Lynchburg, Va. – Settlement Reached Between Jerry Falwell Jr. and Liberty University
- Liberty University has reached a settlement with Jerry Falwell Jr. four years after his resignation amidst personal scandals.
- The agreement follows a tumultuous period for the university and its former president.
- This resolution marks a new chapter for both parties involved.
Four years after Jerry Falwell Jr. resigned from Liberty University amid personal scandals, he and the institution have announced a settlement resolving all outstanding legal and personal disputes. In a joint statement released on Friday, both parties confirmed an undisclosed financial agreement regarding retirement and severance payments, alongside conditions for the use of Jerry Falwell Sr.'s name, image, and likeness. The statement emphasized mutual accountability, with Falwell acknowledging and apologizing for his leadership errors, while the Board of Trustees also recognized their own mistakes. This reconciliation comes after a tumultuous period for Falwell, who stepped down in August 2020 following the emergence of a controversial photo and allegations concerning his wife’s extramarital affair. The provocative image, which Falwell shared on social media, drew significant criticism, highlighting perceived hypocrisy at a university with strict conduct codes. Falwell's resignation marked a significant decline for a prominent figure in conservative Christianity, whose father founded Liberty University with aspirations of academic and athletic excellence for evangelicals. Following his departure, Falwell filed a defamation lawsuit against the university, claiming damage to his reputation due to public statements made by the institution. In response, Liberty University countered with a lawsuit, alleging Falwell had devised a strategic exit plan while concealing damaging information about his marital issues.