US televangelist Jim Bakker, disgraced from sex scandal and fraud, dies at 86

American televangelist Jim Bakker passed away at the age of 86 on Monday, according to his wife Lori Bakker. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Lori Bakker announced her husband's death on social media, expressing her sorrow and remembering their 66-year marriage. She described Jim as a pioneer of Christian television and her best friend.

Bakker co-hosted The PTL Club with his wife Tammy Faye Bakker in the 1970s, which grew into a major religious broadcasting empire. They also established Heritage USA, a Christian theme park in South Carolina. However, their ministry came to an end in the late 1980s following a sex scandal and fraud conviction. Bakker resigned from PTL in 1987 after paying church secretary Jessica Hahn, who accused him of sexual assault.

He was later convicted of fraud and conspiracy in 1989 and served five years of a 45-year sentence before being released on parole in 1994. Despite his conviction, Bakker returned to Christian broadcasting and hosted The Jim Bakker Show, focusing on end-times teachings and promoting survivalist products. His later ministry was also involved in controversy, including a 2020 lawsuit in Missouri over a COVID-19 treatment product.

Despite the controversies, Bakker's wife and family asked for privacy following his death, expressing that he remained dedicated to his work and the gospel.