Jerry Falwell

In an interview on 60 Minutes, Falwell described the Prophet Muhammad as a "terrorist" and a "violent man". The remarks triggered protests and a strong international reaction; violence during a demonstration in India was reported in coverage of the controversy.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Two days after the 9/11 attacks, Falwell stated on television that "pagans", abortion rights advocates, feminists, gay men and lesbians, the ACLU and People for the American Way had contributed to the withdrawal of divine protection and had "helped this happen". The remarks were widely condemned.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

At a gathering, Falwell stated that the Antichrist would be a Jewish man and was probably already alive. Jewish organisations denounced the remarks as potentially fuelling antisemitism.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

The National Liberty Journal, published and edited by Falwell, warned parents that Tinky Winky from the Teletubbies had become a gay symbol, citing the character's colour, bag and antenna shape. The article provoked major controversy and criticism from LGBT organisations.

State of the evidence

Documented

Falwell broadcast on his programme and sold tens of thousands of copies of anti-Clinton videos, including "The Clinton Chronicles", which portrayed Bill Clinton as linked to serious crimes, including deaths and drug trafficking. Even conservative and evangelical critics described the videos as mixing facts, half-truths, insinuations and unsupported claims.

Attribution

Directly implicated

Following a sexual parody in Hustler, Falwell sued the magazine and Larry Flynt. A jury rejected the defamation claim but awarded him damages for emotional distress. The United States Supreme Court unanimously overturned the award, holding that First Amendment protection prevented a public figure from recovering on that basis without a false factual statement made with actual malice.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Protagonist is the complainant

Following Jim Bakker's resignation, Falwell took control of PTL, reorganised the board, stopped payments to the Bakkers and prevented Bakker's return to leadership. Bakker subsequently accused Falwell of having "stolen" the ministry and exploited the crisis to take control.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Institutional responsibility

Returning from South Africa, Falwell opposed economic sanctions and encouraged continued investment, while describing Desmond Tutu as a "phony" if he claimed to speak for all Black South Africans. The remarks provoked considerable controversy within the anti-apartheid movement.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

The SEC initiated proceedings concerning approximately $6.5 million to $6.6 million in bonds issued by Falwell's organisations, alleging, among other things, "fraud and deceit" and insolvency. Resolution of the case placed the finances under the supervision of a local committee and provided for repayment of the bonds.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Institutional responsibility

Falwell founded Lynchburg Christian Academy in 1967. Historical research and a New Yorker investigation describe the institution as initially reserved for white pupils in the context of public school desegregation; it subsequently became racially integrated.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Institutional responsibility

In 1958, Falwell delivered and published a sermon addressing segregation and integration amid white resistance to school desegregation. This text forms part of his documented history of initial opposition to the civil rights movement.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated