Following the death of the “King of Gospel,” James Cleveland, in 1991, several scandals and legal battles emerged regarding his estate, personal life, and medical history.
Sexual Abuse and HIV Allegations
The most significant scandal involved a $9 million lawsuit filed in February 1992 by Cleveland’s former foster son, Christopher Harris.
- The Claims: Harris alleged that Cleveland had sexually abused him for five years, beginning when Harris was 15. He further claimed that Cleveland had infected him with HIV, which Harris asserted Cleveland contracted through same-sex relationships.
- Outcome: The lawsuit was settled out of court in 1994 for an undisclosed sum, meaning the allegations were never legally proven or disproven.
- Cause of Death Controversy: While Cleveland’s official cause of death was listed as congestive heart failure, legal documents from the Harris case stated he died from complications related to AIDS.
Estate and Paternity Disputes
Upon his death, Cleveland’s estate was valued between $4 million and $6 million, leading to multiple inheritance claims:
- Andre M. Cleveland: Filed a lawsuit claiming to be Cleveland’s adopted son and seeking a share of the estate. The claim was eventually dismissed.
- Jean Ervin: A member of Cleveland’s church who came forward claiming she was the mother of his only biological child, LaShone Cleveland (born 1965). This shocked the gospel community as it was widely believed Cleveland had no biological children.
The “Open Secret” of His Sexuality
Gospel music historians, such as Anthony Heilbut, have noted that Cleveland’s sexual orientation was an “open secret” within the industry.
- Lifestyle: He reportedly lived with a series of “foster sons” or “nephews,” which were often viewed as euphemisms for younger male partners.
- Church Culture: Despite the rumors, Cleveland maintained a public persona as a straight-identified preacher, benefitting from a “don’t ask, don’t tell” culture within the Black church at the time.