Juanita Bynum headed to "Divorce Court"
Televangelist Juanita Bynum says in a two-part episode of "Divorce Court" that she's through with her marriage to minister Thomas W. Weeks III, who is on probation for assaulting her.In episodes scheduled to air Thursday and Friday, Bynum also says she had thoughts of suicide and weighs in on a case involving domestic violence. When asked what advice she had for women in situations similar to hers, she said, "I have to make a decision ... to take the love that I had for him with me."
In a transcript of the show obtained by The Associated Press, Bynum said she would always love Weeks, but made a decision to "love me more."
Weeks pleaded guilty in March to assaulting Bynum on Aug. 21 in a hotel parking lot outside of Atlanta; police said Bynum told investigators he choked her, pushed her down and kicked and stomped her.
Weeks was sentenced to three years' probation and ordered to perform community service and undergo counseling.
Bynum, a prominent televangelist whose message of women's empowerment resonated with many followers, said she saw signs of trouble in her marriage well before the assault.
"I was just trying to make it work because I don't like losing relationships," Bynum told Judge Lynn Toler, who hears cases on the syndicated show distributed by Twentieth Television. "All of this just kept getting swept under the rug ... So you begin to adapt to a very wrong and very unhealthy marriage."
The couple wed in a million-dollar, televised ceremony in 2002 and together wrote "Teach Me How to Love You: The Beginnings." Bynum filed for divorce a month after the attack.
When asked on "Divorce Court" whether she and Weeks were planning a reconciliation, Bynum said she is "done."
"I can't speak for him, but I no longer want the marriage," she said.
Divorce court now? Why in the world does the "prophetess" want to put her business all out in the streets like that? I will say this , Juanita is milking the heck out of this failed marriage..... from the beat down to the divorce, she's going to make sure she gets her camera time and if possible, a few dollas out of the deal. Don't matter if she loses credibility with her congregation,she wants to get PAID! Betta set your Tivos for the "word" that is sure to come forth next week, I know I am!
April 23, 2008 at 10:19 PM
please leave your mouth off the women of god. God said in his word touch not my annointed and do my prophet no harm. God is not talking about hitting, what he means be quiet mind your own business comment on your self
April 25, 2008 at 7:46 AM
What about the scripture that talks about not mixing the church with the state?
These ministers, prophetess, evangelist, etc are becoming jokes. They are embarrassing themselves and Christianity.
April 29, 2008 at 6:12 AM
That's true, God did indeed say that in his word but Paul also said Follow me as I follow christ. Why is she publicizing her failed marriage like this. He's doing interviews, she's on Tv doing interviews, whatever happened to "No comment" and taking your problems to God and trusting him to work it out. Also, what have I said that was not true. Is she not milking this thing? IS she not making money off of it?