For the first time since news of two controversies involving Pastor Cora Jakes Roberts was revealed, a spokesperson representing the minister has released a statement detaching her from any legal infraction. In response to rabid internet rumors surrounding child molestation allegations connected to Richard Brandon Coleman, the ex-husband of Mrs. Coleman, the spokesperson said she reported the accusations immediately upon being notified of them.
In defense of the family's reputation the statement said they have a zero tolerance policy for child abuse.
Separate from the molestation allegation, Dallas hairstylist Michelle Loud, the biological mother of their son Jason has accused the couple of manipulating her to sign over her son. She said in a cell phone video shared online that Cora claimed God allowed to give birth to her child. The statement clarifies that they engaged in the standard legal process to become the rightful parents of their adopted children.
The repsonse implies that the adopted daughter is at the center of the controversy
The Slice News confirmed with the Ellis Clerk Office that Mr. Coleman is jailed on a $150 thousand bond after being arrested on a warrant April 25. In defense of the minor, the statement attempts to silence gossipers to protect her.
"It is unfortunate that perpetuating baseless gossip will only risk greater pain and injury to the minor as this child will have to explain to others in the future what was written about them, even though the child has no voice today," it reads.
The statement indicated Cora is grappling with feeling responsible for the wrongdoing and she and the family are in a healing process. The rep condemed internet gossip sites for attempting to slander and smear her name, comin to the defense of the . They added the that the Potter's House, Bishop Jakes internationally known ministry, "is not involved in the matter."
Read the initial report about the allegations here.
STATEMENT FROM CORA JAKES COLEMAN SPOKES PERSON
The Jakes family endured a shocking and deeply disturbing event when the ex-husband of Cora Jakes engaged in shameful conduct. After being made aware of the allegations, Cora immediately contacted the authorities, Cora divorced the accused, and the family is attempting to heal at the same time they are fully cooperating with law enforcement.
Tragically, unkind speculation and baseless false suggestions spread by gossip sites continues to exacerbate the injuries to the family and has made the healing process even more painful and difficult.
The public and mean-spirited false gossip is especially shameful since the principal victim is a minor child who will someday read about these events.
Here are the facts as we know them today. Cora’s ex-husband is in jail, charged with the sexual abuse of a child. He is in jail because the family immediately reported the abuse to law enforcement authorities and has cooperated at every level with law enforcement and the prosecution. The family acted swiftly and without hesitation as they strongly believe in zero tolerance for any kind of abuse. This matter does not involve The Potter’s House. Cora is
personally devastated by the events and deserves the privacy and respect of someone who wrestles with feeling responsible for events for which she had no control.
Despite slanderous attempts to smear Cora Jakes, her children were properly adopted through a multi-year process with numerous checks and reviews. This process is afforded to anyone in the United States of America and there was no preferential treatment given to Cora. Any claims to the contrary are false and defamatory. As adoptions are bound by law, the applicable documents and court proceedings preclude detailed public commentary.
The Jakes family is attempting to heal itself, the minor child that has been abused, and the adults who are also traumatized by these events. It is unfortunate that perpetuating baseless gossip will only risk greater pain and injury to the minor as this child will have to explain to others in the future what was written about them, even though the child has no voice today.
The Jakes family asks to be included in your prayers as they focus on healing.”