Oklahoma Woman Sues Televangelist Robert Morris for Over $1 Million, Accusing Him of Sexual Abuse

An Oklahoma resident, Cindy Clemishire, has initiated legal action against megachurch pastor Robert Morris, seeking a minimum of $1 million in damages. Her lawsuit, filed in Dallas County, outlines accusations of slander, defamation, and emotional distress stemming from alleged abuse she suffered at the hands of Morris starting when she was 12 years old. Clemishire, who is now 55 and a real estate broker, asserts that Morris, along with his family and church leaders, collaborated to suppress the truth about the “heinous” acts she endured.

Gateway Church, founded by Morris in the affluent suburb of Southlake, Texas, has attracted large congregations since its inception 25 years ago. The lawsuit argues that while Morris and his church profited through various endeavors such as books and speaking engagements, they obscured the reality of the abuse, labeling it as merely an “inappropriate relationship” instead of acknowledging the severity of the crimes committed against Clemishire.

The complaint details that Morris first assaulted Clemishire on Christmas Day in 1982, when he coerced her into his bed. Clemishire alleges the abuse continued for five years, during which Morris threatened her against revealing the incidents, stating it would ruin everything. After confiding in a friend in 1987, she received a call from Morris's wife, Deborah, who expressed forgiveness, further insinuating blame on Clemishire for the abuse.

Morris himself admitted to having been "sexually immoral" during his youth, acknowledging sexual encounters but minimizing their nature. In recent statements, he has falsely claimed that the incidents were merely an affair, suggesting that Clemishire initiated the interactions, which her lawsuit contest. Following the emergence of these allegations, Morris stepped down from his church position in June 2024, facing investigations that led to an indictment by a grand jury in March 2025.

Clemishire, reflecting on the legal developments, expressed gratitude toward the authorities and emphasized the importance of accountability for Morris after decades. In contrast, Morris has filed a lawsuit against Gateway Church for financial compensation amid the allegations, but the church claims that his behavior constituted a breach of contract. Clemishire's attorneys are pursuing a jury trial to secure damages for the claims filed against Morris and others involved.