What was the sex scandal that defrocked televangelist Jimmy Swaggart? Preacher dies at 90

Jimmy Swaggart, an American Pentecostal televangelist, passed away on July 1 at the age of 90. The news was announced on his Facebook page with the statement:

"Today, our hearts are heavy as we share that Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ. Today was the day he has sung about for decades. He met his beloved Savior and entered the portals of glory. At the same time, we rejoice knowing that we will see him again one day."

As per Donnie Swaggart, Jimmy Swaggart's son, Jimmy was taken to the hospital in June after he suffered a heart attack in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The statement also mentioned the Baton Rouge General Medical Center:

"The family would like to thank the staff, doctors and nurses at Baton Rouge General Medical Center for their incredible support and care given during this time."

CBS also received a statement from SonLife Broadcasting Network confirming his death on the morning of July 1.

Jimmy had previously been caught in a sex scandal involving a sex worker. The incident took place in 1988 when he was seen outside a hotel near New Orleans, which received major media coverage and ended with him being defrocked by his church.

However, Jimmy did apologize for his actions through the statement in his speech:

"I have sinned against you. I beg you to forgive me."

Who was the preacher who hired the photographer in the Jimmy Swaggart sex scandal?

Jimmy Swaggart's rival, Marvin Gorman, hired a photographer who captured Swaggart with a sex worker named Debra Murphree in a hotel in New Orleans. However, Debra told the media houses that Jimmy only asked her to pose nude and didn't have sex. The incident led to him being removed from the Assemblies of God.

Swaggart later made an apology for his actions and the scandal surrounding him. However, he never specified the complete details. Additionally, Swaggart settled with Gorman for a reported $1.8 million over the sexual allegations.

In 1991, he was caught by the police for driving on the wrong side of the road with a sex worker named Rosemary Garcia in Indio. The two were reportedly in an unregistered Jaguar, as per PBS News.

The incident affected his public image further, especially since it came not long after a previous scandal.

Swaggart also made a controversial remark in 2004 involving gay men:

"If one ever looks at me like that, I'm going to kill him and tell God he died"

While he later apologized, the comment still drew widespread criticism.

Also Read: Jimmy Swaggart Dead at 90: A Look at His Family, Wife Frances, and Son Donnie

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