For the first time since revelations of sexual impropriety were made public, one of the men filing a lawsuit against Bishop Eddie Long is speaking out. In an exclusive interview with FOX 5 News, Jamal Parris, who originally did not want to speak publicly, told an intense story of a love-hate relationship with a man he called “Daddy.”
“You look at our eyes. You hear the pain in our voice. We have no reason to lie to this man,” Jamal Parris said directly to those who may doubt the validity of his story. Parris is one of four young men who have accused Long of using scripture and even church money to sexually seduce them, while they were teen-aged members of his New Birth Missionary Baptist mega-church in surburban Atlanta.
Since last week, none of the four young men have wanted to talk publicly about the lawsuit, mainly at the advice of their attorney, but also out of sheer embarrassment in having to admit sexual contact with their former Bishop. FOX 5 caught up with Jamal Parris while shopping at a 24-hour store in Colorado and he was initially reluctant to talk. But once he got going, he told a riveting story about how as a young 14-year-old with no father around, he joined New Birth and Bishop Eddie Long came into his life. He said Long said to call him “Daddy” and to trust him with spiritual guidance.
“I loved him,” Parris said. “I’m always going to have love for the things that he taught me. But how he left us hurt worse than anything I ever felt in my life. He is a MONSTER!”
Take a look at the video of Jamal Parris speaking. Then view the short video below it and watch reaction from members of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. YOU DECIDE if Jamal Parris is telling the truth!
JAMAL PARRIS SPEAKS:
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CHURCH MEMBERS REACT:
WOW. I'm speechless. This young man came across so honestly theres no way he can be lying. I was glad to see the church members start to see the truth too instead of just accept what their told. This was sad to see. Props to the young man for having the courage to speak.