things to me from 4 years old, then my own mum abused me, belittled me , hit me, neglected me till I was 15 and I escaped. I am suffering from the damage till I die. Now I’m dedicated to help and save children. I wish I had a power to save them all because I know how it feels to be scared of the hole world and I know how it feels to recognise that when the mother is a monster, when recognise that you are on your own in this big entire world.😓
There are many in the same situation. Hang in there. What's important is we don't repeat the abuse that were done to us. The buck stops with us. You are loved. Hugs to you!
I CANNOT believe she had the audacity to call them “lucky”. Talk about minimization at its finest!!!
I think because they look fine & appear strong & the interviewer not familiar with this type of sutuation..she just couldn't empathize. No connection.
She did manage to get them talking though so she cant have been all wrong.
Idk, they're alive, they seem pretty well-adjusted (although I know all hurt isn't visible) and they're in a place to help others.
Lucky to have a support system so that they can rely on each other
Moms always know.
Yes I don't care what anyone says Mom's always know.
They say she didn’t know. Moms don’t always know.
maybe and maybe not.. i never told till i was older, on my half brothers and she never believed me
My mom knew. She turned a blind eye and let it go on.
I am sorry your mom was a terrible person but you can not assume all moms know
A FATHER SUPPOSED TO PROVIDE RESPECT AND PROTECT
So proud of these guys to come forward w such a painful truth. Having experienced this same issue w close family members, I can vouch for how difficult it is to come forward w the truth. It's such a taboo issue, & most people have such a difficult time hearing the truth. It's amazing how many people respond negatively to the victims for even "telling" in the first place. It's so horrible to even think about, that on many occasions, those closest to us, don't want to believe it can possibly be true. But these victims need & deserve all the support they can possibly get. And it honestly never really goes away, Some scars just don't ever heal properly
Thank you for this beautiful and respectful interview. I'm so glad the family is healing and look forward to buying their album.
What a beautiful brave family. This is heart wrenching to listen to. Too many innocent children being annihilated by monsters lurking within their families and being systematically abused on all levels. Bless the ones who brought it to light and saved the younger ones by doing so. I pray you all have full recovery from your trauma. You are beautiful 💖
Absolutely blown away by how incredible these kids are. I wish you all the best of everything in the world. You are beautiful!!! Inside and out.
You young men and women are SO brave, SO beautiful, and SO strong! Hang on to each other, continue to heal, and God bless all of you ♥♥♥
I’m so sorry for what happened to you. Your an amazing family. I can’t wait to hear your new music.
You’re
Wendy Montebello - Dream Vacations passes as white
@Sophia Muharram, if you are going to be the spelling and grammar police at least give a complete lesson !!! Or are you unsure which "your" should be you're ??
ANGER & DISGUST!!! I remember them from AGT and the appearance was such a clean & pure family... What's done in the dark, will come to the light! I don't have cable, so I am just now learning of their story. I wondered about the mother as well, but when they mentioned that she was abused by him as well - I was like, "WOW!!!" 😡😢 They're beauty isn't just on the outside, they are beautiful within as well and I'm glad they're strong - you have to be to get through the healing!!!
If you find it hard to believe just now learning of it,how much more so the Mom. She was trying to stay alive and hide the bruises keep the laundry up stay the ha d of of another beating. Trying to stay alive so he did not hit the children,too.Her mind did not want to know about the sexual abuse even if the daughters could verbalize their trauma. Keep everybody afraid,too afraid to ban together and come as a wall against Master Predator. Unless you are a predator you will not think or move like one. Before you judge please try to read up on the psychology of the family predator.
Gayle Benavidez Yes! The mom was being abused physically and mentally as well! She has a long road to recovery ahead of her! I do feel for her! No one should judge her! They should not say anything until they have walked a mile in her shoes!
Once she became a Mother, it was her JOB to protect her children!!!!! She did not…… Birth Control!!!!!! They say that her Abuse started when she had 3 boys, at 21!!!!!! So her idea to keep producing Victims for Him!!!??????? I have No Sympathy………Sorry!!!!!!!
I believe the Mother knew very early on! However, this disgusting cycle of abuse has been going on for generations and if/when someone is told, abused, on top of witnessing the same, etc. at a very young age - psychologically, they are broken!!! I imagine, the Mother wanted to protect her children, but was never shown. For those of us that did not grow up in that type of environment, THANKFUL is the first word that should come to mind...
As a mother, my heart goes out to those siblings. Their strenght is very inspirational. Wonderful people who do not deserve anymore harm in life.
True on!
God bless this family. May they continue to thrive and seek help when and if they need it!
