Latest news with #Falwell
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Liberty University agrees to pay Jerry Falwell Jr. $15 million in settlement following 2020 resignation scandal
Jerry Falwell Jr. receives $15 million from Liberty University in final settlement of legal disputes. (Getty Images) Liberty University has reached a $15 million settlement with its former president, Jerry Falwell Jr., following a series of lawsuits tied to his resignation in 2020. The university confirmed the agreement, which includes both the resolution of lawsuits and a retirement package, as reported by USA Today. This move ends a lengthy legal battle that began after Falwell's departure amidst a public scandal involving him and his wife, Becki Falwell, and another man, Giancarlo Granda. The settlement was revealed in Liberty University's 2023-2024 tax form, confirming that Falwell would receive $5.5 million to settle the lawsuits, in addition to the nearly $10 million retirement package previously provided to him. The total amount of $15 million marks the conclusion of legal disputes between the university and its former president, who had led the institution for over a decade. Details of the settlement Liberty University's tax form disclosed that Falwell Jr. would receive $5.5 million specifically to settle litigation tied to his resignation. This sum adds to the retirement benefits Falwell already received, totaling nearly $10 million, according to the form. The settlement, finalized in 2024, was reached after Falwell and the university ended their years-long dispute over claims related to his time at the university and his leadership role. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thị trường có dấu hiệu suy thoái không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo While the university did not publicly share details beyond the settlement, both parties emphasized the end of this painful chapter. As quoted by the USA Today, Liberty University spokesperson Ryan Helfenbein directed reporters to a statement released in 2024, which read, 'Both the University's Board of Trustees and Jerry Falwell Jr. sincerely regret the lengthy and painful litigation process.' The statement also included an apology from both sides, acknowledging errors in judgment made during the dispute. The 2020 resignation and aftermath Falwell Jr. resigned from Liberty University in August 2020 following a photo scandal that sparked national headlines. The photo showed him with his arm around his wife's assistant, holding a drink and with both their pants unbuttoned. Shortly after, allegations surfaced involving an affair between Falwell's wife and Granda, leading to public outcry. In the wake of his resignation, Liberty University launched an investigation into Falwell's conduct, while he filed multiple lawsuits against the institution, including claims over his retirement package and the use of his father's image. Impact on Liberty University Liberty University, one of the largest Christian universities in the US, has also faced external scrutiny. In 2024, the university was penalized $16 million by the federal government for fostering a campus culture that discouraged reporting sexual violence. This fine included a $14 million penalty and $2 million in required safety improvements, with the university placed under federal monitoring until 2026. Despite this, Liberty has maintained that the penalties were unfairly targeted by the US government under the Biden administration. The settlement with Falwell Jr. now brings closure to one of the most controversial chapters in Liberty University's history, marking a turning point for the institution as it moves forward from its leadership scandal. Invest in Their Tomorrow, Today: Equip your child with the essential AI skills for a future brimming with possibilities | Join Now
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Jerry Falwell Jr. to get $15 million payout after Liberty University sex scandal
Liberty University has agreed to pay its former president, Jerry Falwell Jr. roughly $15 million as part of a settlement after his resignation in the wake of sex scandals that rocked the famously conservative university. Falwell took over as president following the 2007 death of his father Jerry Falwell Sr., a massively influential figure within America's modern right-wing Christian movement who founded the university in 1971. Falwell Jr. resigned in 2020, and a settlement was announced in 2024, but the terms were not disclosed. But recently filed tax documents reveal the university is paying Falwell more than $15 million to 'settle certain claims and close certain transactions.' USA Today first reported the disclosures. Falwell has also agreed to pay the university $440,000 to settle 'disputed expenses' with the university. The filings did not include details of the payments. In total, Falwell is set to receive roughly $5.5 million to settle the lawsuits along with $9.7 million as part of his retirement package, according to tax filings. The Independent has requested comment from Liberty. Falwell told USA Today that he was 'very pleased with the outcome of the settlement negotiations and with the final settlement.' In its 2024 statement, the university said it had reached a 'global resolution agreement' with its Board of Trustees 'settling all outstanding disputes on both legal and personal matters' with Falwell. 