In a significant ruling, U.S. District Judge William S. Stickman IV has denied a motion from Duane Youngblood, a former pastor turned registered sex offender, to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed against him by prominent Bishop T.D. Jakes. This lawsuit stems from allegations made by Youngblood, who claims that Jakes sexually assaulted him during his teenage years, approximately four decades ago.
In an 18-page opinion issued by the court, Judge Stickman addressed Youngblood’s attempt to invoke Pennsylvania’s Anti-SLAPP statute, which is designed to protect individuals from frivolous lawsuits aimed at silencing public participation. However, Stickman concluded that the statute did not apply to Youngblood’s case, thereby allowing Jakes’ lawsuit to proceed.
The Anti-SLAPP statute, signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro in July 2023, permits defendants in defamation cases to seek early dismissal if they can prove that the claims are baseless. However, Stickman pointed out that Youngblood’s arguments were more suited to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically Rule 12(b)(6), which allows for dismissal when a complaint does not present sufficient factual allegations to support a legal claim.
In his ruling, Stickman stated, “The Court will dismiss Youngblood’s motion because it relies on statutory provisions that are not applicable in this litigation.” He emphasized that Youngblood could file a new motion under the appropriate procedural rules if he wished to contest the lawsuit further.
Bishop T.D. Jakes, the founder of The Potter’s House megachurch in Dallas, Texas, filed the defamation lawsuit against Youngblood in November 2023, just a day after suffering a heart attack while delivering a sermon. Youngblood had claimed in interviews that Jakes assaulted him when he was around 18 or 19 years old. Jakes’ legal team has characterized Youngblood’s actions as a deliberate attempt to defame a respected religious leader, suggesting that Youngblood is attempting to shift blame for his own criminal history onto Jakes.
In the lawsuit, Jakes’ attorneys stated, “The underlying story in this case depicts a carefully planned effort by a convicted criminal, and those acting in concert with him, to rewrite history in order to deflect blame and accountability for his own reprehensible and criminal conduct.” They further noted Youngblood’s history of abusing minors dating back to 2002.
The court also rejected Youngblood’s motion to file a counterclaim against Jakes and his son, Jermaine Jakes. Youngblood had alleged that Jermaine sent him a warning message on social media, but the court deemed the counterclaim unnecessary at this stage.
In a noteworthy turn of events, just days after the court’s ruling, Bishop Jakes announced his decision to hand over leadership of The Potter’s House to his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Touré Roberts. Jakes expressed his desire to ensure the church’s future leadership was secure, stating, “I cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me and you be sheep without a shepherd.”
This transition marks a significant moment for the megachurch, as Jakes emphasized the importance of legacy and continuity within the ministry. His announcement was met with enthusiasm from congregants, who celebrated the new leadership.
As the legal proceedings continue, the Christian community is closely watching the developments in this high-profile case. For ongoing updates on this story and other significant events in the Christian world, you can follow trusted news sources such as Christianity Today and The Christian Post.