Televangelists Benny Hinn and Paula White’s budding relationship has hit a snag. Strang Communications, the charismatic publishing powerhouse, is suing Hinn for violating a “moral turpitude” clause in his publishing contract for conducting a relationship with White while still in the process of a divorce from his wife Suzanne. The National Enquirer was the first to report on the relationship last year, and Hinn and White have taken great pains to downplay their relationship, despite being photographed together in Rome.
Hinn and White each sit at the helm of two of the country’s most lucrative televangelism empires, and their financial excesses drew the attention of the Grassley investigation into whether these ministries were exploiting their tax exempt status for personal enrichment.
Hinn admitted to the relationship, according to court documents, in August of 2010, and promised to pay Strang back the advance for three books — a total of $251,096.77 — by December 31, 2010. To date, Hinn has not paid this amount, nor have the books been completed.
When the premier charismatic organization goes after one of its own, it is pretty clear that the avenues previously open to Hinn are closing. To be sued by Strang Communications shuts Hinn off from both his publishing arm and his advertising. If Hinn doesn’t resolve his suit with Strang soon, it may be his body hitting the floor instead of the hapless audience.
