Christian rapper FEDEL clarifies that he is NOT the one named in the Bishop Eddie Long lawsuit

When news about the alleged sexual coercion lawsuit by two men against prominent Atlanta pastor Bishop Eddie Long broke yesterday, many in the Christian hip hop community noted that the name of one of the plaintiffs matched the legal identity of Oklahoma-based rapper FEDEL.

FEDEL was quick to respond via Twitter and just posted this note on his website:

FEDEL Fans:

Due to the recent lawsuit against Atlanta, Georgia bishop Eddie Long and the two Georgia men: 20-year-old Maurice Murray Robinson and 21-year-old Anthony Flagg - FEDEL has decided to issue an official statement as follows:

Anthony Flagg, 27, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma – otherwise known as Christian Hip Hop artist “FEDEL” – has no involvement with the lawsuit against Georgia Bishop Eddie Long. Neither does Anthony Flagg (FEDEL) have family relation to 21-year-old, Georgia plaintiff, Anthony Flagg; nor has ever met Bishop Long or performed at or attended Bishop Long’s church: New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.

FEDEL fans please keep those involved in this situation in your prayers and pray that God’s truth would prevail.

- FEDELITY Music Team

Given Long's churches affiliation with the genre, I can completely understand why FEDEL felt the need to make this statement.

Please join us in prayer for everyone involved in this situation.

Interestingly enough, FEDEL's excellent "Walk It Like I'm Changed" song/video/campaign addresses overcoming such tragic issues of abuse and exploitation.



Here's what he told me about it at SXSW in March.
(Listen for comments at the 3:11 mark.)