The Rev. Robert Schuller was questioned by FBI agents for five hours about allegations that he physically assaulted a flight attendant. All other passengers in the plane’s first-class section also were detained for questioning. According to an Associated Press story, Schuller “roughed up” a United Airlines flight attendant after he refused to hang up the televangelist’s garment bag and then later refused to serve him fruit without cheese.
Schuller, who gained fame as a “positive thinking” preacher, was traveling to New York City, on the June 28 cross-country flight to speak at the memorial service of Betty Shabazz, the widow of Malcolm X.
Schuller denied assaulting the flight attendant, but admitted that he might have touched him. “I’m very proud of who I am. I am innocent. I have not broken a single one of the Ten Commandments. I have not broken any of the teachings of Jesus Christ, and so I’m proud of my faith and message,” Schuller said at a July 1 news conference after the incident.
An airline representative said Schuller “made physical contact with the flight attendant and the flight attendant was injured.” The attendant went on medical leave following the episode claiming physical pain consistent with whiplash.
Schuller indicated that he was making attempts
for reconciliation with the man. In August, the Crystal Cathedral
pastor pleaded not guilty to a count of misdemeanor assault, but
then read an apology in court and agreed to pay a $1,100 fine and
undergo a six-month diversion program.
—MKG
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