In October of 2015, Institute of Basic Life Principles Bill Gothard was sued by 5 women who claim they were sexually assaulted by the disgraced minister either while they were under his employ, or after they’d come to him seeking help.
Gothard – who is best known as the former reverend and “spiritual mentor” of the Duggar family – has drawn unfavorable comparisons to Bill Cosby, as he allegedly avoided criminal charges by using coercion tactics to prevent the women from pressing charges until the statute of limitations for such crimes had expired.
Also like Cosby, Gothard’s hubris got the better of him, as he recently attempted a “triumphant” return to public life after lying low for more than a year.
Needless to say, it didn’t go well.
Gothard was bombarded by sexual assault allegations after launching social media accounts that he quickly deleted.
Now, the New York Daily News that despite his attempt to retreat from the spotlight, Gothard is still attracting plenty of negative attention, as ten more accusers have come forward this week with claims that they were assaulted by Gothard.
The women have filed suit against Gothard, and court documents obtained by the Daily News contain shocking and graphic allegations about Gothard and other church officials forcing themselves on women and teenage girls.
Gothard has declined to get into specifics, but the unmarried 81-year-old made the following statement when contacted by the Washington Post:
“Never in my life have I touched a girl sexually. I’m shocked to even hear that. That really is not true.”
In this latest suit, the alleged victims are seeking only $ 50,000 in damages – but Gothard’s legal woes might continue to get worse going forward.
“It would not surprise me if law enforcement got involved in this case,” says attorney David Gibbs III, whl is representing the 10 plaintiffs.
Gothard has refused to comment on the possiblity of facing criminal charges.
