Gospel Singer James Fortune is being sued by the biological father of his current stepson for causing the child to suffer second and third degree burns over 47 percent of his body as a four-year old.
By: A.J. Niles
James Fortune is an emerging star of Gospel music. However, fortune was accused and plead guilty for abusing his then four-year-old stepson in 2003. Just about a decade later, the biological father of the child is suing James and his wife Cheryl for the damages caused by the abuse.
In 2001, James, as he was picking up the child from preschool was told that he misbehaved in school, according to the lawsuit documents first reported by My Fox Houston:
The documents claim the gospel singer “scolded the toddler” on the way home, put him in time out at home, “continued to yell and berate the child” then started “preparing a scalding bath” for the 4-year old boy.
The lawsuit goes on to say “James instructed (the child) to remove his clothes and began to whip the naked toddler with a switch”. Then the suit accuses James Fortune of “pushing the toddler in the scalding water and holding him down causing second and third degree burns to 47% of his body”
James and Cheryl Fortune issued a response to the lawsuit to Newsone:
I recently became aware of a civil suit pending against my wife, Cheryl Fortune, and I, for an incident that occurred in 2001 involving my stepson. There was a criminal investigation and all matters were resolved in 2003. Since that time, my family and I, including my stepson, have continued with family traditions and always have a loving family environment.
We are shocked by this lawsuit but understand people are free to use the court system to pursue claims, whether they contain merit or baseless matters. We are confident through this process, if it proceeds to a judge or jury, the ultimate decision maker will render a decision that is favorable to the circumstances and timing surrounding this situation. We believe in our American justice system and know it will work for us as it has for millions of other Americans.
I love all my children, including my stepson, and I ask for your prayers as we deal with this matter privately. Thank you for your continued support for me, my family, and ministry.
Now watch the Christians make excuses for this gospel singer abusing his son, but turn around and condemn the gays to Hell. The hypocrisy among church folk is sad.
What happened to a simple whopping with a belt???? Sheesh.
#ICant with these gospel singers and pastors anymore. Nothing they do surprises me. All I can tell people is get to know God for yourself and stop putting these “Christians” on pedestals. They are no better than you or I.
Even gospel singers are imperfect. So I got nothing. :-/