Michelle Duggar Comes Out of Hiding With Surprise Appearance on YouTube … But Where’s Jim Bob?

We probably don’t need to tell you that Michelle Duggar is not a very popular figure these days.

For one thing, the Josh Duggar sex scandals didn’t do any wonders for Michelle’s reputation.

And earlier this year, her public image took another hit thanks to the Amazon Prime docu-series Shiny Happy People.

The show exposed the culture of neglect and abuse that enabled Josh to get away with so much for so long — and Michelle and Jim Bob came off looking like just about the worst parents in history.

So it makes sense that Michelle has decided to keep a low profile in the months since the documentary became a massive hit.

The Duggars used to be tireless self-promoters, but for a while there, it looked like we might never again see Jim Bob or Michelle on any form of social media.

So you can imagine the surprise of Duggar diehards when Michelle popped up in Joy-Anna’s latest YouTube video.

Now, Joy’s YouTube page has become a source of controversy in recent weeks for a number of reasons.

Fans have accused her of posting clickbait-style content, and many commenters have expressed concern over the erratic behavior demonstrated by Joy’s husband, Austin Forsyth.

But the latest drama has nothing to do with Joy and everything to do with her mother.

Michelle made a cameo during a video about a recent birthday party for Joy’s daughter, Evelyn.

It’s not surprising that Michelle was invited to the event, but it’s somewhat surprising that she allowed herself to be caught on video, given how much effort she’s put into keeping a lower profile.

What’s not shocking at all is that Jim Bob was nowhere to be seen.

The father of 19 was openly furious about Shiny Happy People, and he was said to be especially irate about the fact that his daughter Jill and niece Amy participated in the project.

“The recent ‘documentary’ that talks about our family is sad because in it we see the media and those with ill intentions hurting people we love,” Jim Bob and Michelle said in a statement issued after the doc’s debut.

“Like other families, ours too has experienced the joys and heartbreaks of life, just in a very public format.

“This ‘documentary’ paints so much and so many in a derogatory and sensationalized way because sadly that’s the direction of entertainment these days,” the couple continued.

“We love every member of our family and will continue to do all we can to have a good relationship with each one.

“Through both the triumphs and the trials we have clung to our faith all the more and discovered that through the love and grace of Jesus, we find strength, comfort, and purpose.”

Clearly, the couple is still on decent terms with Joy, if Michelle was invited to Evelyn’s birthday party.

But it’s worth noting that Joy and Austin are known for their strict adherence to Jim Bob’s bizarre belief system.

Other Duggar children have dared to think for themselves and have been essentially kicked out of the family as a result.

In other words, you won’t see Michelle popping up on Jill’s YouTube page anytime soon!