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!
