Rabbi Ralph Messer Makes a Mess; Eddie Long Apologizes
by EEW Magazine Entertainment Editors
by EEW Magazine Entertainment Editors
Eddie Long’s erroneous “coronation” by Rabbi Ralph Messer has caused offense within the Jewish
community, leading him to draft an apology.
“I sincerely denounce any action that depicts me as a King, for I am merely just a servant of the
Lord,” wrote Eddie Long in a statement to Bill Nigut, southeast regional director of the Anti-
Defamation League -- a Jewish group that fights anti-Semitism. "The ceremony was not my
suggestion, nor was it my intent, to participate in any ritual that is offensive in any manner to the
Jewish community, or any group,” he said.
Long, who has been under fire since allegations of homosexual coercion surfaced from four different
young men, was relentlessly blasted for the royal spectacle made in front of his congregation. The
Atlanta pastor was wrapped in the Torah, declared King, and hoisted in the air by a group of men
carrying his chair around while onlookers applauded.
The fallout from the viral video, which was met with anger and outrage, was great enough to compel
Eddie Long to speak out.
While Nigut acknowledged and accepted what he called Long’s “heartfelt, sincere, humble” apology,
the acknowledgment of this offense on the part of Long will likely set off a negative chain reaction in
some circles. Many will be left wondering, “How come Eddie Long didn’t apologize for offending all
those who believed he would fight the sexual allegations in court instead of choosing to settle?”
No apologies, explanations, or statements were made to address that, which is a far more damaging
controversy against him.
That is quite unfortunate.
On another note, EEW Magazine editors can think of one person owed an apology more than any
other for the fake King-crowning ceremony: Jesus Christ, the true King.
What are your thoughts on this story? Talk back to EEW Magazine at feedback@eewmagazine.com.
community, leading him to draft an apology.
“I sincerely denounce any action that depicts me as a King, for I am merely just a servant of the
Lord,” wrote Eddie Long in a statement to Bill Nigut, southeast regional director of the Anti-
Defamation League -- a Jewish group that fights anti-Semitism. "The ceremony was not my
suggestion, nor was it my intent, to participate in any ritual that is offensive in any manner to the
Jewish community, or any group,” he said.
Long, who has been under fire since allegations of homosexual coercion surfaced from four different
young men, was relentlessly blasted for the royal spectacle made in front of his congregation. The
Atlanta pastor was wrapped in the Torah, declared King, and hoisted in the air by a group of men
carrying his chair around while onlookers applauded.
The fallout from the viral video, which was met with anger and outrage, was great enough to compel
Eddie Long to speak out.
While Nigut acknowledged and accepted what he called Long’s “heartfelt, sincere, humble” apology,
the acknowledgment of this offense on the part of Long will likely set off a negative chain reaction in
some circles. Many will be left wondering, “How come Eddie Long didn’t apologize for offending all
those who believed he would fight the sexual allegations in court instead of choosing to settle?”
No apologies, explanations, or statements were made to address that, which is a far more damaging
controversy against him.
That is quite unfortunate.
On another note, EEW Magazine editors can think of one person owed an apology more than any
other for the fake King-crowning ceremony: Jesus Christ, the true King.
What are your thoughts on this story? Talk back to EEW Magazine at feedback@eewmagazine.com.
FEBRUARY 2012 EEW MAGAZINE
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