Dallas, TX – In an unexpected turn of events, Bishop T.D. Jakes, the esteemed pastor of The Potter’s House, experienced a medical emergency that halted his live sermon this past Sunday. The 67-year-old leader, renowned for his stirring sermons, was delivering a powerful message when he suddenly faltered.
As Bishop Jakes pronounced, “Oh Lord, my strength, my redeemer, let them go in peace,” his voice abruptly faded, and the microphone slipped from his grasp. The livestream, which captured the unfolding drama, showed congregants rushing to offer aid, prompting calls for space and prayers among the attendees. The broadcast was subsequently cut short for privacy.
In response to the incident, Bishop Jakes’ team swiftly issued a statement assuring followers of his stability and ongoing medical care. Shared on social media platform X, the statement read: “During today’s service, Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a slight health incident and received immediate medical attention following his powerful hour-long message. Bishop Jakes is stable and under the care of medical professionals.” They further expressed gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support and prayers.
Alleged ties to Sean “Diddy” Combs resurface
The health scare coincides with renewed public interest in Bishop Jakes’ alleged involvement with Sean “Diddy” Combs. Earlier this year, reports emerged linking Jakes to a federal lawsuit against the music mogul, which accuses Combs of enlisting Jakes’ influence to mitigate the fallout from serious abuse and sex trafficking allegations.
The lawsuit, filed in March 2024, outlines allegations from a producer against Combs, who is currently incarcerated for charges including sex trafficking and racketeering.
The claims suggest Combs attempted to use his relationship with Jakes to downplay accusations from ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Previously, unverified rumors had hinted at Jakes’ participation in misconduct at Combs’ events, allegations he firmly denied in a sermon on Christmas Eve, stating, “I will not use this sacred day and this sacred pulpit to address a lie when I have a chance to preach a truth.” Representatives for Jakes have dismissed these allegations as baseless.
Who is Bishop T.D. Jakes?
Bishop T.D. Jakes is not only a spiritual leader but also a successful entrepreneur and author. Founder of The Potter’s House, a megachurch with a congregation exceeding 30,000, Jakes has been a fixture in American religious life for nearly fifty years. Time Magazine once lauded him as “America’s Best Preacher,” a testament to his widespread influence.
Since establishing The Potter’s House in 1996, Jakes has spearheaded numerous outreach initiatives, including programs focused on criminal justice reform, literacy, and homelessness. His influence extends beyond the pulpit; Jakes’ bestselling books, such as “Destiny” and “Instinct,” and his ventures into film production, including the romantic comedy “Jumping the Broom,” have solidified his status as a multifaceted leader.