What wonderful people these young women,and men are.I wish them all happiness,in their recovery and success, in their careers.
Sounds so sugar coated that no one is mad at the mom??.. you telling me that she has NO IDEA and stayed with the father?!? You must be kidding me!
I don't understand that either. How does a stay at home mother not know what's going on in her own home.
I agree!!there is NO WAY!! This"parent" was not aware of the crimes being portrayed on her children. SHAME ON HER! Children!Open your eyes, make her accountable! She may be a victim in some way but she DID NOT protect you. HER job was to be there for you. If you excuse her,YOU become her...boys and girls. Best wishes
People who blame the wife for not knowing what’s going on don’t realize it is more common than you think. Camille Cosby, Dennis Rader’s wife, Kaklinski’s wife, maybe Mrs Madoff, and even Mrs. John Wayne Gacy whose husband buried dead kids in their crawl space.
He’s their father, her husband.. why would she think or suspect that her children’s own father would harm them?!
She did know read Jessica's blog!!!! She has yet to be held accountable!!!!
It's so amazing that the siblings came through this as a family and continued to create music 🎶 together. That's
awesome! 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻
Such a beautiful family! The young women are so beautiful! Glad that they survived the abuse even though they are still dealing with this problem! Much love and prayers to you all!! I wish I could hug all those who have ever been abused!!
So happy for their healing, prayers for them to be successful with their new album God Bless them
I loved watching this family and did not know until now what had happened and where they had gone. My heart goes out to them and wishes them all the very best that life has to offer. Their faith will heal them and let them grow. ALL OF THEM...
That's very brave of them to go on that stage and talk about their journey especially continue singing with the whole world knowing their past is really inspiring
WOW. I'm speechless. My heart goes out to these kids. That trauma they've been through is terrible.
This was posted about 4 yrs. ago so they have had some time, but my heart hurts for the kids they were and yet I think they are the most amazing family to stick together and come out from the ashes. I wish you all, all the happiness in the world. You all deserve every bit of it. 🥰
What a stunningly beautiful family. What abusers seem to forget is that children grow up and everything comes into the light, YOU will be found out! Get help if you feel you want to abuse innocent children.
The logic of life is, 'Whatever is Buried will One day Unearth'.
if you kids read this, stick with each other, protect one another , don't try to hide from the pain but work thru it. no drug or alcohol will do anything good and know as an adult you can have a good life. its really up to you. let the horrors of the past make you better people. the world needs good people there are already plenty of bad ones . good luck and god bless you.
That’s a good word. 👍🏻
What a beautiful family. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You need to be so proud of all of yourselves because you can speak to the abuse and let go of it.
I love when she says don't let this put together fool you we have to work hard that was beautiful u hope you all heal and continue have a wonderful life God bless you all
What is it with these TLC reality shows and child abusers 🤔
Disney, hollywood, music industry, politics, your next door neighbor.....its the apocalypse.
Apparently TLC stands for Touching Little Children :(
This is my question also what's wrong with the TLC producers not catching on to these families
@@erinwillard1748 I think they are just thinking about the money and the fame.
I felt physically sick when I read your comment, sad,, upset, disgusted. So I ditched the stream to watch something nice. Then realised I had to come beck and congratulate you for your comment.
What a courage to tell a story like that!Must been hard for you all.I'm so sorry what happend to you all.You are a wonderfull family & i enjoyed the tv shows in TLC.Wish you a lot of strenght & love in this healling proces ❤️
I've never seen such level headed kids after encountering such abuse. It's amazing and miraculous actually. This proves that when a person has a strong foundation of love and support, one can conquer anything that comes at them!
Do you realize the blatant contradiction in your comment?
I am the utmost happy for these young people to come forward & speak about it.😊👍
My heart aches for what you guys had to endure. May God continue to give you strength and healing. Take care of one another, and keep your faith
she is not a good interviewer and this is seems insensitive and unconnected
I'm sorry you have a disatisfaction with the interviewer. This is an incredibly sensitive subject and personally I think she was very attuned to the feelings of all the siblings as well as educating through the questions. To let those watching, if in similar situations, know that you CAN question what's real and what's not.
@@g.cosper8306 Very well said darlin!! 👍
@@tammyshuttleworth4465 Thank you!
She lacks an emotional connect. It's very apparent in all her videos....there is something missing. Very common these days. But she is on the side of "not one who feels"...
@Anna K I think there is a big difference between the tissue holding and simply speaking with a fraction of empathy....get a ❤
Truly heartbreaking! And who would have believed. Honestly, I don’t know how they were able to get through this. God bless all of you. 💔❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
They are so positive. These Angel's deserve a better family. I hope they can heal together.