Renowned megachurch leader T.D. Jakes has taken legal steps to combat false claims circulating online, just weeks after experiencing a “health incident” that his legal team partly attributes to the stress caused by defamatory social media content. The pastor of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas, is asking a California court to compel Google to assist in addressing misinformation spread through YouTube.
Picture: Photo of Bishop T.D Jakes being discharged from the hospital after suffering a stroke
Jakes’ attorney, Dustin Pusch, filed a motion in the Northern District of California, seeking to subpoena Google, YouTube’s parent company. The goal is to obtain information that could identify the creators behind four specific YouTube accounts. These accounts, reportedly based in Pakistan, South Africa, the Philippines, and Kenya, have allegedly posted false claims about Jakes. The motion follows a January 2024 NBC News report highlighting AI-generated misinformation on the platform.
Pusch, a founding partner at the prominent law firm Meier Watkins Phillips Pusch, cited the importance of holding these individuals accountable for their actions. However, calls to the firm for additional comments went unanswered.
This legal move comes on the heels of a defamation lawsuit Jakes filed last month against former pastor and registered sex offender Duane Youngblood. Youngblood accused Jakes of sexually assaulting him approximately 40 years ago when he was a teenager.
The lawsuit, filed in Pennsylvania’s Western District Court, outlines Youngblood’s criminal history of abusing minors since 2002. Jakes’ attorneys describe the allegations as part of a calculated effort to rewrite history and tarnish the pastor’s reputation in an attempt to extort millions of dollars.
Picture: Bishop T.D Jakes preaching at a service
In interviews aired in late 2023, Youngblood claimed Jakes made inappropriate advances toward him during a church revival decades ago. He alleged that Jakes attempted to kiss him and later made explicit demands over the phone. Days after these interviews, Youngblood’s legal representative reportedly sent a demand letter to Jakes, seeking $6 million to resolve the matter privately.
Jakes’ attorneys argue that the allegations have caused significant harm, both emotionally and financially, to the pastor and his philanthropic work. They claim the false accusations contributed to a health crisis Jakes experienced during a church service on November 24, 2023.
The lawsuit emphasizes that these accusations have jeopardized Jakes’ reputation and his wide-reaching charitable efforts. Additionally, unverified reports surfaced online in December 2023, alleging Jakes’ involvement in inappropriate activities at events hosted by music mogul Sean Combs. These rumors added to the growing online attacks against the pastor.
Jakes’ legal team remains committed to clearing his name and addressing the damage caused by the spread of these false claims. His case highlights the growing challenges public figures face in combating misinformation in the digital age.
As the Bible reminds believers, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold” (Proverbs 22:1, ESV). Christians are encouraged to strive to obtain and maintain a good name, understanding that their reputation reflects their character and testimony. For public figures like Jakes, safeguarding this principle becomes even more critical when facing public scrutiny and misinformation.