Gospel World Rocked: COGIC Sues Moses Tyson Jr. for $500K Over Libel, Slander Claims

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (BuzzReport)– The Church of God in Christ (COGIC), one of the nation’s largest Pentecostal denominations, has filed a high-stakes lawsuit against acclaimed gospel musician and organist Moses Tyson Jr., seeking $500,000 in damages for alleged libel and slander. The church organization claims Tyson has “recklessly and knowingly” published false statements accusing them of serious crimes, causing significant harm to their reputation and operations.

According to the lawsuit filed in Memphis, COGIC alleges that Tyson has “repeatedly and widely published demonstrably false statements in emails, on social media, and in video broadcasts.” These statements, the church contends, falsely accuse COGIC of crimes including grand theft, fraud, and elder abuse.

COGIC is a prominent global Pentecostal denomination founded in 1907 in Memphis, with millions of members worldwide. The organization asserts that Tyson’s widespread accusations have severely damaged its “charitable reputation,” undermined its mission, negatively impacted membership, and led to a decrease in donations. The church is asking a judge to grant $500,000 for injuries and punitive damages.

Attorneys representing COGIC argue that Tyson began circulating these defamatory remarks in August 2024 through various digital platforms. Specifically, mass emails, YouTube videos, and social media postings are cited as the primary channels for the alleged misinformation.

A key contention in the lawsuit is Tyson’s alleged use of COGIC’s brand and insignia in his YouTube broadcasts. Lawyers for the church claim this tactic created a “false appearance of an internal COGIC investigation,” misleading viewers into believing his claims were part of an official inquiry. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that Tyson actively attempted to persuade donors to sever their ties with the organization, directly impacting the church’s financial support.

Moses Tyson Jr. is a respected figure in the gospel music community, known for his masterful organ playing and musical contributions. The lawsuit pits a celebrated artist against a powerful religious institution, setting the stage for a legal battle that is expected to draw significant attention within both the religious and gospel music communities.

Efforts to reach Moses Tyson Jr. for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication. The lawsuit is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the legal proceedings advance.