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Bishop T.D. Jakes has issued an apology to a former volunteer who was assaulted and held against her will at the Mega Church Pastor’s Forth Worth campus on Sunday.
In a video that has gone viral, Audrey Stevenson, is having a verbal confrontation with church elder and administrator Rhonda Lewis in an office, who indicated that the volunteer was not authorized to “do anything on the stage” and that she had been removed from service.
The dispute escalates when Stevenson attempts to leave the office. Church safety officer “Brandon” as Stevenson is heard calling him in the video, blocks her from leaving. Officer Brandon handcuffs Stevenson and restrains her by placing his knee in her back as she begs him to let her leave.
“Get your knees off my back, Sir, I’ve broken no law, let me leave” you can hear Stevenson screaming.
Bishop T.D. Jakes has released a statement, explaining that he was disappointed in the lack of professionalism the safety officer exhibited.
“While many of the extenuating circumstances are not shown in the video that was published March 25, 2018, this still does not justify the lack of professionalism exhibited by the safety officer we require and expect from all of our employees. Emotions quickly escalated and a complete breakdown of communication occurred resulting in what played out on video,” Jakes said. “I’m extremely disappointed and apologize for how Ms. Stevenson was treated and the ill-conduct she received. Privately, we will be reaching out to Ms. Stevenson to offer her the apology she rightly deserves.”“The safety officer in question’s tenure with us has been a positive one, this unfortunate incident, however, has endangered his continuance with our ministry pending the outcome of a comprehensive review which is consistent with our protocols,” Jakes said.
According to the church website, Patrick E. Winfield II oversees the Fort Worth campus. The officer involved is on administrative leave while an investigation takes place, according to the church.
