‘AGT’ Star Jessica Willis Recounts Childhood Abuse

Nashville songwriter Jessica Willis is breaking her silence about decades of unthinkable abuse by her father, in a new book titled “Unspeakable.” Willis told Inside Edition’s Megan Alexander that she was just 3 years old when her father, Toby Willis, first sexually molested her. When she was 23, she found happiness with husband Sean Fischer, who stood by her as she reported her father to the authorities. Toby Willis was arrested in 2016. He pled guilty to four counts of child rape.

[@jdsmith8282]

As someone who also has an abusive father I’m IMMENSELY proud of Jessica for speaking out about what happened behind closed doors. I wish her all the best and a non toxic, non abusive marriage

[@stevenbeck]

This shatters me. I specifically remember watching them on AGT thinking what a great family. It’s so sad what goes on behind closed doors.

[@Layla.63]

Same😢

[@JadeAkelaONeal]

I thought "Jesus these parents do NOT seem okay at all. I feel so sorry for these kids." I literally don't understand how others didn't get the IMMEDIATE impression this was an abusive situation.

[@christina9470]

No great family is religious and has 10+ kids.

[@christina9470]

@@JadeAkelaONeal Exactly!

[@blessedcutie8983]

More evidence that people do not look like criminals. You have to investigate all accusations and reports of crime.

[@yadinavarro9810]

This is why I don’t trust “big happy family “on tv just like 19 and counting family reality

[@DJ-os5ih]

At least this mom, believed her children engine and protect the abuser. Unlike the Duggar family.

[@christina9470]

Exactly. How can you really pay attention and care for so many kids?

[@gwenmloveskpopandmore]

Yeah just like the TLC family that was covered

[@ChocoBabiChan]

The fact that she still wanted a hug from her abuser shows how much she yearned for a decent father figure.

[@Tiajones333]

Ok

[@crazyleaf257]

The pain is unspeakable

[@Carpenterdane]

As a victim of child abuse I can relate to her. I still think their mom knew things but turned an ignorant blind eye to everything. She should of been more skeptical and cautious of her husband. She may not of known about the sexual abuse, but she most definitely knew about the beatings.

[@melodyclarke3439]

They married at a young age. She did not know any different and was scared and controlled by him too.

[@MrsScott-bx8sb]

You have to remember that in some pockets of these culty belief systems that level of physical abuse is considered normal. She may have sought help but was probably told to submit more, love him more, have more sex with him, and keep the kids from triggering his anger. Stuck, gas-lit, and trying to survive.

[@creativewriter1046]

The mother was being beaten as well. She says that in the video & if you look up other interviews they say they have never blamed their mother because she was a victim as well.

[@cece8095]

@@creativewriter1046Doesn’t matter. There is no excuse as to why you cannot and do not protect your kids. Sorry.

[@rainbow_starz5170]

I hope she's okay, as well as her siblings and mother, now that her father is imprisoned. This happens too often in large families.

[@sharonjo7630]

I've noticed that in regards to some big famous families.

[@liamphibia]

I honestly feel so bad for the *little kids.* ☹️

[@lexiegirl1494]

Is it really large families? Is it not as common in smaller families?

[@toughsuga2]

I hope she can continue to heal . Sending love and light to her

[@debfox]

It takes so much courage to speak out! I’m so proud of her. Abuse is absolutely devastating! I’ve been there. I’m so glad she has a supportive husband.

[@Simfyre]

I also came from a home where wholesome appearances were so opposite of the abuse that happened in the home. My aunt and uncle who adopted me received no consequences for their actions even though I reported the sexual and physical abuse because the military protected one of their own. He went on continuing to rape and abuse my siblings for many more years, and to this day is still being enabled by his wife to have access to children through the Lutheran Church in Mariposa, CA and as Girl Scout leaders.

[@romonaelrod7870]

Good on you for calling him out. Hopefully someone in their community sees your post and looks into them.

[@undeuxtrois123]

Please continue calling them out and reporting to the police!! This is horrific, I would never stop talking otherwise more victims there will be 😢

[@Hortonheardahoe]

Breaks my heart. I’m so sorry!!!!

