A Brazilian self-proclaimed faith healer, who gained notoriety following an appearance on Oprah Winfrey's television show, is set to stand trial on charges of rape and sexual abuse, as ruled by a judge.
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João Teixeira de Faria, famously known as "John of God," was arrested in December and faces allegations from numerous women who assert that he sexually assaulted them while they sought spiritual guidance and treatment.
On the recent Wednesday, Judge Rosângela Rodrigues dos Santos, presiding in Abadiânia, the small town in central Brazil where Faria's spiritual center is situated, acknowledged the charges brought against him by four women and mandated that he must face trial. Prosecutors contend that Faria committed rape against two of the women and employed deceitful methods to sexually exploit the other two. Faria, internationally recognized after Oprah Winfrey featured a report on his psychic healing techniques in 2013, maintains his innocence and vehemently denies these accusations.
The initial accusation surfaced during a TV Globo program in December, where Dutch choreographer Zahira Maus accused Faria of sexual assault. Globo TV conducted a comprehensive three-month investigation, which included interviews with a dozen other women who claimed to have been victimized by the faith healer. Faria's fame has been significantly bolstered by his claims of performing miraculous surgeries with his bare hands, without the use of anesthesia.
Oprah Winfrey, who visited Faria's center in 2012 to explore his contentious healing methods for an episode of "Oprah's Next Chapter" that aired the following year, expressed empathy for the women coming forward and expressed her hope for justice to be served.
Prosecutors continue to investigate additional allegations against Faria, potentially leading to an expansion of the list of accusers. Faria's attorney, Alberto Zacharias Toron, stated that his client has yet to receive official notification of the court's decision, but remains confident that justice will prevail.