Duane Youngblood, a Pennsylvania-based pastor and registered sex offender, is embroiled in a legal battle with Bishop TD Jakes, The New York Post reported. Jakes allegedly tried to sexually assault Youngblood over forty years ago. However, Jakes refuted the accusations and sued Youngblood in federal court in Pennsylvania for defamation.
Youngblood said that Jakes "tried to kiss" him and gave him an unwanted embrace. Concerning the well-known motivational speaker and pastor of The Potter's House, a megachurch with more than 30,000 members, these accusations set off a flurry of controversy.
Demands for Financial Compensation
Youngblood and his lawyer Tyrone Blackburn filed a lawsuit on November 15th, demanding $6 million from Jakes. The payment, according to the petition, might settle the issue "quickly and privately." If the amount was not paid, Blackburn, who had previously defended Lil Rod in a case against Diddy, said Youngblood intended to sue Jakes for sexual assault and harassment, The Post reported.
Jakes’ Legal Response
According to the Post, Jakes' lawyers characterized the charges in the defamation lawsuit as untrue and driven by money. They said that Youngblood was using the court system and social media to damage Jakes' reputation for his own benefit.
The petition aimed to stop what Jakes' legal team described as Youngblood's "scheme." "The goal of this lawsuit is to put an end to the severe emotional, physical, and spiritual harm that the defendants' actions have caused Bishop Jakes," the lawyers stated.
Youngblood's criminal background was emphasized by the defense team, who pointed out that he is a registered sex offender who is now on parole, also verified by The Post. Even the author of the book Freedom from Homosexuality: No Longer Living the Lie, Youngblood has professed to have undergone conversion.
Health Complications Amid Legal Strain
Jakes had a medical issue at the same time as the court struggle. While giving a sermon on Sunday, November 17, Jakes had a health scare. After being hurried for a medical assessment, it was determined that his condition was stable. Although a stroke was ruled out, testing were nonetheless conducted to identify the incident's etiology.
Jakes' team speculated that the situation may have been exacerbated by the stress caused by Youngblood's accusations. They said in a statement that Jakes was recuperating under medical supervision and thanked everyone for their prayers and support.
Jakes’ Legacy and Current Challenges
In 1996, Jakes, at 67, established The Potter's House, a multicultural megachurch that is non-denominational. The Dallas-based organization, which now boasts more than 30,000 members, has developed into a spiritual center.
Jakes is well-known for his inspirational speeches and religious guidance, but he will have a difficult time defending his image in the face of Youngblood's charges. While denying any misconduct in this instance, Jakes' legal team stressed that he is still dedicated to standing up for real victims of sexual assault.