Local Pastor and Mayoral Candidate Embroiled in Defamation Lawsuit Over Allegations of Covert Operative Ties
A Highland Park activist is suing megachurch leader Solomon Kinloch Jr., a candidate for Detroit mayor, alleging he made false and defamatory statements about him during a televised debate. Robert Davis claims Kinloch maliciously lied about his involvement with Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield's campaign.
The lawsuit filed in Oakland County Circuit Court argues that Kinloch falsely accused Davis of being a "covert operative" for Sheffield, which Davis denies. The allegations come after a series of reports by the Metro Times revealed delinquent water bills and controversial property deals involving Kinloch's church, Triumph Church, which has over 40,000 members.
During the televised debate on October 15, Kinloch claimed without evidence that Davis was paid to work for Sheffield's campaign. In post-debate interviews, Kinloch also alleged that Davis offered him money to "dig up dirt" on Sheffield.
Davis has vehemently denied these allegations, stating that Kinloch fabricated them in an attempt to revive his struggling mayoral campaign. The lawsuit claims that Kinloch made the false statements with actual malice and seeks at least $250,000 in damages.
The dispute highlights tensions between Kinloch's church and community leaders. In a separate lawsuit filed earlier this month, Davis alleged that Kinloch violated state and federal laws after his church bought the property and then conveyed it to him for $1 through a private limited liability company controlled by Kinloch.
Kinloch's church and campaign have declined to comment on these allegations. The incident has sparked concerns about potential conflicts of interest and financial dealings involving the megachurch and its leaders.
The mayoral election, which will replace three-term Mayor Mike Duggan, is shaping up to be a tight contest between Sheffield and Kinloch. A recent survey shows Sheffield leading with 65% support from likely voters, while Kinloch trails with 14%.
A Highland Park activist is suing megachurch leader Solomon Kinloch Jr., a candidate for Detroit mayor, alleging he made false and defamatory statements about him during a televised debate. Robert Davis claims Kinloch maliciously lied about his involvement with Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield's campaign.
The lawsuit filed in Oakland County Circuit Court argues that Kinloch falsely accused Davis of being a "covert operative" for Sheffield, which Davis denies. The allegations come after a series of reports by the Metro Times revealed delinquent water bills and controversial property deals involving Kinloch's church, Triumph Church, which has over 40,000 members.
During the televised debate on October 15, Kinloch claimed without evidence that Davis was paid to work for Sheffield's campaign. In post-debate interviews, Kinloch also alleged that Davis offered him money to "dig up dirt" on Sheffield.
Davis has vehemently denied these allegations, stating that Kinloch fabricated them in an attempt to revive his struggling mayoral campaign. The lawsuit claims that Kinloch made the false statements with actual malice and seeks at least $250,000 in damages.
The dispute highlights tensions between Kinloch's church and community leaders. In a separate lawsuit filed earlier this month, Davis alleged that Kinloch violated state and federal laws after his church bought the property and then conveyed it to him for $1 through a private limited liability company controlled by Kinloch.
Kinloch's church and campaign have declined to comment on these allegations. The incident has sparked concerns about potential conflicts of interest and financial dealings involving the megachurch and its leaders.
The mayoral election, which will replace three-term Mayor Mike Duggan, is shaping up to be a tight contest between Sheffield and Kinloch. A recent survey shows Sheffield leading with 65% support from likely voters, while Kinloch trails with 14%.
Can't believe this latest scandal in Detroit politics! I'm shocked that Solomon Kinloch Jr is facing a defamation lawsuit over these baseless allegations against Robert Davis. This just goes to show how dirty politics can get, especially when it comes to megachurches and their leaders getting involved 
. The fact that Kinloch made these claims without evidence is just outrageous - who tries to damage someone's reputation like this? 
And now, if he loses the lawsuit, he could be on the hook for $250k in damages... talk about a financial blow 
. I'm all for holding public figures accountable, but come on, can't we focus on the issues at hand instead of personal attacks? 
I'm so done with these politicians and their skeletons coming out of the closet! This guy Solomon Kinloch Jr. is trying to smear Robert Davis' reputation just to get ahead in the mayoral election. Newsflash: it's not gonna work! 
The fact that he made those defamatory statements without evidence is a major red flag. And now, his church is all about dodging responsibility for their shady dealings? 
Davis' reputation is already under attack, and if he loses this lawsuit, it could be game over. We need to hold our politicians accountable for their actions, not let them bully and smear each other to get ahead.
its not just about kinloch but also about the churches influence in politics & how it affects ordinary people 
it was wild! 
and now davis is suing him for defaming his name 
. i got the stats on this tho 
according to the latest poll, mary sheffield leads with 65% support 
. that's a 51 point gap 
and it seems like davis' allegations are starting to take toll on kinloch's campaign 
and then conveyed it to him for $1 through a private LLC 
that's like, a 50% discount 
. the poll numbers are looking good for her tho 
. stay tuned folks 
. It's like when my kid gets caught up in a lie at school - it's hard to trust them afterwards 
. We should be focusing on finding solutions, not spreading rumors and accusations.
can't believe this guy's trying to smear his opponent like that. I mean, who tries to make someone out to be a covert operative? Sounds like just another case of desperate politics to me 
. And now he's got a lawsuit on him for it too? Like, come on man! You've got to draw a line somewhere. This whole thing reeks of dirty tricks and I'm not buying it 
just saw that a Highland Park activist is suing Solomon Kinloch Jr for defamation over some shady stuff about his mayoral campaign 
and now he's seeking at least $250k in damages 
.