Over recent weeks, Daystar Television Network, a prominent Christian broadcasting entity established by Marcus Lamb in 1997, has been at the center of a significant controversy. This family-run organization is grappling with serious allegations that have shaken its foundation and garnered widespread attention.
The crux of the issue stems from claims made by Jonathan Lamb, son of the late founder, Marcus Lamb, and his wife, Suzy. They allege that their young daughter was molested by a family member, and further contend that Daystar leadership mishandled the ensuing situation. These distressing accusations have surfaced amidst an ongoing power struggle concerning leadership roles within the network.
Following Marcus Lamb’s death in 2021 due to COVID-19 complications, his wife, Joni Lamb, assumed the presidency of Daystar. Jonathan Lamb, who previously held the position of vice president, was reportedly demoted in April after he allegedly refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
Investigative reporter Julie Roys obtained audio recordings suggesting a tense exchange between Jonathan and a Daystar representative. The audio hints at an ultimatum related to a document Jonathan declined to sign, purportedly dating back to last November.
“If you do not do that, then you are removing yourself from the board and removing yourself from your vice president position, and you are then…still an employee,” the representative stated in the recording. The context of this document remains unclear, adding to the complexity of the situation.
The exact nature of the conflict between Jonathan and Daystar remains ambiguous. However, reports indicate that the situation escalated after this exchange, culminating in Jonathan’s termination from the network earlier this month. Daystar cited “deficiencies” in his “judgment and performance” as the reason for his dismissal.
Adding to the intricate family dynamics, Jonathan’s sisters and brothers-in-law are also employed at Daystar, potentially complicating an already sensitive situation.
Jonathan further claims that he was initially intended to succeed his father as head of Daystar. However, he asserts that these succession plans were altered after he and Suzy brought forward the molestation allegations reported by Roys. He states that days after a family dispute regarding these claims, Marcus Lamb communicated a revised succession plan, naming Joni Lamb as his successor in the event of his death.
Jonathan conveyed to Roys his belief that this change in succession was a direct “punishment” for raising the abuse allegations concerning his daughter. Marcus Lamb passed away just three months after this email, and Joni subsequently assumed leadership of Daystar.
Understanding the Molestation Allegations and the Role of “Pete”
Jonathan and Suzy Lamb released a video last month explaining their decision to publicly disclose these sensitive claims. They stated a sense of divine calling to speak out, feeling they had no other recourse. They also indicated sharing their story with journalists, including Julie Roys.
“We never dreamed this would be our lives,” Suzy expressed in the video, with both indicating they were in an undisclosed location due to safety concerns. “We begged God for months and months that He would take it any other route, but we have to obey in the end.”
Roys’ subsequent report provided further details into these allegations, focusing on the core of this distressing matter. According to Roys’ article, Jonathan and Suzy recounted their young daughter disclosing a molestation incident a few years prior.
Initially, the child’s description of the alleged perpetrator was vague. Over time, suspicion grew towards an unnamed family member, identified in Roys’ report only as “Pete.”
Several factors contributed to these suspicions. One incident involved a story allegedly recounted by Pete where the child walked in on him while he was naked in the bathroom. Furthermore, after disclosing the molestation, the young girl reportedly expressed fear about visiting Daystar, where “Pete” was employed, according to Roys’ reporting.
So, Who Is Pete At Daystar? While the original article deliberately obscures Pete’s full identity to protect privacy during an ongoing sensitive situation, the context clues suggest he is a male family member connected to Daystar Television Network. The article emphasizes that Pete works at Daystar and is part of the family circle, which adds to the complexity and sensitivity of the allegations. Understanding “who is Pete at Daystar” is crucial to grasping the internal family conflict intertwined with the professional sphere of the television network.
Joni Lamb responded to the allegations with a video statement, dismissing them as a “smear campaign” motivated by Jonathan’s disappointment at not being named president of Daystar. She asserted that Jonathan’s termination followed a 15-month performance review and his failure to improve.
“Rather than take any steps to improve his performance at Daystar, it seems clear now that Jonathan was focused on fabricating a smear campaign,” Joni stated. “You see, Jonathan was extremely disappointed that he was not named future President of Daystar following the death of his father and my husband, Marcus, despite the fact that Marcus had clearly given a directive to the family and to the Board that I would succeed him as president.”
She further added that Jonathan’s disappointment intensified after her marriage to Doug Weiss, whom she described as “a blessing” to her family and Daystar.
Joni also accused Jonathan of escalating the situation to “attempted blackmail” to pressure Daystar into making him president. She defended her decision to speak out, denying any misconduct and asserting the allegations were false.
Joni Lamb, president of Daystar Television Network, addresses recent allegations in a video statement, asserting their falsity and describing them as a smear campaign motivated by leadership disputes.
“I want to assure you that all the allegations that are circulating against myself, my late husband and other members of my family are completely false and we have already begun to take legal steps to defend ourselves and will address the accusations in a God-honoring way,” Joni affirmed. “We stand firm in our faith, knowing that God is with us, and His purpose for Daystar is far greater than any challenge we face.”
Daystar, in its response to Roys, provided rebuttals to many of the claims detailed in her report.
Response from Attorney Representing “Pete”
Mark Daniel, the attorney representing “Pete,” publicly refuted the allegations against his client, labeling them “baseless” in a letter to Roys.
“[Pete] unequivocally denies the statements made by Jonathan and Suzy Lamb alleging that he engaged in some form of improper contact with any child,” Daniel wrote. “Such statements are slanderous. Anyone who knows [Pete] knows that these statements are false, insulting and demeaning.”
Daniel also questioned the sincerity of Jonathan and Suzy’s allegations, claiming they continued to travel with “Pete” and his family. This echoed some of the points made in Joni Lamb’s video statement.
Jonathan countered this claim, stating that he and Suzy maintained a “strict boundary” preventing “Pete” and his wife from being alone with their daughter, and that “Pete” had not been welcomed into their home since a 2021 retreat.
The future trajectory of this situation remains uncertain, with both sides seemingly firm in their respective positions. The question of “who is Pete at Daystar” remains central to this unfolding drama, as his identity and role are key to understanding the accusations and the family dynamics at play within Daystar Television Network.
Editor’s Note: The Roys Report issued a correction clarifying that in one instance, “Pete” was not alone with Jonathan and Suzy’s daughter but was holding a baby with Jonathan and Suzy’s son also present in the room.
This article originally appeared on CBN News, and is reposted with permission.
Reprinted with permission from cbn.com. Copyright © 2024 The Christian Broadcasting Network Inc. All rights reserved.
Billy Hallowell writes for CBN’s Faithwire.com.
Billy Hallowell, a journalist and author, who wrote the original news report for CBN News detailing the Daystar Television Network controversy and the allegations surrounding “Pete”.