[@gianna526]

It's the big happy perfect families that often end up being the worst. I remember everyone we knew thought we were the best most loving family ever, and that couldn't be further from the truth. People still think that and it is so upsetting every time someone tells me they wish they had a family like mine...

[@Shell-s4d]

😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@mikeg8276]

Everyone in that family needs therapy, including the boys, so they don’t repeat that cycle. God bless her and bring her healing!

[@CTS55555]

Sexual or physical abuse happens in families of all sizes. I come from a family of 8 and nothing scandalous happened. My ex boyfriends family was 12 kids and when my ex was young, the alcoholic dad physically abused the mother. However, when my ex and his 6 of his brothers got older, they started protecting their mom and 7 boys beat up their dad.

[@natashaw401]

Sad all families

[@rainacherienne1010]

Terrifying, and what a beautiful and sweet girl, I could never tell something bad happened to her. Glad it’s over.

[@jazzyland2111]

No one should ever have to experience rape. Especially from a close family member.

[@All5AJz]

I just felt it when I would watch the dynamics of his presence.

[@jinna0512]

Gave me a feeling of evil

[@monkeysluvdani]

I have loved this family from the beginning. I always felt something was off in that episode her sister cried on stage when he was telling her she had no choice but to be the lead singer that night

[@luci4087]

i hope he stays in jail for a long time.

[@bethporter470]

What an amazing young lady the strength she had to turn him in to stop the abuse for her siblings future that is true love. I've been where you were it was my grandfather the baptist preacher started with the touching and by 8 the rape started I don't know if it was ok I was adopted I was the sacrifice to protect the one's that was born into the family they all knew what he was doing to me I was 15 when he died my mom told me the day of his funeral I was safe now I died that day. I hope that you and your family can get some kind of closure I lost faith in my religions I can't even listen to a preacher.

[@eden-caledoniajohn3168]

I’m so sorry @bethporter470 that level of evil is beyond cruel - I can’t believe they admitted to adopting you to be a scapegoat/ victim for your evil grandfather. Do you still have contact with your adopted family?

[@Shell-s4d]

My heart breaks for you! What happened IS NOT OK😢😢😢 Love and hugs to you!❤

[@TheMsJericaShow]

My “dad” did some weird things to me too and it’s just something you never get over you just learn to deal with it…

[@francisthomlinson9062]

Happened in my family too stay strong

[@curtistackie7459]

courageous of you to open up, please get help too :)

[@Skiskiski]

MANY BLESSINGS!!

[@Bobbyfawn]

That is heartbreaking that even after all the abuse and testifying she just wanted a hug from her dad

[@MD-4mee]

WTF. This is so sad.

[@Wildflowers-2]

I remember watching their reality show and thinking the father seemed off. Sad

[@ernieestrada193]

She is so beautiful I'm glad she got help

[@naomiklassen475]

She's so brave and courageous. I'm glad she found a good man to stick by her side

[@malcriadamedina5358]

Wait why did she ask for a hug

[@Trueblade1423]

She probably felt bad for reporting him and wanted his forgiveness. But he's the guilty one and should be doing the apologizing, not her.

[@anothergenericgamer_]

Because its still her dad, and she loves him. Simple as that. As with all bad relationships, there is some good, and he did father her, so that love is instinctive.....even if shes disgusted

[@anitakristensen4679]

She is looking for approval for writing a book wich she will earn money off of. The book is putting their familys dirty laundry out to air dry so everyone can see it. Just another way to get back into the spotlight.

[@liamtaylor1141]

@@anitakristensen4679 *which

[@anitakristensen4679]

@@liamtaylor1141 what's wrong, can't handle the truth. Putting your family's dirty laundry out for everybody to buy and read, wich she will make money of off. Just a way to seek attention.

[@caylasimpson6914]

Omg the dad is survived to protect and love your family not abuse them.hope he gets what he deserves.

[@lindaboo123]

Jessica ty for speaking out. I am a survivor...& am learning now @ age 55 about the "shredding of life" that happens to the one who was assaulted. I am forever grateful for the Lord for having held my hand during all of evil that was done to me...Forgiveness found me & set me free❤ Ty for using your voice 😊

[@SpaceRanger187]

dad needs to be in prison

[@thomasanderson2757]

You mean the electric chair

[@uncrustable9923]

you mean watch the video before commenting?

