Home / Crime and Justice / Dad Sues Son Over Conversion Therapy, Judge Slams 'Cruel' Act
Dad Sues Son Over Conversion Therapy, Judge Slams 'Cruel' Act
10 Apr
Summary
- Father sued son for $6,000 spent on conversion therapy.
- Judge called the father's actions manipulative and cruel.
- Judge defended the son, stating he is loved and perfect.
A Tennessee father's lawsuit against his son concerning conversion therapy costs has concluded with a judicial rebuke. Gregory Talbert sought $6,000 from his 18-year-old son, Michael, claiming the amount was owed after the conversion therapy program proved unsuccessful. The case, which appeared on the TV show "Equal Justice," detailed Michael's experience being sent to conversion therapy after his father discovered him kissing his best friend.
Michael testified that he agreed to the therapy out of fear of being disowned and losing his housing, not from belief in the program. He described the therapy as demeaning, with participants being called cursed and unworthy. After only one month, Michael fled the program and found refuge with his friend.
Presiding Judge Eboni K. Williams strongly criticized Gregory Talbert's actions, labeling them as gaslighting, manipulative, and cruel. She stepped down from the bench to directly address Michael, offering him reassurance of his inherent worth and perfection, and dismissing conversion therapy as a scam.
Concluding the proceedings, Judge Williams dismissed the case entirely, stating that Michael deserved unconditional love and a safe home, which neither parent, according to testimony, could provide. She underscored that Michael deserved to be loved completely, not merely tolerated.
