Televangelist Jim Bakker Sued For Fake COVID-19 Cure

Arkansas has become the second state to sue televangelist Jim Bakker and his organization to stop them from peddling a Silver Solutions COVID-19 “cure” that experts call ineffective and potentially dangerous.

The state of Missouri filed a similar lawsuit earlier this year on behalf of its residents.

The named defendants in the Arkansas case are Bakker; Morningside Church Productions, the corporation behind “The Jim Bakker Show;” and Sherrill Sellman, a frequent guest on the televangelist’s show.

Bakker refers to Sellman as “Doctor” on his show as she claims to be a naturopathic doctor and psychotherapist. However, according to the Jim Bakker Silver Solution lawsuit, she did not graduate from any accredited medical school, naturopathic or otherwise, and has no degree or formal training in infectious diseases.

On Bakker’s show, Sellman touts a product called Silver Solution, which consists of colloidal silver — that is, silver particles suspended in a liquid. She claims the product “has been proven by the government that it has the ability to kill every pathogen it has ever been tested on, including SARS and HIV,” within hours of drinking it.

In addition, she states on the show that “you can’t overdose on it. The body will use it efficiently and whatever it doesn’t need, it’s gone.” She also claims that it has zero side effects and that even babies can take it safely.

As to its effects on COVID-19, Sellman is a little more cagey: “It hasn’t been tested on this strain of the coronavirus, but it has been tested on other strains of the coronavirus and has been able to eliminate it within 12 hours. Totally eliminate it, kills it. Deactivates it,” she said, thus presenting it as a practically surefire COVID-19 cure.

Bakker allegedly offers bottles of Silver Solution to his viewers in exchange for donations of $80 to $125 to his church. Arkansas consumers paid a combined $60,500+ for the product between Jan. 1 and March 9, the Jim Bakker Silver Solution lawsuit states.

However, the filing cites expert sources that say Silver Solution is neither effective nor safe, especially in large doses.

The Mayo Clinic, for example, has stated that “excessive doses of colloidal silver can cause possibly irreversible serious health problems, including kidney damage and neurological problems such as seizures.”

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health similarly notes that colloidal silver can cause permanent blue-gray discoloration of the skin, eyes, internal organs, nails and gums, the Jim Bakker Silver Solution lawsuit states. The NCCIH also says it can decrease the effectiveness of antibiotics, thyroid medications and of prescription drugs.

According to NCCIH guidance, “there are no legally marketed prescription or over-the-counter drugs containing colloidal silver that are taken by mouth” and “scientific evidence doesn’t support the use of colloidal silver dietary supplements for any disease or condition.”

In March and June, both the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued warnings to Bakker and Sellman to stop hawking Silver Solution as a treatment or cure for COVID-19, as it has not been approved for such use.

The defendants argue the show is a religious service, and that the U.S. Constitution shields what is said on the program.

In one news article, their attorneys say the lawsuit is “arbitrarily, subjectively, and discriminatorily targeting Pastor Bakker and Morningside for alleged ‘advertising’ in connection with their religious practice.”

In another news story, the state attorney general counters that her motive is consumer safety.

“Jim Bakker has exploited Arkansas consumers by leveraging COVID-19 fears to sell over $60,000 worth of their products that do nothing to fight the virus,” she said. “Let me be clear, this case is not about freedom of religion. This is a consumer fraud case.”

Under the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, it is illegal to “knowingly make a false representation as to the characteristics, ingredients, uses, benefits, alterations, source, approval, or certification of goods or services.”

The Jim Bakker Silver Solution lawsuit maintains that the defendants made false representations that colloidal silver is safe and effective to treat or cure COVID-19, that it has no bad side effects, and that Sellman is a doctor.

The state is asking the court to issue an injunction against advertising and sales of the product in question; order restitution for Arkansas consumers who purchased the product, plus fines of $10,000 per violation of state law; suspend the defendants’ permission to do business in Arkansas; and order the defendants to pay court costs.

For a guide to the myriad legal issues arising nationwide from the coronavirus outbreak, click here.

The Jim Bakker Silver Solution Lawsuit is State of Arkansas, et al. v. Morningside Church Productions Inc. d/b/a The Jim Bakker Show, et al., Case No. 60-CV-20-3460, in the U.S. Circuit Court of Pulaski, Arkansas.

Join a Free Coronavirus Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you believe your rights were violated in a way that is directly related to the coronavirus pandemic, you may qualify to join this coronavirus class action lawsuit investigation. 

Join Here

Read More Lawsuit & Settlement News:

McDonald’s Lawsuit Says Workers Needlessly Exposed To Coronavirus

Is TCI Transportation Violating Wage and Hour Laws?

Coronavirus Cure Lawsuit Alleges Fake, Ineffective Vaccine

How to Stop Harassing Telemarketers Calling From a Car Dealer