Bishop T.D. Jakes has filed a defamation lawsuit against Duane Youngblood, a fellow minister who accused him of attempted sexual assault. The suit links the allegations to a recent medical incident Jakes experienced on November 24, claiming that Youngblood’s false accusations caused significant emotional and physical harm to the 67-year-old pastor.
Youngblood, 57, who is on parole for felony convictions, made the claims in two viral episodes of the “Larry Reid Live” talk show. In those interviews, Youngblood accused Jakes of attempting to abuse him when he was a teenager. Following the episodes, Youngblood’s lawyer sent a demand letter requesting $6 million from Jakes.
The lawsuit denies all of Youngblood’s allegations, calling them “false and defamatory” and damaging to Jakes’ reputation as a prominent spiritual leader. It also links the stress from these accusations to Jakes’ medical crisis that occurred during his Sunday service. Jakes’ legal team stated that while he is recovering, he continues to undergo medical testing after experts ruled out a stroke.
Jakes has emphasized that true abuse victims should be treated with respect, but his lawsuit contends that Youngblood’s claims are baseless. The complaint also highlights inconsistencies in Youngblood’s story, noting discrepancies in his reported age during the alleged incidents.
