Settlement reached for sermon comments — $490,000 settlement
by: Virginia Lawyers Weekly
Posted: Feb 12, 2024
Type of action: Defamation
Injuries alleged: Injury to reputation; embarrassment, humiliation and mental suffering
Name of case: Reece v. Kelly, et al.
Court: Virginia Beach Circuit Court
Case no.: CL20-2711
Date resolved: 7/7/2023
Verdict or settlement: Settlement
Amount: $490,000
Attorney for plaintiff: Rhiannon Jordan, Chesapeake
Description of case: On April 19, 2023, Stephen Kelly gave a sermon, a portion of which was of and concerning Larry and Nell Reece, also pastors of a church. This sermon was published live to the congregation as well as streamed live on the Wave Church web page. This sermon was later posted to Facebook and other social media platforms. During this sermon Kelly accused the Reeces of making race-based threats and being told to leave Wave Church. The Reeces maintain that these allegations are entirely false. The settlement of this case was a result of compromise and not an admission of liability or responsibility.
Plaintiff’s counsel Rhiannon Jordan provided case information.