Local Pastor and Mayoral Candidate Embroiled in Defamation Lawsuit Over Allegations of Covert Operative for Rival Candidate
A high-stakes defamation lawsuit has been filed by Highland Park activist Robert Davis against megachurch pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr., a mayoral candidate in Detroit, over allegations that Kinloch maliciously lied about him during and after a recent debate.
According to the lawsuit, filed in Oakland County Circuit Court, Kinloch falsely claimed that Davis was a "covert operative" for Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield, who is leading the mayoral race. The allegations come amid controversy surrounding Kinloch's church, Triumph Church, which has been accused of delinquent water bills and fraudulent property deals.
The lawsuit states that Kinloch made these false claims without presenting any evidence, and they were subsequently published in local media outlets. Davis is seeking at least $250,000 in damages, claiming he "has lost out on potential clients" as a result of Kinloch's "false and defamatory statements."
Kinloch's campaign has denied the allegations, with some sources suggesting that Kinloch fabricated the claims to resuscitate his struggling mayoral campaign. However, Davis asserts that the "false and defamatory statements" were made with actual malice.
This lawsuit marks the latest chapter in a series of controversies surrounding Kinloch's church and business dealings. Last month, Davis filed a separate lawsuit alleging that Kinloch violated state and federal laws after his church bought a property and then conveyed it to him for $1 through a private limited liability company controlled by Kinloch.
The case has sparked concerns about the influence of megachurches in local politics, particularly when it comes to their financial dealings and business practices. As the mayoral election heats up, these allegations are likely to have significant implications for both candidates.
A high-stakes defamation lawsuit has been filed by Highland Park activist Robert Davis against megachurch pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr., a mayoral candidate in Detroit, over allegations that Kinloch maliciously lied about him during and after a recent debate.
According to the lawsuit, filed in Oakland County Circuit Court, Kinloch falsely claimed that Davis was a "covert operative" for Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield, who is leading the mayoral race. The allegations come amid controversy surrounding Kinloch's church, Triumph Church, which has been accused of delinquent water bills and fraudulent property deals.
The lawsuit states that Kinloch made these false claims without presenting any evidence, and they were subsequently published in local media outlets. Davis is seeking at least $250,000 in damages, claiming he "has lost out on potential clients" as a result of Kinloch's "false and defamatory statements."
Kinloch's campaign has denied the allegations, with some sources suggesting that Kinloch fabricated the claims to resuscitate his struggling mayoral campaign. However, Davis asserts that the "false and defamatory statements" were made with actual malice.
This lawsuit marks the latest chapter in a series of controversies surrounding Kinloch's church and business dealings. Last month, Davis filed a separate lawsuit alleging that Kinloch violated state and federal laws after his church bought a property and then conveyed it to him for $1 through a private limited liability company controlled by Kinloch.
The case has sparked concerns about the influence of megachurches in local politics, particularly when it comes to their financial dealings and business practices. As the mayoral election heats up, these allegations are likely to have significant implications for both candidates.