Ex-megachurch founder hit with $1M lawsuit claiming sexual abuse and elaborate cover-up scheme

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A former Texas megachurch pastor is being sued by a woman who claims he sexually assaulted and abused her when she was 12 years old.

The lawsuit, initiated this week in Dallas County District Court, alleges that Gateway Church founder Robert Morris, among others, is responsible for libel, malice, defamation, slander, failing to report, civil conspiracy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and unjust enrichment.

They are seeking more than $1 million in damages.

Texas-Megachurch-Pastor-Accused

Pastor Robert Morris applauds during a roundtable discussion at Gateway Church Dallas Campus, Thursday, Jun. 11, 2020, in Dallas. A statement issued on Tuesday, Jun. 18, 2024, said that Morris resigned after a woman said he had abused her on multiple occasions in the 1980s, beginning when she was 12.  (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

“[The] defendants acted in concert, cooperated with each other and conspired to maximize their profits through their unlawful and unjust course of action to fraudulently conceal and cover up the rape of Plaintiff,” according to court documents.

Morris resigned in June 2024 and later filed a lawsuit against the church, stating his “highly inappropriate” relationship with a minor was not a breach of contract, and Gateway Church should fulfill its contractual financial obligations to him.

Church officials said he would have received millions in deferred compensation, additional retirement benefits and a severance payment, according to the report.

Gateway Church declined Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

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