The allegations have especially surprised the community that knows Long best.Ĭhurch members coming out of Bible study said they simply didn't believe the allegations, speaking of Long's love and passion for his wife.Ītlanta-area radio host Frank Ski, a 12-year-member of Long's church, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he had "extreme support" for the man he's known for more than a decade. The accusations, according to court documents, also claim that Long would try to block sexual relationships the young men had with women. "It's unfortunate the two young men have chosen to take this course of action," the statement said, adding that Long's legal team is reviewing the charges and plans to respond. Long's attorney, Craig Gillen, countered the men's claims, writing in a statement, "Bishop Eddie Long adamantly denies the allegations. Long's New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is the same church that hosted Coretta Scott King's funeral in 2006, a ceremony that some civil rights leaders refused to attend because Long is so anti-gay.Īccording to the separate lawsuits filed in DeKalb County, Ga., by Robinson, Flagg, Parris and LaGrande, Long conducted what they called private spiritual ceremonies in which he "coerced certain young male members and employees" into sexual acts and relationships. "None that I know of - especially one who is a committed homophobe." Church Members Defend Embattled Bishop Against Allegations of Sexual Abuse "What pastor in his right mind sends a picture from himself, posing in his bathroom in a muscle shirt?" Bernstein said. The photo was sent via e-mail in November 2008 and is signed, "Eddie L Long, Amazed by His Grace." One of those photos depicts Long posing in what appears to be a bathroom stall in a red muscle shirt. Bernstein, the lawyer for the four men, has said she has photos, texts and e-mails that show a relationship between her clients and the bishop. LaGrande's lawsuit alleges he met Long in March 2003 during the very first service at a branch Long's Georgia-based church that opened in a suburb of Charlotte, N.C.
Echoing his comments after the first two lawsuits, he said, "We believe that it is unfortunate the young men have chosen to take this course of action." In a separate statement issued shortly after LaGrande's lawsuit was filed, Long again denied the charges. Long has vehemently denied the accusations and said in a statement this week that the charges in the lawsuits have "hurt me deeply." He has said that he plans to himself against the "ugly charges" from the pulpit Sunday.
Spencer LaGrande, 22, filed suit against Long and his New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and, like the other three alleged victims, accused the powerhouse pastor of forcing him into a sexual relationship while treating him to trips around the world, travel in private planes and stays in luxury hotels. 24, 2010— - A fourth man has accused Bishop Eddie Long, a popular Georgia megachurch pastor, of abusing him sexually when he was a teenager.
0 kommentar(er)
