The former best man of controversial US pastor John-Paul Miller has spoken publicly for the first time since the release of Netflix’s documentary Death of a Pastor’s Wife.
Mark Kaufman, who was previously a close friend of Miller, has denied online speculation that he had any involvement in the death of Miller’s wife, Mica Miller.
The documentary explores Mica’s death and allegations of abuse made against her former husband, which he has denied. It has also renewed scrutiny of Kaufman because of his past friendship with the pastor.
Kaufman addressed the speculation in a statement to a journalist. He said Mica was his friend and that seeing speculation and allegations involving him, his friends and family had “taken a significant toll”.
“On the day Mica died, I was at home with my children. I did not learn of her death until approximately 11 p.m. that night, when I was at work.”
He added: “Any implication, insinuation, or statement suggesting that I had anything to do with Mica’s death or with any crime connected to her is completely false.”
Kaufman also denied an allegation featured in the documentary that he had collected a woman from an airport so that Miller could be unfaithful to Mica.
He said his relationship with the former pastor had been “mischaracterised” in public discussions and confirmed that he had now cut ties with Miller and the church.
Kaufman also responded to the inclusion of a phone call between himself and Mica in the documentary, saying it had created what he described as a misleading impression about his role in the couple’s marriage.
“I was not closely involved in or fully aware of the extent of the problems within their marriage. A short portion of one conversation cannot provide the complete context of that exchange or accurately define my relationship with either of them.”
Kaufman said he had never witnessed Miller abusing Mica. He described Mica’s death as “a tragedy” and said he hoped the attention generated by the Netflix series would leave room for “facts, fairness, and respect for everyone affected”.
Miller is facing federal charges of cyberstalking and making false statements. He has pleaded not guilty.
Mica's death has prompted efforts to change the law in South Carolina. Her family is supporting proposed legislation known as “Mica's Law”, which would make coercive control a criminal offence in the state.
