Juanita Bynum - Thomas Weeks divorce talks break down after Essence article

Talks in the divorce case of national evangelist Juanita Bynum and her estranged husband have broken down since the pastor dished about her troubled marriage in Essence magazine.

Attorney for Bishop Thomas W. Weeks III said Monday that the magazine story has halted negotiations between the couple.

Bynum is featured in a story this month about her tumultuous relationship with Weeks. She discusses past incidents of abuse and the night of the alleged Aug. 21 attack that eventually led to the divorce.

Bynum’s divorce attorney, Karla Walker, did not want to comment Monday on the case.

Bynum has accused her husband of beating, choking and stomping her to the ground in an Atlanta hotel parking lot. After the incident, Weeks was charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats and simple battery.

Weeks’ attorney Randy Kessler, of Kessler, Schwarz & Solomiany, said the story in Essence “revealed a calculated, aggressive media attack on Bishop Weeks,” who has denied the alleged attack.

“The comments made by Rev. Bynum in that article has sabotaged discussions in the divorce case,” Kessler said.

The Bynum interview hit the stands this month just as the couple was negotiating their divorce settlement. Essence will feature Bynum in a January cover story where she will discuss plans for a domestic violence ministry.

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