Bishop Eddie Long’s sexual misconduct case “has been resolved,” according the attorney of the four men suing the Georgia pastor.
Details of the settlement were not announced.
Last year, Maurice Robinson, Jamal Parris, Anthony Flagg and Spencer LeGrande alleged Long used church money to buy them over-the-top gifts and trips in attempt to lure them into sexual relations. The four were 17 and 18 years old when the alleged inappropriate relations happened with Long. Shortly after the allegations, cell phone pictures of the bishop flexing his muscles in a bathroom mirror while wearing tight, revealing clothing were released.
In addition to suing Long, the men had sued his megachurch, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, and LongFellows Youth Academy, a program that ironically taught teens about sexual, physical and financial discipline.
Both sides issued short statements regarding the settlement, and the office of B.J. Bernstein, who represented the men, said her clients wouldn’t be available for “interview on this matter, now or in the future.”
Long’s attorney said: “After a series of discussions, all parties involved have decided to resolve the civil cases out of court. This decision was made to bring closure to this matter and to allow us to move forward with the plans God has for this ministry.”
A few weeks ago, the presiding judge announced a trial could begin in August or September after settlement talks broke down.
Back in 2010, when the allegations became public, Long told his congregation, "This thing I'm gonna fight."
Details of the settlement were not announced.
Last year, Maurice Robinson, Jamal Parris, Anthony Flagg and Spencer LeGrande alleged Long used church money to buy them over-the-top gifts and trips in attempt to lure them into sexual relations. The four were 17 and 18 years old when the alleged inappropriate relations happened with Long. Shortly after the allegations, cell phone pictures of the bishop flexing his muscles in a bathroom mirror while wearing tight, revealing clothing were released.
In addition to suing Long, the men had sued his megachurch, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, and LongFellows Youth Academy, a program that ironically taught teens about sexual, physical and financial discipline.
Both sides issued short statements regarding the settlement, and the office of B.J. Bernstein, who represented the men, said her clients wouldn’t be available for “interview on this matter, now or in the future.”
Long’s attorney said: “After a series of discussions, all parties involved have decided to resolve the civil cases out of court. This decision was made to bring closure to this matter and to allow us to move forward with the plans God has for this ministry.”
A few weeks ago, the presiding judge announced a trial could begin in August or September after settlement talks broke down.
Back in 2010, when the allegations became public, Long told his congregation, "This thing I'm gonna fight."
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