Federal jury awards Bishop George Bloomer millions following discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims against The Word Network and its owner, Kevin Adell.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN — A federal jury has awarded Bishop George Bloomer $62.2 million in a racial discrimination lawsuit against Kevin Adell and The Word Network, delivering a major legal verdict involving one of America’s prominent Christian broadcasting organizations.
A Dispute That Began With an Offensive Image
The controversy originated in 2019 after Adell circulated a digitally altered image depicting himself dressed as a pimp, surrounded by four Black ministers, including Bloomer.
According to federal court records, Bloomer objected to the image, describing its racial implications as offensive. The lawsuit alleged that Adell continued making inappropriate remarks despite Bloomer’s objections.
Allegations of Harassment and Retaliation
Bloomer accused Adell of racial discrimination, harassment and retaliation, including threatening to reduce his television airtime.
Their professional relationship subsequently ended, with the parties disputing the circumstances surrounding Bloomer’s departure.
The lawsuit was filed in October 2022 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Federal Jury Delivers $62.2 Million Verdict
Following a five-day trial and approximately one day of deliberations, jurors ruled in Bloomer’s favor, awarding $62.2 million.
The verdict represents a substantial legal defeat for Adell and raises questions about accountability within religious broadcasting.
A spokesperson for Adell declined to comment following the verdict. The award remains subject to potential post-trial proceedings or appeals.
Questions Facing Christian Broadcasting
The case highlights concerns about racial equality, professional accountability and leadership conduct within faith-based media organizations.
For Christian audiences, the verdict also raises a broader question: Should religious broadcasters be held to an especially high standard when their public mission emphasizes biblical values?
CNIR will continue following developments surrounding the verdict and any subsequent legal proceedings.
Sources: WDIV Local 4 Detroit; Law360; U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Case No. 2:22-cv-12433.
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The information presented in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any decisions. Source: Christian News & Investigative Reports (CNIR) — cnirbc.com Reporting the headline. Investigating the facts
