News Scrap

T.D. Jakes is hitting back after explosive claims made by fellow pastor Duane Youngblood.

Jakes has filed a defamation lawsuit following Youngblood’s recent allegations on the Larry Reid Live podcast that Jakes attempted to groom and assault him when he was a teenager.

Youngblood, through his attorney Tyrone Blackburn, is demanding $6 million to settle the matter privately. If Jakes doesn’t pay, Youngblood has threatened to sue for sexual assault and harassment.

Jakes’ legal team called the accusations “patently false” and said they’ve caused significant harm. “This lawsuit is intended to bring that scheme to a halt,” they stated, adding that the claims have taken an emotional, physical, and spiritual toll on Jakes.

Youngblood, who is a registered sex offender, previously pled guilty to sexually assaulting two teenage boys.

Despite claiming reformation and writing a book on his journey, Jakes’ team alleges Youngblood is using social media and the legal system for personal and financial gain.

“This is not the case of a real victim,” Jakes’ attorneys wrote, emphasizing the need to restore his reputation.