Falwell Says He’s Owed $10.5 Million From Liberty University Because Of No Formal Wrongdoing

TOPLINE

Jerry Falwell Jr. told several outlets he’s owed $10.5 million from Liberty University as part of a severance package after resigning from the leading Christian conservative college over a string of personal scandals.

Jerry Falwell Jr. took over as Liberty University president in 2007. The evangelical Christian … [+] school was founded by his father nearly 50 years ago.

ASSOCIATED PRESS KEY FACTS

According to Falwell, a 20-page contract signed in July 2019 entitles him to his $1.25 million salary for the next two years and an additional $8 million in retirement. 

Falwell says he is still owed the money because he’s leaving the university without being formally accused of or admitting to wrongdoing. 

However, Falwell’s departure has been mired in scandal, with the university putting him on “indefinite leave” on August 7 over a photo the leading evangelical figurehead posted to social media of himself on a yacht with his pants unzipped, his midriff hanging out and his arm around a woman.

On Monday, days after the university said it was still undecided about Falwell’s return, Reuters published a report alleging a years-long sexual relationship between Falwell, his wife Becki and a 20-year-old pool attendant who the couple met at a Miami hotel in 2012 (Falwell said only his wife was involved in the affair). 

According to Liberty University, Falwell agreed to resign on Monday but then reversed course, officially resigning on Monday night, which the university accepted on Tuesday, releasing a statement explaining: “Additional matters came to light that made it clear that it would not be in the best interest of the university for him to return from leave and serve as president,

Liberty University did not immediately confirm to Forbes the sum Falwell says he is owed or whether he will receive the payment.

Crucial Quote 

Falwell told a reporter from News Advance on Tuesday that it was a “relief” to be leaving Liberty University. “The quote that keeps going through my mind this morning is Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Falwell, citing the late civil rights icon: “Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty I’m free at last.” 

Key Background 

Liberty University is one of the largest evangelical universities in the world. The school, now boasting an enrollment of over 100,000 students, was founded in 1971 by Falwell’s father, Jerry Falwell Sr. to “train champions for Christ” and has numerous restrictions on social conduct. Falwell has been accused of hypocrisy multiple times since taking over as president in 2007 for acting in ways not permitted for his students. In a 2019 Politico exposé, Liberty University staff alleged Falwell would discuss his sex life at work in graphic detail and show off photos of his wife “in provocative and sexual poses.” Falwell has also been chastised for photos showing him partying at a Miami Beach nightclub in 2014, which he denied. Falwell has a long-lasting relationship with President Trump, who he offered an early—and critical—endorsement of in 2016. 

Further Reading 

“Report: Former Pool Boy Describes Years-Long Sexual Relationship With Jerry Falwell Jr. And Wife” (Forbes) 

“Falwell Quotes MLK Jr.—‘Free At Last’—In Confirmation He’s Out At Liberty Following Reports Of Extramarital Affair” (Forbes) 

“Jerry Falwell Jr. resigns as head of Liberty University, will get $10.5 million in compensation” (The Washington Post)