[@thomasanderson2757]

@@uncrustable9923 yes

[@uncrustable9923]

@@thomasanderson2757 I was talking to the other guy but lol your username suits your other comment haha

[@thomasanderson2757]

@@uncrustable9923 🤣👍

[@kraftthisile9113]

Her husband looks like her dad.

[@passportstampin]

Probably needs to feel protected… because of the abuse and all.

[@710Lino]

yea way to close for comfort

[@darciengelman1215]

It's a comforter thing

[@sakurafalls2468]

I don’t think they look alike in the slightest. The husband has a much kinder face.

[@pennytrue2741]

Trauma bond. Happens a lot. I know of a family friend who was raped as a child and all her boyfriends resembled the rapist. A lot of people in some strange way end up with similar looking people as those who did them the most wrong. It’s strange.

[@christina9470]

Having that many children is ALWAYS a red flag. Something sketchy always happens within huge families like this.

[@mktay2067]

Not always. Abuse happens in many families. Small families don't have as much publicity and news sources aren't as likely to care to share the story.

[@saraschneider6781]

And her mother did NOTHING for those sweet girls.

[@Shell-s4d]

My God, her bravery and courage is amazing❤

[@annikamenzer5368]

I started watching their videos around 2016 and I only found out in like 2018 that the father was arrested. Broke my heart and childhood to know that! I hope she and her family get the healing they deserve. Everyone commenting about the mom y'all need to research domestic abuse. She was most likely abused as well and while it sucks that she didn't do anything, how do you expect her to help when she was abused as well? She was MARRIED to him so she was probably being abused for most of their relationship and just couldn't get out. And because it happened behind closed doors, you don't know if she did or didn't help at least a bit. And with Jessica's husband looking like her father, I mean its a trauma bond kind of thing, like a lot of abuse/sexual assault victims bond with people who look like their abusers. It's confusing, but that's how victims can get closure or y'know heal from the trauma.

[@MissSpaz]

People look at these families like they're the ideal Christian, wholesome home and nothing could possibly be wrong. Family's like his one and the Duggars always have abuse hiding right under the surface. They use this shield of wholesome "Christian values" to cover up that abuse. If you ever see a family with that many children who act like this, keep your eyes open.

[@uncrustable9923]

No one brought up Christianity, she mentioned going to church but they weren't called a Christian family

[@Hortonheardahoe]

On AGT, they spoke a lot about their faith and on their reality show.

[@tamarakukic7679]

This is so sad. No one deserves this.

[@faizamohamed689]

That is horrible and worst thing happened to someone 😢 my so called half brother sexual abuse Me. When I was 3 and Am 30 years old me I feel disgusting everyday betrayal 😢💔 💔 I wish I can delete my memory 2 years up to 12 it was hell, and I hope she is ok

[@madhukarjonathanminj2772]

that sucks,hope you feel better now

[@Wolf-lu6wy]

كُلُّ كَسرٍ في نَجوا اللّٰهِ يَلقى جَبرا تجاوز لأجلك سامح لأجلك مزِّق صفحتك السوداء إملأ صفحتك البيضاء إنفض يديك من كل مايخدش روحك ويمزِّق رقة قلبك للهِ الخَفَاياَ وَلَنَا حُسن الظُنُون.

[@sophiapapadopoulos322]

Always in my heart & prayers with much love precious Jessica & your loved ones 🙏💞🙏

[@suzyq6767]

I remember watching an episode of their show and feeling something was off with the dad. When everything came out, I said, of course, that's true. So sad. I guess I knew because of my own childhood trauma. The way he had the girls dress for exercising seemed odd. We exercised with our children, and they wore whatever comfortable things they wanted. How he looked at them with his deep circled eyes gave me the creeps. Now, I know why. I remember one episode where he forced one girl to sing when she didn't want to, broke my heart.

[@andersbylund2753]

He should have been the one asking for a hug, and she be the one denying him

[@aolande1]

“Wholesome family” is always a red flag.

