James Fortune Sued for $5 Million for Abusing Stepson; Gospel Singer Shocked by Lawsuit

Gospel singer James Fortune is reportedly being sued for $5 million for abusing his stepson back in 2001. The boy, who was four years old at the time of the alleged abuse, suffered permanent disfiguration after he was burned by Fortune in an act of discipline. Fortune had pled guilty to the charge of injury to a child and had received a six-year deferred adjudication.

The unfortunate turn of events happened when Fortune picked up his stepson from preschool after the child misbehaved by coloring on a school table. Fortune disciplined the boy for his behavior by hitting him with a switch and making him take a bath in scalding hot water. He is to have held the boy down in the hot water, which led to the boy receiving second and third degree burns to 47 percent of his body. He had to be flown to the hospital and treated for 63 days. He had to receive skin grafts all over his body, including his hands, legs, and genitals. 

The biological father of the boy who is now 15-years-old, is suing Fortune and his wife Cheryl for $5 million. Cheryl, who is the biological mother of the boy, has been named in the lawsuit that claims that the money can be used for plastic surgery to treat the disfigured child. 
"I recently became aware of a civil suit pending against my wife, Cheryl Fortune and I, for an incident that occurred in 2001 involving my stepson," Fortune said in a statement. "There was a criminal investigation and all matters were resolved in 2003. Since that time, my family and I, including my stepson, have continued with family traditions and always have a loving family environment.

"We are shocked by this lawsuit but understand people are free to use the court system to pursue claims, whether they contain merit or baseless matters. We are confident through this process, if it proceeds to a judge or jury, the ultimate decision maker will render a decision that is favorable to the circumstances and timing surrounding this situation.

"We believe in our American justice system and know it will work for us as it has for millions of other Americans. I love all my children, including my stepson, and I ask for your prayers as we deal with this matter privately. Thank you for your continued support for me, my family, and ministry."