Larry Reid discusses his split from E. Bernard Jordan and the lawsuit

Spiritual fatherhood has a dark side

There has been a growing trend in Christianity where ministers exalt their mentor/spiritual father whenever they have a platform. Christianity is supposed to be about lifting up the Name of Jesus, but talking about other preachers has become the norm.

I belonged to a church where the pastor spoke about his spiritual father before practically every service. He later told a young preacher in his congregation to give him a shoutout before he preached in other venues. I have seen church members adoration go above and beyond for their pastors and it turned my stomach.

This is why I used to listen to Larry Reed Live, but became disinterested when he continued to talk about what E. Bernard Jordan meant to him. In practically every video, he praised his spiritual father, and it made my skin crawl. I am not a fan of exalting preachers more than Jesus.

Today, I saw an article stating that the two men had parted ways. I am writing this article with the assistance of AI, not as an indictment against either preacher, as I can't afford a lawsuit. This is to warn believers in Christ that people can let you down, and your adoration should be for the One who died for your sins on the Cross.

Those who preach the Gospel have many scriptures that warn to love the Lord and keep Him first. Spiritual fathers should never be the main subject of anyone who is supposed to be sold out for Christ.

The Christian Post reveals that the situation came about because of allegations related to Jordan and young men, and his sexuality being questioned by Reid, Justin Edwards, and Calvin Blake.

Here’s what’s publicly known so far about the split between Larry Reid and Bishop E. Bernard Jordan and the lawsuit Jordan filed against Reid and others (updated as of February 2026):

Who’s Involved

Archbishop E. Bernard Jordan – Televangelist and founder of Zoe Ministries in Manhattan City, New York.

Larry Reid – Online media personality and host of “Larry Reid Live,” with a large social media following, based in Georgia, who had previously spoken publicly about Jordan.

The dynamic between the men shifted by late 2024, and the relationship soured when Reid and others began publicly discussing private communications with Jordan and speculating about his conduct. Reid has denied wrongdoing.

The Lawsuit (Filed February 2026)

In February 2026, Jordan filed a federal lawsuit against Reid and several others, alleging a coordinated effort to illegally record phone calls and spread defamatory allegations about him.

Jordan alleges that thedefendants made false statements that harmed his reputation and ministry.

Federal Wiretap Act violations: He claims private phone calls were recorded without consent.

RICO Act: The lawsuit includes allegations of racketeering-style conduct.

Civil conspiracy and emotional distress: Jordan says the defendants worked together to damage him personally and professionally.

Jordan’s complaint asserts that, as a result of these actions, his ministry suffered a significant drop in church membership and financial harm—a claim he quantifies as a 60 % reduction in membership.

Damages Sought

Jordan’s legal filing seeks at least $80 million in damages — roughly $10 million for each of eight distinct claims — plus attorney fees and interest.

Court Action and Venue

The case was initially filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on February 10, 2026, but a judge ruled the venue was improper because the alleged actions took place outside New York.

The case has been transferred to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey for further proceedings.

Reid’s Response

Marking a clear break from their previous relationship, Reid expressed disappointment at being sued by someone he once called a mentor.

He denies any illegal recording — stating he only commented on conversations he was part of, in states that allow one-party consent — and claims he has nothing to hide.

Broader Context

The dispute exists in a climate where religious leaders and internet personalities increasingly clash online, and such public allegations often intersect with legal claims of defamation, privacy rights, and ministry reputational interests.

Reid shared some information on the subject in the following video, but said he would only give specific details to those who pay money to belong to his Patreon network.

Here’s a summary of publicly available court documents and filings related to the lawsuit filed by televangelist E. Bernard Jordan against Larry Reid and others, with legal detail pulled from the docket and complaint description:

Case Name: Jordan v. Reid, et al.

Original Filing Date: February 10, 2026

Original Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

Current Venue: Transferred to U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (order issued February 20, 2026)

The lawsuit was filed by Archbishop E. Bernard Jordan (plaintiff) against media personality Larry D. Reid (individually and doing business as Larry Reid Live) and several others including pastors and YouTubers.

📄 Key Allegations in the Complaint

In his federal complaint, Jordan asserts a multi-count set of claims alleging that the defendants harmed him personally, professionally, and financially. The complaint (as described in news and docket summaries) includes these main legal theories:

1. Federal Wiretap Act Violations

Jordan claims that defendants illegally recorded private telephone conversations with him — including at least two calls — without his consent, in violation of federal wiretapping law.

2. Defamation

The complaint alleges that the defendants publicly made false and defamatory statements about Jordan, including deeply personal allegations, causing damage to his reputation and ministry.

3. Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act

Jordan’s filing includes claims under the RICO statute, which allows civil actions alleging a pattern of unlawful, coordinated conduct. He says the defendants engaged in a coordinated campaign that rises to the level of racketeering.

4. Civil Conspiracy

The complaint alleges the defendants acted in concert with each other to carry out the recordings and defamatory conduct.

5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress

Jordan also asserts that defendants’ conduct was outrageous and intended (or reckless) and inflicted severe emotional distress.

Damages and Relief Sought

While full case filings aren’t publicly posted in their entirety, news reporting based on the complaint indicates:

Jordan is seeking at least $80 million in damages, asserting $10 million for each of roughly eight causes of action plus attorneys’ fees and interest.

He claims the conduct caused significant harm to his ministry, including a purported 60 % drop in church membership following the events described.

Venue and Case Transfer

The original complaint was filed in the Southern District of New York. However, the court determined venue was improper because:

None of the defendants’ actions or omissions alleged in the complaint occurred in New York.

The recordings were made while the participants were outside of New York, and no defamatory statements in the complaint were made in New York.

As a result, the judge ordered the case transferred to the District of New Jersey.

Defendants Named in the Case (per news reporting)

According to the reporting, Jordan names several individuals in addition to Reid, including:

Pastors Justin D. Edwards and Calvin Blake Sr.

YouTubers Davyon Augustus (“Consciouz TV”), Marcellus McMillian (“Mad Church Disease”), and Tyesse Jackson (“The Tyesse Report”)

Several other individuals and John/Jane Doe defendants yet to be identified

What Documents Are Publicly Available?

From the court docket:

Order (Feb 20, 2026) transferring the case to New Jersey (Filing No. 28) — explains the venue issue and transfer.

The original complaint itself — filed on February 10, 2026 — should be accessible via PACER or court ECF systems.

Because complaints and briefs in federal court are generally public, anyone with a PACER subscription can download the full complaint and related motions (for a fee) for deeper detail.

It's heartbreaking to listen to Reid describe how devoted he was to Jordan and how he cried when they split. Many commenting on the video are saying they want the two to reconcile, but I don't see that happening. Time will tell.

Keep in mind Psalms 55:12-14. It's not an enemy. but those closest to you who can hurt you the most.