Peter Popoff

Ofcom repeatedly found that episodes of Peter Popoff Ministries on The Word Network stated or implied that contacting the ministry or using 'Miracle Spring Water' could improve serious illnesses, including cancer, or financial difficulties. Penalties of £150 000, followed by £150 000 and £175 000, were imposed on the broadcaster for different groups of programmes.

State of the evidence

Documented

Over several years, the Good Thinking Society documented dozens of letters sent by Popoff's ministry, combining symbolic or 'miraculous' objects with requests for donations of varying amounts and calculating the total sums solicited in its sample.

Attribution

Directly implicated

In 2007, the UK's Advertising Standards Authority upheld eleven breaches concerning Deal TV advertisements promoting Popoff's 'Miracle Spring Water' claims. In 2008, Ofcom again investigated and sanctioned broadcasters over Popoff programmes claiming healing or financial benefits and promoting products during religious broadcasts.

State of the evidence

Documented

Popoff returned to television on BET in the 1990s. The Washington Post noted his continued use of older healing footage and placed him within a trend of prosperity-gospel televangelists targeting Black audiences after earlier scandals.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

Attribution

Directly implicated

In 1987, Popoff and his evangelical organisation filed for bankruptcy following the disappearance of his television programme and the ministry's financial collapse.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Sceptics led by James Randi intercepted radio transmissions showing that Peter Popoff's wife remotely relayed names, addresses and medical problems of people attending his meetings, information previously gathered from audience members.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated