Eddie Long files abuse denial with Georgia court

Georgia mega-church pastor Eddie Long has filed his response to the September allegations by four former church members stating: “The Plaintiffs claims of sexual misconduct are not true.”

Maurice Robinson, Anthony Flagg, Jamal Parris and Spencer LeGrande — filed suits against Long and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. The young men claimed Long coerced them into having sex with him in exchange for lavish gifts, trips and jobs. In the filings, Long said it has been a practice of his to occasionally share a room with members of his congregation. However, he said “the plaintiff’s claims of sexual misconduct are not true.”

The Atlanta Journal Constitution also has copies of the Long court filings.

On Monday, Long filed four separate responses, each about 30 pages and denying each accusation point by point. He admitted that he took the men on trips, but he denied the complaints of sexual contact. He did admit to hugging some of the men.

“Bishop Long admits that it is common among his church congregation for members to hug each other and hug the Bishop,” the suit reads.

Long also admitted to giving the plaintiffs gifts, including cars, and helping them financially, but he denied that it was in exchange for sex. He said he has “provided sporadic financial assistance,” and he routinely pays for rent and other expenses for New Birth members, according to the filings.

In the filings, Long also admitted to speaking on the phone with the men, but said he could not recall who initiated the calls. He also admitted that the men called him “Daddy,” “Bishop” and “Granddaddy,” but said man

Long response to M. Robinson lawsuit
Long response to J. Parris lawsuit
Long response to S. LeGrande lawsuit
Long response to A. Flagg lawsuit

Long’s attorneys are asking the court to dismiss the charges and for the court to rule in his favour (including attorney fees).