In a shocking revelation, Penthouse magazine published an article alleging that television preacher Jimmy Swaggart engaged in s-xu@l intercourse with a prostitute and even requested that her 9-year-old daughter witness s-xu@l acts.
This July edition marks the first time such claims have been made regarding Swaggart's alleged encounters. Previous interviews with the prostitute, Debra Murphree, only mentioned lewd acts performed by her while Swaggart watched.
Accompanied by explicit images, Murphree details the activities she claims Swaggart wanted her to engage in during the Penthouse interview.
According to her, she had approximately 20 encounters with Swaggart over a year. Murphree admits that she and Swaggart had consensual s*x on one occasion.
Swaggart Admits Wrongdoing and Steps Down
Reverend Jimmy Swaggart, who publicly criticized fellow evangelist Jim Bakker last year, calling him a "cancer on the body of Christ," has now admitted to his own transgressions and requested forgiveness.
In a tearful confession, Swaggart sought forgiveness and announced that he would temporarily step down from his position at the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge. The announcement was made in front of a compassionate audience of over 6,000 people.
Swaggart's confession came after an investigation by the Assemblies of God into his conduct, prompted by allegations from a rival evangelist claiming that Swaggart had frequented prostitutes in New Orleans.
Addressing the crowd, Swaggart accepted full responsibility for his actions, stating, "I do not intend to downplay or excuse my sin. I acknowledge it as a sin."
He continued, "No one else is to blame but Jimmy Swaggart. I take full responsibility and accept the consequences."
It is worth noting that Swaggart previously criticized Jim Bakker for his infidelity but failed to mention his own indiscretions.
Swaggart's ministry, which started with his rural Louisiana Pentecostal preaching, grew to reach 142 countries and amassed $140 million in annual donations.
Marvin Gorman, another former Assemblies evangelist, is believed to have initiated the investigation into Swaggart. Gorman was defrocked by the denomination in 1986 after Swaggart accused him of improprieties.
Gorman reportedly provided Assemblies authorities in Springfield, Mo., with photographs showing Swaggart entering a hotel room with a prostitute. The interpretation of these images remains subject to debate.
Swaggart admitted his actions to church authorities and his family. Forest H. Hall, secretary, and treasurer of the Louisiana District of the Assemblies of God, stated that Swaggart confessed to specific incidents of moral failure and exhibited genuine remorse and repentance.
Following a thorough evaluation of the circumstances, district church leaders will determine appropriate disciplinary measures.
Swaggart has been advised to avoid responding to external inquiries, and church members are urged to refrain from speculating about the matter.
Swaggart expressed deep regret to his wife, Frances, acknowledging the power and devotion she contributed to his ministry. He tearfully confessed his sins to her before expressing remorse to his congregation, students at his Bible college, and ultimately to his Lord and Savior.
In a quivering voice, Swaggart beseeched forgiveness, stating, "I have sinned against you, and I beg your forgiveness." He acknowledged that his sin had been concealed in secrecy but believed that God called him to face the consequences publicly.
