Bishop Eddie Long (PICTURES): Pastor "Knows The Truth," Says Accuser Spencer LeGrande
ATLANTA (CBS/AP) Spencer LeGrande, the fourth man to file a lawsuit accusing Bishop Eddie Long of coercing him into a sexual relationship, told a TV interviewer he is praying for the pastor and other accusers, but that the pastor "knows the truth."
"This is a hard time for the world and you know I have no hate for anyone, because God doesn't produce hate," Spencer LeGrande told ABC affiliate WSB-TV. "I pray for everyone, especially Bishop, 'cause he knows the truth, he knows the truth."
LeGrande, 22, is one of four men suing the TV preacher in state court, claiming that Long abused his "spiritual authority" and gave them cars, clothes, cash and trips to lure them into sexual relationships while they were teen members of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in suburban Atlanta.
After speaking out, LeGrande told the station that he is now at peace and is gaining strength from his faith.
"I wasn't free until I came out with it, that's when my life's been much better," LeGrande told the station during the interview in Charlotte, N.C. "This last week has been free."
During services at his church Sunday, Long turned to biblical terms to portray himself as an underdog but didn't outright deny the allegations.
"I feel like David against Goliath. But I got five rocks, and I haven't thrown one yet," said Long, who added that while he doesn't claim to be perfect. "I am not the man that's being portrayed on the television."
LeGrande told WSB-TV that he did not want to comment on Long's statements to the New Birth congregation.
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