[@stacysnyder9083]

I’m sorry but as a Mother you have a sixth sense about what’s going on with your child. The “father” is clearly a POS. I will never understand how the Mom had no inkling of the abuse. I guess she was abused as well but you’d have to kill me before I’d allow you to hurt my child. My great grandmother was abused but said he had to go to sleep sometime and then took out her cast iron skillet. We grew up hearing that and felt empowered. Heartbroken for people of physical and sexual abuse.

[@seanagulan9481]

That’s completely messed up!

[@michellejade3272]

Glad Jessica is doing well!

[@bellad.1274]

My grandmother said that EVERY female should remind her new husband that, if he ever hits her, that he better learn to sleep with one eye open 😄

[@bellad.1274]

Sending an evil dad to jail & asking for a HUG ..kind of turned my stomach 🙈

[@jws1948ja]

This appears to be very common in families.

[@alypauley]

So sick how similar her father and husband look

[@Jelena2022]

The reason he was able to do this in the first place was he got a HUUUUGE money payoff in some court case, his family was killed and he got the settlement money, and he never had to work, and was home all the time, controlling all of the money. So, the money he got young enabled him to isolate his family to make sure noone knows about the abuse. I blame the mother too, she stood by and did NOTHING.

[@mahliekbenjamin174]

Sad 😔

[@journeymansmitty8283]

I grew up with people like this that went through child abuse but for them sometimes talking about it doesn't make it better🤔

[@amandageorge8137]

What a brave young lady

[@krislv9219]

Omg how horrific 😢😢😢

[@LonEr4evah]

What a monster! 🤮 even more gross and devastating: that he got away with all he did for so long 😰

[@umok2312]

praying for you jessica!!

[@DruzenjeSplit-nn2um]

She actually did tell her mother but the mother just ignored her.....

[@mr.donaldtrump4523]

I'm not defending the father he was an absolute monster for what he did to her but how do you expect a HUG from your father after you reported him and he's going to jail. He's a predator would you even want to be near him??

[@uncrustable9923]

exactly

[@surelooksresourceful6032]

Unfortunately it’s part of the abuse and trauma bond cycle

[@carzia_speed2235]

She’s traumatized but no matter what she loves her dad still and wanted to at least hug him. No matter what a dad or mother does to you you still would want to get love from them

[@MrsScott-bx8sb]

Hoping for one tiny vestige of remorse and a glimmer of true fatherly love. Hoping he'd give something good rather than take something bad.

[@ashleywillenborg3838]

My father abused be, not sexually but emotionally and physically, and after the age of 10 you couldn't pay me to hug him. Still wouldn't hug him. I do see him a few times a year at family gatherings but he is never allowed to hug me or my kids.

[@oddshayna]

That’s cool! But very sad… That’s just really wrong :(

[@Gbus85302]

Why would you ask for a Hug⁉️

[@miminy9344]

. sad to think that this happened for so long. i've known this for at least a year now. it made me sad cus it looks like they were such close

[@lorrinn]

very sad

[@AlanLaPlante-hd5oc]

"can i have a hug." Wierd thing to ask an abuser.

[@aidahoe2946]

Dont hug your abuser

[@Ntsmith4]

Poor girl was still suffering from Stockholm syndrome

[@Seek1878]

I knew something was up with them the first episode they appeared.

[@tracilinn4192]

Brave for speaking out.

[@joewhitehead3]

I’m surprised there hasn’t been a tv movie or something about this yet

[@marcmaderarivera3450]

And why would you want a hug from him ?

[@natashaw401]

Hug from a parent who abused her???

[@123123snickers]

IKR?

[@joytotheworld2100]

Perhaps all these networks should investigate the people before giving them a show. That is horrific abuse.

[@pamjarvis6199]

So very sorry for him telling you no 😭

[@hime3905]

I still can not BELIEVE that

[@kateisaknowitall]

i watched them on tlc! this is very sad

[@daveheimes241]

Can't even finish watching this. It's so sad that this kind of evil exist .

[@TheRManProds]

HER HUSBAND LOOKS LIKE HER DAD!

[@chichi34583]

if theres a family with 9+ children, theres always something going wrong horribly behind the scenes

[@sharonjo7630]

I'm not from a big family, but I don't believe that generalization is true at all.

