New Birth Denies Rumors about Eddie Long's Wife, WSB, June 14, 2011

New Birth Denies Rumors about Eddie Long's Wife

WSB
June 14, 2011

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/28233324/detail.html

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- In light of recent rumors that the wife of embattled mega-preacher Eddie Long has moved out, Long's church is setting the record straight.

Last month, Long, leader of Lithonia's New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, reached a settlement with four men who accused him of sexual abuse. The amount of money involved was not disclosed, and Long has not addressed the allegations, but the story wouldn't die.

In recent weeks, the blogosphere has been rife with claims that Long settled for millions and that his wife, Vanessa Long, has moved out. The church has issued a statement that the claim was previously ignored because the church is focused on God's work, but "many people can't discern the difference between legitimate journalists and irresponsible bloggers."

According to Long's representative Art Franklin, "Mrs. Long has not moved out and is very much a loving, dedicated and committed wife and mother."

"It is unfortunate that anyone would make such hateful and damaging false claims of this nature. These cruel and insensitive rumors have the potential to cause immeasurable pain and suffering. Those involved should feel obligated to retract their earlier statements," Franklin said.