Former Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. has dropped a lawsuit in which he claimed the school he once led defamed him after he resigned this summer in the wake of a sex scandal.
According to the News & Advance, Falwell’s lawyers informed the Lynchburg Circuit Court on Wednesday that he will not pursue his case against the school. The case revolved around allegations of a sexual relationship involving himself, his wife and a former business associate that were repeated by school officials — allegations Falwell insists are false.
“I’ve decided to take a time out from my litigation against Liberty University, but I will continue to keep all options on the table for an appropriate resolution to the matter,” Falwell said in a statement to the News & Advance on Thursday.
In the original suit, filed in October, Falwell claimed the school’s board pressured him to resign without properly investigating the allegations made against him.
“By forcing Mr. Falwell’s resignation from Liberty immediately following (Giancarlo) Granda’s false and defamatory statements, Liberty sent the unmistakable message to the public that Granda’s false statements were, in fact, true,” the suit read.
Your tax-deductible gift supports our mission of reporting the truth and restoring the church. Donate $50 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you can elect to receive “Days of Fire and Glory: The Rise and Fall of a Charismatic Community” by Julia Duin, click here.
The business associate, Giancarlo Granda, told reporters that he had a years-long affair with Falwell’s wife, Becki, and that Falwell Jr. also sometimes participated as a voyeur.
Falwell has denied that claim and alleged Granda tried to extort his family — an accusation Granda denied.
4 Responses
The thought of a deposition probably scared him off. There is more in the unexposed dark then what is already in the light.
EXACTLY!!!!!
Discovery is a wonderful thing. Bet you are there dozens of witnesses and all kinds of emails, pics, videos. I am sure the pool boy was only the latest of many young bulls for Junior’s wife. I would not be surprised if the entire LU football team was involved.
The sad part of this is the fat financial package Jerry received with his exit. Why would anyone in their right mind ever donate to anything to do with Liberty ever again?