***Update***

Bishop Long was scheduled to talk with CNN’s Roland Martin during this morning’s Tom Joyner Morning Show radio broadcast but cancelled at the last minute under the advice of his attorney. However, his attorney, Craig Gillen did speak on his behalf and continued to deny all of the allegations and read a statement from Bishop Long that said:

“I have been through storms and my faith has always sustained me. I am anxious to respond directly to these false allegations, and I will do so. However, my lawyers counseled patience at this time.”

“Let me be clear: The charges against me and New Birth are false. I have devoted my life to helping others and these false allegations hurt me deeply, but my faith is strong and the truth will emerge.”

****

If I didn’t know any better, I’d think this was the Tiger Woods scandal all over again. My fingers, mind and spirit are worn out with the details of this story.

Yesterday we learned that Anthony Flagg and Maurice Robinson filed civil lawsuits against Bishop Eddie Long claiming “sexual coercion, negligence and fraud.”

Then, we learned that one of the first two plaintiffs, Maurice Robinson, had been arrested and charged with burglarizing Bishop Long’s office in June and stealing  jewelry and electronics  in supposed retaliation and anger.

Now we’ve found out that Bishop Long has been hit with a THIRD civil lawsuit by yet another young man.  Jamal Parris, 23, is also claiming that Bishop Long used his influence and position to coerce him into a sexual relationship that began when he was a teenager. (Note, there are no CRIMINAL charges being filed against Bishop Long as all of the alleged activity took place after the the plaintiffs had reached Georgia’s Legal Age Of Consent.)

Yes folks, as I predicted (as I’m sure you did too) this is getting to be very messy and there is speculation that another plaintiff may soon come forward with similar allegations in the day(s) ahead.

Bishop Long is expected to speak out on these allegations at some point tomorrow (Thursday, September 23). I really wish he’d say something now, but I’m no lawyer nor crisis management expert.

For those of you interested in reading the charges in detail, you can take a look at the official court documents below.

1. Anthony Flagg Complaint

2. Maurice Robinson Complaint

3. Jamal Parris Complaint

Stay tuned and keep checking back for more information as it becomes available. But I have to admit, I’ll be really happy when this is all over!

Torrence

TAGS: anthony Flagg, Bishop eddie long, jamal parris, Maurice Murray Robinson, Tiger Woods

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