Missouri AG sues Jim Bakker for coronavirus ‘cure’ claims

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt (R) on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against televangelist Jim Bakker for misrepresenting a “Silver Solution” sold through his show as a cure for the novel coronavirus.

The lawsuit, which names Bakker and his Morningside Church Productions as defendants, says Bakker and “naturopathic doctor” Sherrill Sellman falsely claimed the solution could cure the virus in a Feb. 12 episode of “The Jim Bakker Show.”

Sellman noted the product had not been tested on COVID-19, but said it had cured other strains over the course of 12 hours.

Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and New York Attorney General Letitia James’s (D) office sent cease and desist letters to Bakker following the broadcast, with the FDA letter advising that there are no known vaccinations or over-the-counter products approved to treat or cure the virus.

“The 2019 novel coronavirus poses serious consequences to public health, and consumers are concerned as to how they can best protect themselves and their families,” James said in the letter. “Your show’s segment may mislead consumers as to the effectiveness of the Silver Solution product in protecting against the current outbreak.”

The Missouri suit requests a restraining order and permanent injunction against Bakker selling the solution as a coronavirus treatment, according to Schmitt’s office.

The Hill has reached out to “The Jim Bakker Show” for comment.