Juanita Bynum: Bishop Thomas Weeks is trying to destroy my name

National evangelist Juanita Bynum took issue Friday with her estranged husband’s claims that her interview in a popular woman’s magazine stretched the truth.

Bynum is being featured in Essence magazine this month in an interview about her tumultuous relationship with Bishop Thomas W. Weeks III.

Bynum has accused her husband of beating, choking and stomping her in an Atlanta hotel parking lot on Aug. 21.

Weeks, who has denied the abuse, held a press conference Wednesday to dispute Bynum’s claims in the magazine. The bishop said he was looking forward to the time when the judicial system would “vindicate” him.

On Friday, Bynum had her say: “Bishop Weeks is doing exactly what he promised he would do and that is, try to destroy my name with lies, fabrications and exaggerations,” the pastor said in a statement provided by her publicist, Amy Malone. “His behavior is to be expected.”

Bynum said the facts of the case against Weeks speak for themselves. He was charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats and simple battery for the alleged attack on his wife. A bellman witnessed the attack and was later interviewed by police. Authorities also have photos of her bruises.

Bynum discusses the attack in detail in Essence magazine, which is featuring a two-part interview with the pastor that will continue next month.

“At this stage of my ministry/career with major projects pending, I would not have had any motive to stage my own attack and bring worldwide negative press to myself,” Bynum said in the statement. “… I am confident in the power of truth! I was Juanita Bynum when I walked into this marriage and I will continue to be Juanita Bynum as I exit from this marriage in spite of all false allegations that have come against my name.”

The couple’s divorce is still pending in Gwinnett County Superior Court.

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