Late Christian preacher Ravi Zacharias sexually abused massage therapists, had affairs: law firm report
- Five therapists told investigators Zacharias had touched them inappropriately, and one said she was raped, according to a law firm hired by his ministry
- Zacharias’ mobile devices also contained some 200 photographs of younger women, including nude images of a salon worker in Malaysia, the probe found
Ravi Zacharias, a prominent US preacher who travelled around the world defending Christianity, engaged in sexual misconduct with massage therapists and carried on many amorous extramarital relationships via text message and email, according to a report from a law firm hired by his ministry.
Five of the therapists said Zacharias touched them inappropriately, and one said she was raped, according to the report by Atlanta-based Miller & Martin.
Investigators searching Zacharias’ mobile devices found more than 200 photographs of younger women, including nude images of a salon employee in Malaysia.
In blunt terms, the report said the Christian apologist had lied in claiming in 2017 that “I have never engaged in any inappropriate behaviour of any kind”.
Coinciding with the report’s release on Thursday, the board of directors of Zacharias’ international ministry, known as RZIM, issued a statement of “corporate repentance”.
The board apologised for earlier statements that belittled accusers and pledged steps to support victims, combat abuse and harassment, and reassess the management structure, which is overseen by Zacharias’ eldest daughter, ministry CEO Sarah Davis.
“We are devastated by what the investigation has shown and are filled with sorrow for the women who were hurt by this terrible abuse,” the board said.