US Preacher, Bishop TD Jakes Sues Fellow Pastor For Defamation Following S£x Abuse Allegations jakes
US Preacher, Bishop TD Jakes Sues Fellow Pastor For Defamation Following Sex Abuse Allegations
jakes
Jakes, 67, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Duane Youngblood, a fellow pastor who claimed Jakes tried to sexually assault him when he was 18 or 19 years old, according to The Post.
Popular United States’ preacher, Bishop Thomas Dexter (T.D.) Jakes is in stable condition a day after suffering a medical emergency during a sermon — but the mega-church pastor is facing another hurdle related to sex abuse allegations.
Jakes, 67, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Duane Youngblood, a fellow pastor who claimed Jakes tried to sexually assault him when he was 18 or 19 years old, according to The Post.
Youngblood made the explosive claims against the popular motivational speaker on an October 27 episode of the “Larry Reid Live” podcast, alleging Jakes tried to groom him and also hugged and “tried to kiss” him.
Doctors have ruled out a stroke, but continue to monitor Bishop TD Jakes.
The younger pastor and his attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, who represented Lil Rod in his lawsuit against Diddy — then demanded $6 million from Jakes “in order to resolve this matter quickly and privately” in a November 15 legal filing.
Youngblood said if Jakes didn’t cough up the cash, he would sue him for sexual assault and harassment.
SaharaReporters on Monday reported that T.D Jakes suffered a medical emergency while delivering a sermon on Sunday.
A video of the incident had showed the renowned Christian pastor lowering his microphone and shaking in his seat before people around him rushed to his aid.
WATCH: Bishop T.D. Jakes’ Medical Emergency on the Pulpit Captured on Tape
@BishopJakes pic.twitter.com/Pf4Pv5F2JY
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) November 24, 2024
In a statement, the church had said Jakes “experienced a slight health incident and received immediate medical attention following his powerful hour long message.”
“Bishop Jakes is stable and under the care of medical professionals,” the church said. “The entire Potter’s House family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the community.”
Jakes founded the 30,000-member megachurch in southern Dallas, Texas, in 1996.
Church services at the Potter’s House of Dallas had suddenly stopped on Sunday when Bishop T.D. Jakes suffered the health incident mid-sermon.
Jakes, a celebrity pastor and motivational speaker, spoke about the joys of preaching shortly before the incident occurred.
Video of the medical emergency had spread across social media shortly after the incident.
I still love to preach. I ain’t tired of preaching,” Jakes said to the audience. “I miss you.”
“Have you ever gone to a hospital to visit somebody and you thought it was going to encourage them, and they encourage you?” That’s what preaching is like,” he continued.
“You think you’re giving out something, you’re getting back more than you gave.”
The pastor then moved on to quoting Psalm 19:14 before going silent.
