01 March 2023 , 15:33
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A preacher has been caught on camera lashing out at a reporter after she called him out over his luxurious lifestyle and for calling other people "demons".
US televangelist Kenneth Copeland has found himself in the spotlight after a resurfaced clip from 2019 shows him struggling to justify his lavish assets, which include a private jet, limousines, expensive suits, and big homes.
During the tense 11-minute interview with reporter Lisa Guerrero, Mr Copeland became agitated and made controversial comments about using commercial flights, referring to people as "demons."
He also claimed that he has brought "122 million people to the Lord Jesus Christ" and that his line of work requires a lot of money.
Mr Copeland, who unveiled a $3million (£2.48million) jet in 2018, claimed that he couldn't resist buying it as he has commitments worldwide.
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Copeland referred to people as "demons" when talking about using commercial flights (Inside Edition)When asked about how he spends the money donated to him by his congregations, Mr Copeland became defensive, stating that he has to spend money on his ministry.
Ms Guerrero pressed Mr Copeland about whether his lifestyle goes against the teachings of Jesus, to which he responded that "it's full of wealth, miracles, signs, wonders and goodness, and it's full of meanness; it's just full of hell on Earth. Those are the demons, not the people. I love the people."
He struggled to justify his use of donated funds on a private jet and other luxuries (Inside Edition)The interview ended with the Inside Edition reporter revealing that her grandfathers were preachers who were offended by those who lived a life of luxury funded by their followers.
Mr Copeland responded that her grandfathers "held up and stood for its glory to God, but when you go back to the Bible, it's full of wealth."
The interview has since gone viral, with many praising Ms Guerrero's impeccable interviewing technique and her ability to hold her own against the preacher.
Kenneth Copeland faced scrutiny over his lavish lifestyle (Inside Edition)The reporter responded to the clip by encouraging people to watch the entire interview to find out more about Mr Copeland and his lifestyle.
Critics have called out Mr Copeland for his extravagant lifestyle, claiming that it is not in line with the teachings of Jesus.
Many believe that religious leaders should live modestly and use their funds to help the less fortunate.
This is not the first time he has faced criticism for his lifestyle. In 2015, he faced backlash for asking his followers to buy him a $65 million (£53.84 million) private jet. He eventually bought the jet with the help of his followers.
Lisa Guerrero, the interviewer, remained composed and has been praised for her technique (Inside Edition)The controversy surrounding Mr Copeland's lifestyle raises questions about the role of televangelists and their use of funds donated by their congregations.
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While many believe that religious leaders should live modestly and use their funds to help others, others argue that it is up to the individual to decide how they spend their money.
The preacher's lavish lifestyle has drawn attention to the issue of televangelists and their use of funds, sparking a conversation about the role of religion and wealth in society.