T.D. Jakes has filed a defamation lawsuit against a man who accused him of attempted grooming and sexual assault, even as he recovers from what he described as a life-threatening health issue.
The lawsuit, filed last week in Pennsylvania district court, names 57-year-old Duane Youngblood as the defendant. Youngblood alleges the incidents occurred when he was in his late teens. Jakes, who was hospitalized after collapsing during a sermon last Sunday at The Potter’s House in southern Dallas, filed the suit while still in recovery.
Youngblood, a former minister, is a registered sex offender with two prior convictions: a 2008 charge for sexual assault of a minor and a 2014 conviction for corruption of minors.
Jakes’ lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $75,000, including attorneys’ fees, punitive damages, and additional compensation. Jakes has not commented publicly on the matter. Representatives for The Potter’s House said the pastor is focused on his recovery and refuting the allegations.
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