[@veronicaelise5120]

Definitely not true. I’m from a big family and it was great. Plenty of people have a lot of kids because they genuinely love children. I want a lot of kids too because I had such a wonderful experience. Its kind of messed up to judge people you don’t know based on the size of their family.

[@lilnipichampacrespeau82]

sadly i can relate but nothing was ever done and it was my parents first siblings later still happens sadly

[@josephcornejo2288]

Many children face this !!! SPEAK UP BEFORE ITS TO LATE

[@HORSEYANIME2024]

The father needs to held accountable

[@greenblood64]

I read Jessica’s book. Toby Willis is a controlling, abusive, evil monster. The mother did know because she asked Jessica when she was eight or nine if dad was touching her inappropriately. Jessica shook her head that yes, he was. Nothing was done about it. Then several years later, her younger sisters went to the mother crying and complaining that their father was touching them inappropriately. The mother announced to the older kids/adults that dad was molesting the girls. Not only did the mom know, but the older kids/adults both male and female too and still no one told anyone or tried to have him removed from the house. FINALLY, Jessica escaped that prison and received help from her now husband, his family and counselors. Toby Willis was FINALLY reported and arrested for the rape of 4 female children (Jessica and her sisters). Thank God Jessica finally had the courage to run from that POS and that abusive household. So awful. It is horrific what that family endured. I do have to say that I understand the mom was being physically abused, and so were all the boys. When told by your children that their father and her husband was molesting his daughters and it was swept under the rug?! NO EXCUSE. THAT IS SICKENING. Those kids needed someone on their side. Mom, where were you?! I will never understand it.

[@cybersoldierforever]

Oh them. I almost recognize them.

[@chazslater3465]

terrible but this is more common than people realize especially those that come from large families.

[@jkpropertymanagers]

Men in america need mental health screenings

[@healingthroughchrist1988]

Since I don't watch AGT, I never heard of her. I guess you never know what secretly goes on behind closed doors of famous families. This might even be going on in family vlog channels. I hope she can find healing in Jesus Christ.

[@Wolf-lu6wy]

Healing from the God of Christ (Allah)

[@detriot]

oh my

[@liamphibia]

Mr. Willis facial appearance pretty much says it all.

[@TheRManProds]

I REMEMBER THE WILLIS CLAN ON AGT!

[@beverlydust5381]

What about her siblings, were they abused too?

[@dixiekat2007]

Sadly he is in jail for abusing three of her other sisters (it was the eldest four). I believe that he was physically abusive towards the older boys as well if I remember correctly.

[@beverlydust5381]

@@dixiekat2007 I thought that might be the case, I'm glad that he can no longer hurt any of them, I hope that they get some therapy.

[@dixiekat2007]

@@beverlydust5381 Same here!

[@revimack3764]

Why would she want a hug?

[@aw1078]

This is part of their culture.

[@pamlovell9125]

Why would you want a hug from a monster?!

[@gillowens24]

That is horrible a sick man.

[@thebeautifulrose294]

I remember them and I didn’t know they were abused

[@benvincent4790]

She got in a relationship with a dude that looks like her dad. Hmmm? Don’t attack me I’m just pointing it out. I also think abuse is wrong

[@TaylorKnightCosplay]

Hope she gets the right help.

[@TheRManProds]

JESSICA IS BEAUTIFUL!

[@WillSmith-ff2pm]

🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@joshuaortiz9821]

Why you gonna ask for a hug after what he did to you??? 🤔

[@lauraswan8647]

She needs psychological help

[@lovelycurls4628]

Trama bond

[@Maybechriss]

Very sad🥲

[@SandiByrd]

an odd choice of emoji for sadness??

[@Maybechriss]

Fr mb

[@alexXxana]

In his mugshot he looks like he’s straight out of a horror movie ! He looks SCARY! And he really told his victims/DAUGHTER no when asked for a hug?! Wtffffff

[@llangford3179]

How does the mom not know this 🙈🙈🙈

[@Gabriel-ll2iv]

Like the Jackson family.

[@isabellarevere9916]

is there one on wall street?