the more things change, the more they stay the same
exclusive
Bishop Thomas Weeks
“A man of God should always exhibit integrity.”
That’s what my father told me.
“And even when he falls, he asks for forgiveness, and gets back up with dignity.”
That’s what my mother told me.
Those thoughts have weighed heavily upon me after hearing the news that Bishop Thomas Weeks pleaded guilty in an Atlanta courtroom to aggravated assault on his estranged wife, Prophetess Juanita Bynum. As Weeks exited the courtroom, the two gave a joint press conference, even engaging in a warm embrace. Weeks would say during his interview that “his emotions got the best of him,” and that “I did push her and subsequently other things took place. I apologized to her for that. No matter how much you feel you are right in a push, it’s unjust according to the law.”
Such an admission was in stark contrast to the interview Weeks conducted for rolling out TV, where he proclaimed his innocence, even going so far as to suggest a conspiracy theory had been set in motion against him. “Once all of the facts come to light, the truth will be known. And it will be seen by all that this was all a part of a bigger plan to discredit me and my ministry.”
So which Weeks should we believe? Should we believe the Weeks who exhibited sincere contrition in front of Superior Court Judge T. Jackson Bedford and Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard? Or should we believe the Weeks who so adamantly defended his honor for the entire rolling out television audience. You be the judge. –dewayne rogers
To view the Bishop Weeks interview on rolling out TV, click here to view The Weeks Chronicles.
certainly not the first time
Bishop Weeks’ about-face is certainly not the first time a public figure has changed his or her story.
Below are three memorable moments where notable figures have denied and then admitted culpability. |
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The Man: President Bill Clinton
The Charges: President Clinton was accused of having an improper sexual relationship
Initial Response: In front of an entire nation, President Clinton forcefully proclaimed, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman … Ms. Lewinsky.”
About Face: After the sordid details and stained dress emerged, President Clinton was forced to proclaim that “Indeed, I did have a relationship with Ms. Lewinsky that was not appropriate. In fact, it was wrong,” He then offered an apology to America, and underwent an embarrassing impeachment process. |
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The Woman: Marion Jones
The Charges: Jones was accused of receiving performance-enhancing drugs from Victor Conte, the founder of the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative.
Initial Response: Jones boldly stated, “I’m confident, in the near future my name will be cleared from this whole situation. The people that truly do know me, know what kind of person I am.”
About Face: Jones apologized in a tearful press conference for lying about the use of performance enhancing drugs. But the damage was already done. Jones was sentenced to six months in prison for lying to an investigator about her steroid use and her involvement in a check fraud scheme. |
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The Man: Mike Vick
The Charges: Vick was accused of bankrolling an elaborate dogfighting venture that operated from his Virginia property.
Initial Response: Vick vehemently denied any wrongdoing and denied personal involvement in the dogfighting ring, in the torture of dogs or the killing of dogs.
About Face: After pleading guilty in a federal courtroom, Vick offered an apology for his actions. “I take full responsibility for my actions,” he said. “Not for one second will I sit right here and point the finger and try to blame anybody else for my actions or what I’ve done.” |
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