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There’s a lot of controversy happening in the gospel music world right now. Cora Jakes-Coleman, the eldest daughter of Bishop T.D. Jakes, filed for divorce from her husband Richard Coleman earlier this year. Now, Richard is being accused of sexually abusing their adopted daughter. 

T.D. Jakes preaches; Jakes' son-in-law was recently arrested
T.D. Jakes | Paras Griffin/Getty Images
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Cora Jakes-Coleman announces her divorce

The couple wed in an intimate ceremony in June 2011. Her father not only walked her down the aisle but also officiated the ceremony. Photos from the wedding surfaced and made headlines of her glowing in custom, sparkling, crystal-encrusted suede Christian Louboutin pumps.

In their marriage, they’ve been open about their struggles with infertility and to conceive. As a result, they chose to adopt and adopted two children – a daughter Amauri and a son Jason. They’ve shared family photos online and have been motivational speakers on the idea of destigmatizing adoption.

In Jan. 2022, Jakes-Coleman announced their split. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce that my husband and I have decided to divorce,” said the 34-year-old Faithing It author wrote. Jakes-Coleman also serves as the Associate Pastor at Potter’s House of Dallas, her father’s ministry.

She continued: “This is a very private and personal matter, and I kindly ask for your prayers as I prioritize myself, and most importantly, my children’s well-being at this time.” At the time of the split, no reason was made known. 

Her husband is arrested for sexual abuse of a minor

Speculation regarding whether or not cheating or the impact of the pandemic led to their split. But according to popular Christian vlogger Larry Reid, something more serious is the cause. On his YouTube show, he reported that Richard was arrested on child molestation charges. 

A source close to the family claims that Richard allegedly inappropriately touched their adopted daughter, who is 13-years-old. The source claimed that it is possible that there was something “farther” than touching that took place. He was arrested on the evening of May 4 for sexual assault.

The biological mother of one of the children speak out

On top of the divorce and sexual abuse allegations, the couple is now facing other serious allegations from the biological mother of their adopted son. She took to social media with more accusations against the well-known couple, claiming they used manipulative tactics to get her to agree to the adoption. The manipulative tactics the biological mother was using was religion. She also fears that her child, as the Coleman’s adopted daughter, was harmed in their care following Richard’s arrest.