Jimmy Swaggart has preached his style of fire and brimstone for more than 30 years. Swaggart first showed *** fascination for capturing an audience as *** young boy, much like his cousins Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley. Eventually, Swaggart was one of the fastest rising stars in the early 80s as televangelists vied for prayers and donations of *** worldwide viewing public. Swaggart. Managed to hold on to part of his empire after the 1988 scandal dealing with his involvement with *** prostitute on Airline Highway. It was newly fallen assemblies of God minister Marvin Gorman who got the pictures of Swaggart and prostitute Deborah Murphy. I said, the thing that I can't understand is how could you be living this kind of life. And then attack me as viciously as you have done. And attacked Jim Baker, attacked other people all over this nation. That you want out of the way. *** faithful congregation stood behind Swaggart this summer as he defended himself against *** defamation suit filed by Gorman. Swaggart was cocky at times during that 10 week long trial, enjoying *** relationship with the press he'd never known because the judge had ruled out any mention of his indiscretions during trial. Now Swaggart still has no comment on the latest controversy that will apparently permanently push him from the pulpit. Leslie Hill, S6 News.
From the archive: Jimmy Swaggart's televangelist ministry was brought down by prostitution scandals
Jimmy Swaggart's empire faced ruin after scandal, defamation suits and shocking allegations.
Updated: 4:16 PM CDT Jul 1, 2025
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Jimmy Swaggart, a prominent televangelist known for his fiery sermons who captivated audiences for over 30 years, died Tuesday at the age of 90.His rise in the 1980s saw him as one of the most influential televangelists, rivaling his cousins Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley.Swaggart's reputation collapsed following a 1988 scandal involving prostitute Debra Murphree, which was exposed by fellow minister Marvin Gorman.In October 1991, Swaggart faced new accusations after police detained him in California with another prostitute, Rosemary Garcia. Garcia claimed he sought out pornography and prostitution.(Video below) From The Archives: Jimmy Swaggart faces scandal in 1991Despite these controversies, Swaggart maintained partial support from his congregation.
Jimmy Swaggart, a prominent televangelist known for his fiery sermons who captivated audiences for over 30 years, died Tuesday at the age of 90.
His rise in the 1980s saw him as one of the most influential televangelists, rivaling his cousins Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley.
Swaggart's reputation collapsed following a 1988 scandal involving prostitute Debra Murphree, which was exposed by fellow minister Marvin Gorman.
In October 1991, Swaggart faced new accusations after police detained him in California with another prostitute, Rosemary Garcia. Garcia claimed he sought out pornography and prostitution.
(Video below) From The Archives: Jimmy Swaggart faces scandal in 1991
Despite these controversies, Swaggart maintained partial support from his congregation.