'This agreement is grounded in a firm commitment to protecting and preserving Liberty's original mission of developing Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact the world,' according to the statement. Falwell took over the university in 2007 after the death of his father, the Rev. Jerry Falwell Sr., who founded the college. Thirteen years later, Falwell – who shook the evangelical Christian and Republican establishments with his 2016 endorsement of then-candidate Donald Trump — was placed on indefinite leave in August 2020 after posting, then deleting, a provocative Instagram photo in which he wraps his arm around a woman while they both have their pants unbuttoned, revealing their bare midriffs. The university announced his resignation a few weeks later, following the publication of allegations that Falwell and his wife had engaged in a years-long sexual relationship with another man. In a lengthy statement at the time, Falwell claimed that the man had tried to blackmail the family and accused him of threatening to reveal the relationship "to deliberately embarrass my wife, family, and Liberty University unless we agreed to pay him substantial monies." 'Over the course of the last few months this person's behavior has reached a level that we have decided the only way to stop this predatory behavior is to go public,' he said at the time. Giancarlo Granda, who shared messages with Reuters as part of the outlet's investigation into his relationship with the couple, denied the allegations against him. Granda said he was in his early 20s when he first met Falwell and his wife Becki while working as a pool attendant at a Florida hotel. He reportedly began a sexual relationship with Becki Falwell in 2012, which continued through 2018, during which Falwell would watch, according to Reuters. The Falwells had meanwhile financed a Miami beach hostel, in which Granda also had invested, according to Reuters. The Falwells filed a lawsuit over its ownership in 2015, which was dismissed, and they refiled in 2017. Reuters and The New York Times also reported in 2019 that in 2015, Falwell sought Trump's attorney Michael Cohen — who at the time had arranged for hush-money payments on the president's behalf to pay for the silence of women who alleged affairs with the president — to get rid of photos that Cohen allegedly claimed should be kept 'between husband and wife.' After leaving the university, Liberty launched an investigation into his alleged conduct and a wave of litigation followed. Falwell sued for defamation, but the complaint was dropped. Liberty then sued Falwell in 2021 alleging breach of contract, and in 2023, Falwell filed a lawsuit over his retirement package and another against the use of his father's image. Those claims were dropped by July 2024, when the university announced a settlement was reached. The settlement 'is based on a mutual understanding regarding the amount Liberty University will pay its former president in authorized retirement and severance under the various disputed agreements' as well as 'the conditions under which the university will make use of Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr.'s name, image, and likeness,' Liberty said at the time. Falwell, university and its board 'sincerely regret the lengthy and painful litigation process, and each take responsibility for their part in the disputes,' according to the statement. 'Falwell acknowledges and apologizes for the errors in judgement and mistakes made during his time of leadership,' the statement aThe Board of Trustees acknowledge and apologize for the errors and mistakes made on their part as well. The Trustees and Falwell are committed to move forward in a spirit of forgiveness and with the hope of reconciliation in a Christ honoring manner.' The university and its board promised no further statements on the settlement. That same year, President Joe Biden's administration sought $16 million from the university following allegations that students were afraid to report sexual abuse, which included a $14 million fine and $2 million pledge from the university 'for on-campus safety improvements and compliance enhancements.'
