Why Was Derick Dillard Fired From Counting On?
Derick Dillard is probably Jim Bob Duggar's least favorite in-law. Derick is married to Jill Duggar Dillard and the couple shares three boys. Whether Derick is taking a shot at Jim Bob about his senate campaign or the family's treatment of Jill, the attorney does not hold back. In December 2021, People reported Derick accused Jim Bob of "manipulation" and being "verbally abusive" shortly after the Duggar patriarch's political run and Josh Duggar's conviction.
Jim Bob's least favorite son-in-law called him out in a Facebook post shared by Duggar family friend Jim Holt. On the Facebook post (via People), Derick wrote, "I used to have much respect for Jim Bob, as my father-in-law, and I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt for years." Jill's husband added, "Unfortunately, it's only become clearer to us over time just how deep this man's manipulation and deceit will go for his own gain, at the expense of others." Derick wrote that Jim Bob "lied to my wife and I numerous times."
After Josh's verdict, Jill and Derick stated on the Dillard Family blog, "We have been lied to so much that we wanted to hear the evidence for ourselves in court ... we believe that the jury reached a just verdict today, consistent with the truth beyond a reasonable doubt." It's clear that, as of this writing, Derick and Jill's estrangement from the Duggars persists, but was the relationship with his in-laws the reason he was fired from "Counting On?"
Derick Dillard was fired from TLC for comments about Jazz Jennings' transition
No family drama here. Instead, TLC fired Jill Duggar's husband Derick Dillard from "Counting On" for his offensive comments about Jazz Jennings' transition. In November 11, 2017, TLC released a statement saying, "We want to let our viewers know that Derick Dillard has not participated in 'Counting On' for months, and the network has no plans to feature him in the future. We want to reiterate that Derick's personal statements do not reflect the views of the network. TLC is proud to share the story of Jazz Jennings and her family and will continue to do so." The "personal statement" that kicked off the controversy was made just two days prior.
Derick tweeted, "I pity Jazz 4 those who take advantage of him in order 2 promote their agenda, including the parents who allow these kinds of decisions 2 be made by a child ... nothing about him, just unfortunate what's on tv these days." But Derick's tweet about Jennings wasn't the first time Jill's husband stepped into trouble on Twitter, as he's had a history of making political statements on social media. In October 2017, he tweeted, "The US is one of the least racist countries in the world. In unity, let's strive to protect & improve this anomaly in history."
It's clear that Derick does not hold back in his thoughts. That's why he has no problem even defending his beloved Jill from her family.
Derick Dillard stands up for his wife Jill Duggar Dillard
Some of Derrick Dillard's tweets aside, he is a staunch supporter of his wife, Jill Duggar. Jill's parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, have cut her off. Derick has spilled the family tea on the Duggars to stick up for Jill. In 2020, Derick went public with the news that the couple never got paid for "Counting On," speaking to vlogger Katie Joy (via In Touch) about the payment problems. "For a long time, Jill and I were under the impression that the family didn't make any money from the show, but, rather, it was presented to us kids as something that was done as a ministry that TLC periodically subsidized," Derick said. Jill confirmed to People later in 2020 that they had to hire an attorney in order to get money from their work!
Furthermore, in February, Derick dropped another bomb about the Duggar family, telling Joy that the infamous interview with Megyn Kelly (defending brother Josh) was not done voluntarily by Jill. Derick said, "It was nearly 7 years ago. I do know she was heavily coached to stay within a certain narrative."
Drama aside, In March, Jill posted on Instagram and wrote, "Happy birthday to my favorite person @derickdillard ILYSM babe! Thanks for being my rock and encourager! Hope this next year is your best yet!" The Dillard's welcomed their third baby and moved to Oklahoma for Derick's attorney job. Here's to the future!