The renowned leader of The Potter's House megachurch in Dallas, Texas, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Duane Youngblood, a former pastor and registered sex offender.
Youngblood recently accused Bishop T.D Jakes of sexually assaulting him nearly 40 years ago when he was a teenager.
The lawsuit, filed shortly after Jakes experienced a "slight health incident" while preaching, aims to clear his name and halt what Jakes’ legal team describes as an extortion attempt.
Jakes' lawyers, in a 20-page filing in the Western District Court of Pennsylvania, allege that Youngblood and his associates have orchestrated a scheme to extort millions of dollars from the bishop while deflecting attention from Youngblood’s own criminal history of sexual abuse.
Youngblood’s history of abusing minors dates back to at least 2002, according to court documents.
While serving as a pastor in Homestead, Pennsylvania, he was arrested for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy who sought counseling after being molested by a relative.
Youngblood pleaded guilty in this case, as well as in subsequent instances involving inappropriate behavior with teenage boys between 2009 and 2011.
Despite these convictions, Youngblood has made public allegations against Jakes, claiming the pastor assaulted him during a church revival.
Youngblood alleged in interviews with Larry Reid on 'Larry Reid Live' that Jakes made inappropriate advances toward him, attempted to kiss him, and later made suggestive phone calls.
The suit also highlights the emotional and physical toll these allegations have had on the 67-year-old pastor, including a health incident during a recent Sunday service.
Jakes' attorneys revealed that shortly after the interviews, a lawyer representing Youngblood sent a demand letter to the bishop, seeking $6 million to "resolve this matter quickly and privately." The letter warned that failure to comply would result in a public lawsuit.
Tyrone A. Blackburn, Youngblood's attorney, issued a statement quoting Scripture: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves... T.D. Jakes' chickens have finally come home to roost. Stay tuned."
This legal battle continues to unfold, with both sides preparing for what could be a high-profile court case.