Story taken from ajc.com By Shelia M. Poole and Christian Boone
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
An attorney involved in the sexual misconduct lawsuits against Bishop Eddie Long said the “matters have been resolved.” B.J. Bernstein, who represents the four men who sued Long, New Birth and LongFellows, also confirmed the lawsuits had been settled.
Neither side would comment further and settlement terms were unknown.
According to Bernstein’s office, neither she nor the plaintiffs — Maurice Robinson, Jamal Parris, Anthony Flagg and Spencer LeGrande — would be available for an interview “on this matter, now or in the future. ”
Long, pastor of the Lithonia megachurch, which has an international following, has denied the men’s allegations through a spokesman and told his congregation he plans to “vigorously” fight the charges.
Mediation between the plaintiffs and one of Atlanta’s best-known religious leaders began in February and have often been contentious. Exactly one month ago, DeKalb Judge Johnny Panos said a settlement was within “field goal range.”
Panos acknowledged the discussions had been “benevolently intense,” likening them to a tennis match, “with a lot of back and forth.” Some of the mediation sessions were epic, sometimes lasting through the night.
Without a settlement, the case would have likely gone to trial this summer or fall.
After the charges first surfaced last September, Long vowed to “vigorously” defend himself against the charges.
“This thing I’m gonna fight,” he said just days after the lawsuits surfaced.
Shay Moore is a radio personality, blogger, community activist, voice-over actress and writer. Follow Shay on Twitter @shaymooreonair. Check out her site www.lipglossbosses.com
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