EBONY Magazine Apologizes For Reporting Pastor Jamal Bryant Impregnated Teenage Member

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Ebony magazine is back peddling on a recent story that they ran on Dr. Jamal Bryant, a popular Baltimore area pastor. In it’s recent March 2013 issue, the magazine wrote a short story in it’s ‘Scandals’ section, suggesting that the pastor had impregnated one of his 17-year-old congregation members. Although the publication did note that the story was ‘alleged’, Bryant was none too pleased that the rumor had been printed. He penned an open letter, calling the magazine  out, writing:

For 67 years Ebony Magazine has been the drum beat for culture in the African American community. John Johnson its beloved founder dedicated his life to safe guarding our image with great integrity…On page 124 they published that it’s alleged I impregnated a 17-year-old member of my church. This accusation is categorically and completely untrue. To publish this with absolutely no source lends itself to reckless endangerment to my children, my congregation and my community. Ebony is not the National Enquirer. A higher standard is required and the statement jeopardizes my ministry to the youth in my church and community…

The magazine acknowledged his concern and open letter, with a response:

“Our ‘Scandals’ package in the March 2013 issue is meant to be a look at some of the more outrageous accusations and events in African-American culture,” the magazine said in its statement shared Saturday. With this particular story, we examined actual incidents as well as reported rumors which have captured the attention of our community throughout the years. In some cases, the allegations were never verified; however, the very fact that they went public constituted scandal. We understand that Dr. Jamal H. Bryant is now getting inquiries regarding a rumor we referenced in the magazine. We published the outrageous allegation as it was scandalous, not because it was confirmed. We did not intend to offend Dr. Bryant, and hope that our readers understand the spirit in which the editorial comment was presented”

Real life scandal is nothing new for the 41-year-old pastor. For years, in the Baltimore area, he’s been plague with infidelity rumors and speculation. In fact, he has even openly admitted to having an extramarital affair. Nonetheless, do you think EBONY was right or wrong for posting a rumor about the pastor? And should they have apologized? [Christian Post, EURWeb]