The Independent
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Jerry Falwell Jr. to get $15 million payout after Liberty University sex scandal
Liberty University has agreed to pay its former president, Jerry Falwell Jr. roughly $15 million as part of a settlement after his resignation in the wake of sex scandals that rocked the famously conservative university. Falwell took over as president following the 2007 death of his father Jerry Falwell Sr., a massively influential figure within America's modern right-wing Christian movement who founded the university in 1971. Falwell Jr. resigned in 2020, and a settlement was announced in 2024, but the terms were not disclosed. But recently filed tax documents reveal the university is paying Falwell more than $15 million to 'settle certain claims and close certain transactions.' USA Today first reported the disclosures. Falwell has also agreed to pay the university $440,000 to settle 'disputed expenses' with the university. The filings did not include details of the payments. In total, Falwell is set to receive roughly $5.5 million to settle the lawsuits along with $9.7 million as part of his retirement package, according to tax filings. The Independent has requested comment from Liberty. Falwell told USA Today that he was 'very pleased with the outcome of the settlement negotiations and with the final settlement.' In its 2024 statement, the university said it had reached a 'global resolution agreement' with its Board of Trustees 'settling all outstanding disputes on both legal and personal matters' with Falwell. 'This agreement is grounded in a firm commitment to protecting and preserving Liberty's original mission of developing Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact the world,' according to the statement. Falwell took over the university in 2007 after the death of his father, the Rev. Jerry Falwell Sr., who founded the college. Thirteen years later, Falwell – who shook the evangelical Christian and Republican establishments with his 2016 endorsement of then-candidate Donald Trump — was placed on indefinite leave in August 2020 after posting, then deleting, a provocative Instagram photo in which he wraps his arm around a woman while they both have their pants unbuttoned, revealing their bare midriffs. The university announced his resignation a few weeks later, following the publication of allegations that Falwell and his wife had engaged in a years-long sexual relationship with another man. In a lengthy statement at the time, Falwell claimed that the man had tried to blackmail the family and accused him of threatening to reveal the relationship "to deliberately embarrass my wife, family, and Liberty University unless we agreed to pay him substantial monies." 'Over the course of the last few months this person's behavior has reached a level that we have decided the only way to stop this predatory behavior is to go public,' he said at the time. Giancarlo Granda, who shared messages with Reuters as part of the outlet's investigation into his relationship with the couple, denied the allegations against him. Granda said he was in his early 20s when he first met Falwell and his wife Becki while working as a pool attendant at a Florida hotel. He reportedly began a sexual relationship with Becki Falwell in 2012, which continued through 2018, during which Falwell would watch, according to Reuters. The Falwells had meanwhile financed a Miami beach hostel, in which Granda also had invested, according to Reuters. The Falwells filed a lawsuit over its ownership in 2015, which was dismissed, and they refiled in 2017. Reuters and The New York Times also reported in 2019 that in 2015, Falwell sought Trump's attorney Michael Cohen — who at the time had arranged for hush-money payments on the president's behalf to pay for the silence of women who alleged affairs with the president — to get rid of photos that Cohen allegedly claimed should be kept 'between husband and wife.' After leaving the university, Liberty launched an investigation into his alleged conduct and a wave of litigation followed. Falwell sued for defamation, but the complaint was dropped. Liberty then sued Falwell in 2021 alleging breach of contract, and in 2023, Falwell filed a lawsuit over his retirement package and another against the use of his father's image. Those claims were dropped by July 2024, when the university announced a settlement was reached. The settlement 'is based on a mutual understanding regarding the amount Liberty University will pay its former president in authorized retirement and severance under the various disputed agreements' as well as 'the conditions under which the university will make use of Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr.'s name, image, and likeness,' Liberty said at the time. Falwell, university and its board 'sincerely regret the lengthy and painful litigation process, and each take responsibility for their part in the disputes,' according to the statement. 'Falwell acknowledges and apologizes for the errors in judgement and mistakes made during his time of leadership,' the statement aThe Board of Trustees acknowledge and apologize for the errors and mistakes made on their part as well. The Trustees and Falwell are committed to move forward in a spirit of forgiveness and with the hope of reconciliation in a Christ honoring manner.' The university and its board promised no further statements on the settlement. That same year, President Joe Biden's administration sought $16 million from the university following allegations that students were afraid to report sexual abuse, which included a $14 million fine and $2 million pledge from the university 'for on-campus safety improvements and compliance enhancements.'
