Federal Judge Rules Against Former SBC President Johnny Hunt
On Monday, U.S. District Judge William Campbell dismissed nearly all claims filed by Johnny Hunt, the former president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), in his lawsuit against Guidepost Solutions and the SBC. Hunt filed the suit after Guidepost published a 2022 investigative report that included an allegation of sexual assault involving Hunt. The judge granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants, with a detailed memorandum expected soon.
Allegations Stem from 2010 Incident
The case centers on a 2010 encounter where Hunt allegedly kissed and fondled another pastor’s wife. Hunt initially denied the incident, later calling it consensual. The alleged misconduct was revealed in Guidepost’s report on SBC leadership’s mishandling of sexual abuse cases. Hunt, who kept the incident hidden for years, claimed that the report damaged his reputation and led to major financial losses.
Hunt Sought Over $75 Million in Damages
Hunt’s lawsuit accused Guidepost and SBC leaders of defamation, public disclosure of private facts, and inflicting emotional distress. He claimed the investigation and its findings were deeply harmful to his image and career, citing losses of tens of millions. Hunt also argued the incident was private and should not have been publicized.
Most Claims Dismissed; One Tweet Still Under Scrutiny
The court dismissed all major claims against the SBC and its Executive Committee, including those of defamation and emotional distress. Guidepost Solutions also prevailed in the summary judgment. However, a single claim related to a tweet by former SBC president Bart Barber remains active. That portion of the case could proceed to trial this summer.
Legal Costs Continue to Mount for the SBC
The SBC Executive Committee has already spent over $3.1 million on legal fees tied to this and another Guidepost-related lawsuit. In response, the Committee recently requested an additional $3 million from the denomination to cover ongoing expenses. SBC Executive Committee President Jeff Iorg expressed appreciation for the court’s decision and the legal progress.
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Judge Rules Against Johnny Hunt in Defamation Suit over SBC Abuse Report
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