Bishop T.D. Jakes Files Defamation Suit Against Pastor Amid Health Scare and Abuse Allegations

Bishop T.D. Jakes is reportedly in stable condition following a medical emergency during a sermon, but the renowned mega-church pastor now faces an additional challenge involving allegations of sexual misconduct.

Jakes, 67, has filed a defamation lawsuit against fellow pastor Duane Youngblood, who accused him of attempting to sexually assault him when Youngblood was 18 or 19 years old. The allegations were made during an October 27 episode of the Larry Reid Live podcast, where Youngblood claimed Jakes tried to groom him, hugged him, and “tried to kiss” him.

Youngblood and his attorney, Tyrone Blackburn—who previously represented Lil Rod in a lawsuit against Diddy—demanded $6 million from Jakes in a November 15 legal filing, threatening to sue for sexual assault and harassment if the demand was not met. Instead of complying, Jakes filed a defamation suit in Pennsylvania federal court, denying the accusations and seeking to clear his name.

In the legal filing, Jakes’ team suggested that the stress from these allegations might have contributed to his recent health scare. “This lawsuit is intended to bring that scheme to a halt,” the filing states, aiming to end the “emotional, physical, and spiritual toll” caused by Youngblood’s claims, restore Jakes’ reputation, and expose the falsity of the accusations.

Jakes’ attorneys emphasized that he supports justice for actual victims of sexual abuse but maintained that Youngblood’s accusations are false and motivated by financial gain. They also highlighted Youngblood’s status as a registered sex offender in Pennsylvania, noting that he is currently on parole.

Youngblood, who previously pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting at least two teenage boys, now claims to be reformed and has authored a book titled Freedom from Homosexuality: No Longer Living the Lie.

Jakes remains committed to challenging the accusations, with his team asserting that the claims are part of a calculated smear campaign.