In 2025, Bishop T.D. Jakes was involved in a high-profile legal battle regarding allegations of sexual misconduct, which ultimately concluded with the dismissal of his defamation lawsuit against his accuser on October 16, 2025. The allegations were made by a Pennsylvania pastor, Duane Youngblood, and supported by a second individual, leading to significant scrutiny of the televangelist, who also addressed a major health crisis during this period.
Allegations and Legal Developments (2025)
- The Accusations: In late 2024 and early 2025, Duane Youngblood, a pastor with a prior criminal record for sexual offenses, alleged on YouTube that Jakes tried to sexually assault him in the 1980s.
- Second Accuser: In February 2025, Richard Youngblood, Duane’s brother, filed a sworn affidavit alleging similar unwanted sexual advances from Jakes.
- Jakes’ Response: T.D. Jakes vehemently denied all allegations, filing a defamation lawsuit against Duane Youngblood in November 2024, calling the accusations “knowingly and flagrantly false” and an extortion attempt.
- Legal Action: The lawsuit proceeded through 2025, with Jakes’ legal team fighting motions to dismiss and dealing with controversy surrounding Youngblood’s attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, who was sanctioned for using AI to fabricate legal citations.
- Dismissal: On October 16, 2025, Jakes and Youngblood agreed to dismiss the lawsuit, concluding the year-long legal dispute.
Key 2025 Events Linked to the Case
- Health Crisis: Following a “massive heart attack” while preaching in November 2024, Jakes spoke publicly about the incident in early 2025, which his lawsuit claimed was exacerbated by the stress of the allegations.
- Transition of Leadership: In April 2025, amid the scandal, Jakes announced he was handing over the reins of The Potter’s House to his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and son-in-law, Touré Roberts, to ensure the continuation of his ministry.
- Diddy Rumors: Jakes also addressed and denied unfounded, AI-generated rumors linking him to the sexual misconduct scandals surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Throughout 2025, Jakes maintained his innocence and continued his ministry, while the legal battle brought to light, and ultimately closed, the claims made against him.
ADDITIONAL REPORT
TD Jakes’ ex-son-in-law claims megachurch founder sexually abused him: attorney
https://www.christianpost.com/news/td-jakes-ex-son-in-law-claims-megachurch-founder-abused-him.html