Megachurch Pastor TD Jakes Denies Sexual Assault Allegations, Calls Lawsuits 'A Campaign of Lies'

Renowned megachurch pastor TD Jakes, 67, has denied explosive allegations of sexual assault made by two brothers, Duane and Richard Youngblood, who claim he targeted them decades ago.

The allegations first surfaced last year when Duane Youngblood, 58, accused Jakes of sexual misconduct over 40 years ago. Earlier this month, Richard Edwin Youngblood Sr., 62, filed his own allegations, stating that Jakes assaulted him while they shared a hotel room during a ministry trip.

Jakes has vehemently denied the accusations, branding them a "campaign of lies" and filing a defamation lawsuit against the brothers. He insists the claims are false and extortion-driven, alleging that the Youngbloods' attorney demanded $6 million to settle the matter privately.

"I have never harbored carnal desires for these men," Jakes declared in an affidavit. "These statements are knowingly and flagrantly false. I am repulsed by these defamatory accusations and the extortion letter I received."

The allegations include disturbing accounts from both brothers, with Richard claiming Jakes climbed into his bed and pressed against him, and Duane alleging Jakes attempted to kiss him and later proposed a secret sexual relationship in exchange for financial support.

Jakes has a net worth estimated at over $20 million, and is best known as the senior pastor at The Potter's House, a megachurch in Dallas, Texas that is the 10th largest in the US with a weekly attendance of around 17,000 people

In response, Jakes accused Richard of filing his claim as revenge for being denied a job. "He hasn’t been able to maintain a job, has multiple children with different women, and a felony conviction for failure to pay child support," Jakes stated.

Jakes, who leads The Potter’s House, a 17,000-member megachurch in Dallas, Texas, maintains that he has never assaulted anyone and refuses to remain silent amid what he calls a coordinated attack on his legacy and family.