USA Today
20-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Liberty to pay Jerry Falwell Jr. $15M settlement following high-profile sex scandal
Liberty to pay Jerry Falwell Jr. $15M settlement following high-profile sex scandal Show Caption Hide Caption Jerry Falwell Jr. resigns as head of Liberty University amid reports Jerry Falwell Jr., president of Liberty University, has resigned from the school amid reports of his wife's sexual relationship with a business partner. USA TODAY Liberty University will pay its former president, Jerry Falwell Jr., about $15 million to settle litigation following his 2020 resignation after a high-profile sex scandal that drew national attention to the private Christian institution. While the settlement was announced in 2024, neither Falwell nor Liberty shared details about what it included − or how much Falwell would get paid. But buried deep in a recently filed 2023-2024 tax form, the university revealed it's paying Falwell a multi-million figure to 'settle certain claims and close certain transactions.' As part of the agreement, Falwell agreed to pay the university $440,000 to settle "disputed expenses" between he and the university. Details about those claims were not included. In total, Falwell will receive roughly $5.5 million to settle the lawsuits in addition to roughly $9.7 million he already received as part of his retirement package, according to the tax documents. Liberty University declined to comment. University spokesperson Ryan Helfenbein instead directed a reporter to a 2024 news release about the agreement in which both parties said that statements beyond the settlement were not "necessary nor constructive." "Both the University's Board of Trustees and Jerry Falwell, Jr. sincerely regret the lengthy and painful litigation process, and each take responsibility for their part in the disputes," the release at the time stated. "Falwell acknowledges and apologizes for the errors in judgement and mistakes made during his time of leadership. The Board of Trustees acknowledge and apologize for the errors and mistakes made on their part as well." Falwell also declined to comment on specifics about the agreement, but said he was "very pleased with the outcome of the settlement negotiations and with the final settlement." The settlement could mark the end of an embarrassing chapter for Liberty, one of the largest Christian universities in the country. The school prides itself on promoting fundamental Biblical values. For instance, it prohibits its students from having sex outside of marriage or drinking alcohol (though that rule doesn't apply to online students not on campus), per its honor code, The Liberty Way. Falwell took over the university in 2007 following the death of his father and founder of the university, the Rev. Jerry Falwell Sr. The younger Falwell helped grow student enrollment, much of it through online classes, while making it a mainstay among top Republicans. And he was one of the first evangelical leaders to endorse President Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign. But in August 2020, Falwell made headlines when he posted a photo of himself with his arm around his wife's assistant. He held a drink in his hand, and both of their pants were unbuttoned. He went on leave shortly after. He resigned just weeks later following news of a sex scandal involving him, his wife, Becki Falwell, and another man, . Giancarlo Granda. He said Falwell was a participant in the multi-year relationship. Falwell has described it as his wife having an affair. Falwell told The Wall Street Journal of his departure at the time that he wanted what was best for the university. Shortly after he left, Liberty launched an investigation into his conduct at the university. But Falwell then sued the university for defamation but dropped it months later. Liberty then sued Falwell in 2021, arguing he had breached his contract. Falwell then filed two separate claims in 2023 − one over his retirement package and the other against the university over its use of his father's image. As part of the ongoing dispute, Falwell and his wife were eventually barred from entering the campus. But by July 2024, Falwell and the university announced they would drop their claims. He was allowed back on campus and attended the university's homecoming game. And though Jerry Falwell Jr. is no longer working for the university, his brother Jonathan Falwell serves as chancellor and is the head of the massive Thomas Road Baptist Church, which was also started by the senior Falwell. In the meantime, the federal government, under the Biden administration, penalized the university $16 million in 2024 for creating a culture on its campus where students were afraid to report sexual violence. The penalty included a $14 million fine and required the university to spend $2 million 'for on-campus safety improvements and compliance enhancements.' The government also placed Liberty on federal monitoring through April 2026. The university said at the time and recently to the Department of Justice that it felt unfairly targeted by the Biden administration. Contributing: Steve Berkowitz Chris Quintana is an investigative reporter at USA TODAY. He can be reached at cquintana@ or via Signal at 202-308-9021. He is on X at @CQuintanaDC.
