Thaddeus Matthews faces defamation lawsuit

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - A Memphis pastor says it may take more than prayer to silence controversial talk show host Thaddeus Matthews.

He's now filed a lawsuit over what he calls slanderous allegations involving sex and corruption.

Talk show host Matthews has made a career of stirring things up on radio and now cable access T. V.

So he says a new legal issue is no surprise.

"I got my legal problems, and those things are what they are," Matthews said.

The latest comes courtesy of New Life Holiness Church pastor Frederick Smith. He claims in a newly filed suit that Matthews defamed him.

The lawsuit says false statements by Matthews include that Smith "had sex with his adult nephew," "is HIV positive," and that he maintains "female concubine in a home in East Memphis."

"The end goal would be--these people, he's poisoned their mind with the negative things--that they will receive the positive things of the gospel and live a more productive life," Smith said.

Smith is also seeking millions of dollars in damages from Matthews and SVP Network, which produces his show. He's also seeking a limit to what Matthews can say on-air.

He says his congregation has Matthews in their prayers.

Meanwhile, Matthews says his crusade against corrupt preachers will continue.

Both sides are expected in court later this week.

Copyright 2014 WMC Action News 5. All rights reserved.