Paul Crouch Denies Accusations; Christian Leaders Rally in Support of TBN Founder

TUSTIN, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 16, 2004--TBN President and founder Paul Crouch has emphatically denied the accusations leveled at him by former disgruntled TBN employee, Enoch Lonnie Ford.

In a show of solidarity, Christian leaders from around the world have sent e-mails, faxes and have called in their support and prayers for Dr. Crouch, reports Susan Zahn, WDC Media, TBN's publicist. "This heartfelt outpouring of support has been nonstop from both ministry leaders and the public at large," announced Zahn.

“People see this for what it is, a malicious, false claim designed to harm Dr. Crouch and TBN with the intent to extract money. But the prayers of the TBN family are being answered”

Supporters have included: Publisher Stephen Strang; Pastor Benny Hinn; and Daystar's president Marcus Lamb; as well as author Josh McDowell; Doug Wead; an advisor to the former President Bush; and singers Pat Boone and Carmen, to name but a few, reported Paul Crouch Jr., the eldest son of Dr. Crouch. "People see this for what it is, a malicious, false claim designed to harm Dr. Crouch and TBN with the intent to extract money. But the prayers of the TBN family are being answered," said Paul Crouch Jr.

Much of the media attention has focused on the settlement made out of court to former TBN employee, Ford, who became involved with the ministry though a drug rehabilitation program conducted on TBN property. Ford threatened to sue TBN by alleging wrongful termination and sexual harassment, directing his most salacious allegations toward Dr. Crouch personally and stating he had been promised his job back by TBN's director of Telephone Ministry when he got out of prison.

Rather than litigate a wrongful termination charge from a former employee, Dr. Crouch was advised to reach a financial settlement. This course of action was deemed less expensive and would avoid the bad publicity, and save the time and effort necessary to fight the wrongful termination charge as well as to force the former employee to cease and desist the false sexual harassment accusation.

TBN officials stated, "The importance of the settlement does not rest on the money paid, but rather on Dr. Crouch's vehement denial of the allegations made against him as well as the agreement of the accuser to keep confidential and refrain from repeating his false claims and accusations." At no time were TBN ministry funds used in any portion of the settlement.

In violation of his agreement, and in an attempt to extract yet more money from TBN and Dr. Crouch, in late 2003, Ford threatened to shop an autobiographical manuscript to the media should TBN and Dr. Crouch not agree to buy the manuscript for an exorbitant sum of money. Rather than even contemplating a second round of what Dr. Crouch considered extortion, and with the support of his present advisers and attorneys, Dr. Crouch and TBN fought Ford in court where they obtained full judgment against Ford for repeating his false claims and enforcement of the original settlement.

About TBN

TBN is the world's largest religious network reaching every major continent via 46 satellites and more than 10,000 television and cable affiliates worldwide. In the United States, TBN is available to 92% of the total households. Its Web site receives more than 25 million visitors monthly.