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Allegations of sexual impropriety and lawsuits

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On September 21 and 22, 2010, Maurice Robinson, Anthony Flagg, and Jamal Parris filed separate lawsuits in DeKalb County Superior Court alleging that Long used his pastoral influence to coerce them into a sexual relationship with him. In June, one of the accusers, Robinson, was arrested and charged with burglary in connection with a break-in to Long's office. An iPhone, iPad and other items—more than $1,300 worth—were taken from the office, according to the police report. On September 24, Spencer LeGrande, a member of a New Birth satellite church in Charlotte, North Carolina, filed a similar suit, making him the fourth man to file a lawsuit claiming sexual misconduct by Long. The plaintiffs state that Long placed the men on the church’s payroll, bought them cars and other gifts, and took them separately on trips to destinations such as Kenya, South Africa, Turks and Caicos Islands, Trinidad, Honduras, New Zealand, and New York City. The lawsuits read "Long would discuss the Holy Scripture to justify and support the sexual activity." Flagg's suit claims that Long presided over a "covenant" ceremony between the two of them. Flagg's attorney said "it was essentially a marriage ceremony, with candles, exchange of jewelry, and biblical quotes."

Long has denied the allegations through his attorneys and spokesman, and said, "I have devoted my life to helping others and these false allegations hurt me deeply," he said. "But my faith is strong and the truth will emerge. All I ask for is your patience as we continue to categorically deny each and every one of these ugly charges." Roland Martin, a commentator for TV One was scheduled to interview Long during a segment on the Tom Joyner Morning Show to discuss the two lawsuits. The lawsuit filed by Parris on September 22 prompted Long's team to cancel the Martin interview and a news conference. Martin did speak with Long's attorney on the Tom Joyner Show. On September 26, Long spoke to the New Birth congregation but he did not address the issue directly. Long spoke of painful times and said "I've been accused. I'm under attack. I want you to know, as I said earlier, I am not a perfect man, but this thing, I'm going to fight."

 

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