By Rebecca Johnson // Social Media & Controversy // EEW Magazine Online

In the digital age, the power of a rumor is proving to be a force to reckon with, as demonstrated by the recent scandal that swept across the internet like wildfire, becoming one of the biggest stories of 2023.

Gossip centered around two public figures - Bishop T.D. Jakes, a celebrated preacher, and Sean Combs, the influential entrepreneur and rapper famously known as "Diddy” set social media feeds ablaze by the millions. The salacious story, which originated and spread primarily through the popular social media platform TikTok, claimed that Jakes, 66, had attended sex parties hosted by Diddy, 54—a report that remains unverified at the time of publishing this article.

The jaw-dropping claims follow the hip-hop mogul’s recent troubles due to damning accusations that he subjected ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Casandra Ventura, best known as Cassie, to a years-long relationship that included beatings and rape, according to an Associated Press report.

In a now-settled lawsuit, Ventura alleged that the Bad Boy Entertainment founder drew her into his “ostentatious, fast-paced, and drug-fueled lifestyle” not long after she met him and signed to his label when she was 19 and he was 37 in 2005. She further accused him of being controlling and forcing her to perform sexual acts with other men throughout their relationship—allegations Combs “vehemently denies” according to Attorney Ben Brafman.

How Jakes was Implicated

On the heels of the release of these horrifying reports surrounding the music producer and a subsequent legal settlement for an undisclosed amount, Jakes was linked to homosexual flings at Diddy’s past parties through a viral video that did not mention sources or accusers. Despite lacking a single iota of verifiable proof or concrete confirmation, the claims still led to public speculation about the minister's sexuality and rumors that he led a double life filled with perversion and debauchery.

What is not in question is Jakes’ association with Combs.

When Combs accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award from BET in 2022, the rapper and mogul shouted out supporters who “lifted me up in prayer,” according to a Daily Beast report. He mentioned the Texas mega pastor by name who is also captured on film attending Combs’ 53rd birthday party in Los Angeles. 

Derrick Williams, executive vice president of TD Jakes Entertainment, explained the footage and appearance to The Christian Post.

“As a filmmaker, executive producer and one of the pioneers of value-based movies, Bishop Jakes, in his role as CEO of T.D. Jakes Entertainment, paid respect to the former Chairman of Revolt during the celebration of his birthday,” Williams said. “We felt that a quick appearance at the former Chairman of Revolt’s birthday event was the respectful thing to do since Bishop Jakes’ sermons are aired on the Revolt Network.”

Combs stepped aside as Chairman of Revolt amid sexual assault allegations in November according to a Variety report.

Williams continued, “We both greeted the family, Bishop Jakes recorded a brief celebratory birthday video and left immediately to take our other scheduled meetings. Any accusation to the contrary is wholly unsubstantiated, unverified, and false.”

The Rumor Mill in Action: An Unverified Accusation Takes Flight

The report about Bishop Jakes' supposed participation in these wild gay sex parties remains nothing more than an unsupported video claim. The same video alleges that years ago, Jakes sexually assaulted a former mentee when he was a boy and paid off the boy’s parents—former members who have since left the church—to keep quiet. But now, the mentee is allegedly set to come forward.

The Bishop has firmly denied ever being a part of any sex parties, and his representatives have vehemently labeled the circulating allegations as "unequivocally false and baseless.” The Root also reports that the nondenominational preacher further denied the accusations during a Christmas Eve service.

So far, no one has emerged with specific evidence to bolster the claims or contradict the denials.

Jordan A. Hora, the executive director of public relations and communications for the T.D. Jakes Group, T.D. Jakes Ministries, and The Potter’s House, stated in an exclusive statement to The Christian Post, “What has always been true, in the words of the late Pastor Charles H. Spurgeon, ‘If you want the truth to go round the world you must hire an express train to pull it; but if you want a lie to go round the world it will fly; it is as light as a feather, and a breath will carry it.’"

Despite the heresay, the Bishop's team said they are remaining focused on their mission. “There is much more important work to be done to create a better world,” the spokesperson said. “The Bible teaches us the importance of compassion and care for others, especially those who may be marginalized or in need. Chairman Jakes, undeterred by false, perverse, ignorant, and conspiratorial speculations, will persevere in his continued dedication to create meaningful change for millions around the globe guided by the timeless principles of compassion, service, and ministry.”

The Lesson We Should Draw: The Importance of Fact-Checking

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the power and potential harm of unverified information circulating on social media. It highlights the vital need for seeking verified reports and confirmations before forming conclusions. As consumers of digital content, we have a responsibility to ensure the integrity of the stories and claims we share.

If something is true, it may take a while, but the truth will come to light. However, shining light on allegations that have no semblance of truth makes us promoters of disinformation, propagators of unhinged conspiracy theories, slanderers of character, and contributors to chaos. In a time where news and gossip can be disseminated rapidly, it becomes crucial to approach any allegations with a healthy dose of skepticism.

While the truth remains shrouded in mystery in this specific situation, it provides a valuable lesson on the critical need for fact-checking in our increasingly digital world.

Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword

This scandal underscores the profound influence of social media platforms. While these outlets prove useful in spreading good messages, inspiring stories, and worthy causes that lead to positive responses and outcomes, they can also be the source of unverified reports that spark harmful widespread rumors.

Muffled whispers can quickly become amplified shouts that turn into nationwide discussions with potential to destroy reputations, ruin credibility, and topple empires.

Ultimately, the power of social media lies in its reach. Whether the assertions made on these platforms are credible or not, if enough people repeat the same story, masses will follow and believe the claims with little to no evidence of their veracity.

A Cautionary Tale

The recent scandalous stories involving Jakes and Combs’ relationship serves as a cautionary tale about the power of rumors and the impact of unverified information circulating on social media. It is a call to action for all of us to be more discerning consumers of content and to take active steps in fact-checking before we share information or form conclusions.

In the age of digital communication where rumor and innuendo travel at the speed of light, we must exercise discretion and discernment., and pause before we post, and question sources before drawing conclusions.

Finally, be patient and confident that the real truth—even if it unfolds slowly— will eventually reveal itself.