Federal Defamation Lawsuit Between Bishop T.D. Jakes And Pastor Duane Youngblood Jointly Dismissed Without Prejudice

The ongoing federal defamation lawsuit filed by Bishop T.D. Jakes against Pittsburgh pastor Duane Youngblood has been formally dismissed "without prejudice," signaling a temporary end to a legal dispute that has drawn national attention across both faith and media communities over the past year.

The conflict originated in early 2024 when Pastor Youngblood publicly accused Bishop Jakes of attempted sexual assault, alleging that the incident occurred when he was approximately 18 or 19 years old. The claims surfaced during an online interview and were later amplified across social media platforms, quickly becoming a topic of widespread discussion.

Bishop Jakes, senior pastor and founder of The Potter's House, one of the nation's largest and most influential megachurches, categorically denied the allegations, calling them "false, malicious, and defamatory." On November 25, 2024, Jakes filed a federal defamation lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, asserting that the statements made by Youngblood were untrue and had caused significant harm to his reputation, ministry, and family.

Over the ensuing months, the case proceeded through various motions and filings. In April 2025, Judge William S. Stickman IV denied a motion by Youngblood to dismiss the lawsuit under Pennsylvania's anti-SLAPP statute, allowing the case to move forward. However, recent filings indicate that the matter has now been jointly dismissed without prejudice, a legal designation that allows Bishop Jakes the right to refile the lawsuit in the future if new developments or circumstances arise.

No financial settlement, public apology, or formal statement of retraction has been disclosed by either party. The "without prejudice" ruling also means that the court has not made a determination on the merits of the case-leaving open the potential for future legal action should Bishop Jakes or his legal team choose to revisit the matter.

As of this week, representatives for both Bishop Jakes and Pastor Youngblood have declined to comment on the dismissal. Sources close to The Potter's House leadership indicate that Bishop Jakes intends to continue focusing on ministry, media, and philanthropic initiatives through his church and the T.D. Jakes Group, emphasizing "healing, reconciliation, and forward movement."

Pastor Youngblood remains the senior pastor of The Worship Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he has led for over two decades. The church has not issued an official statement regarding the conclusion of the case.

The controversy has sparked renewed debate within the broader Christian community about public accusations, accountability among spiritual leaders, and the complex intersection of faith, reputation, and justice in the age of digital media.

The joint dismissal brings temporary closure to a case that has stirred both concern and curiosity within religious and legal circles. Whether the matter resurfaces in court remains to be seen.

 

 

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