DEKALB COUNTY, Ga.,None — Thousands filled a Lithonia mega-church Sunday as the public awaited famed preacher Eddie Long's response to recent sex abuse allegations.
The New Birth Missionary Baptist bishop was set to address the public for the first time at the church's 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.services since four young men filed lawsuits last week claiming that he forced them into sexual acts when they were teens.
Channel 2's Tom Jones was inside a seperate media room where the press will be allowed to watch the service. Church officials decided not to let members of the media inside the sanctuary. The church is also cutting off all cameras, except for their own website, when Long speaks. They said Friday that he will not step down.
All of the suits claim that Long manipulated the plaintiffs, seducing them with cars, money, clothes, international trips and access to celebrities.
WATCH: Anticipation Builds For Eddie Long's Sex Abuse Address
Channel 2's Amanda Cook was live at Long's DeKalb County home Saturday, where cars frequented his cul-de-sac. One man drove down the street and back, snapping photos with his cell phone.
"We were just curious as to where he lived," said another gawker.
On Tuesday, ex-New Birth members Maurice Robinson and Anthony Flagg said Long abused his leadership position to take the young men on trips out of state and perform sexual acts with them when they were 17 and 18.
The next day, Long's former personal assistant Jamal Parris filed a lawsuit with similar claims, claiming that he met Long when he was only 14.
The most recent lawsuit was filed Friday by Spencer LeGrande, a founding member of Long's Charlotte, N.C. satellite church. LeGrande, now 22, claims Long gave him sleeping pills and sexually abused him during a trip to Kenya when he was 17. He said Long told him to call him "daddy," and convinced him that the acts were a healthy part of his spiritual life.
Robinson's attorney said his defendant broke into Long's office to get back at the bishop, and possibly to find evidence. Robinson was arrested after police said he stole i-pads, i-phones and thousands of dollars worth of jewelry from Long's office in June.
courtesy B.J. Bernstein Eddie Long Cell Phone Picture 2 Eddie Long Cell Phone Picture 2 SLIDESHOW: Plaintiffs' Attorney Releases Photos
Prosecutors said that Long asked the DeKalb district attorney to drop the charges against Robinson and another young man when he found out who they were.
Despite the claims, many have come to his defense, including prominent community leaders. Long has 25,000 followers at his New Birth congregation.
"Bishop Long has done a lot in this city...He's helped a lot of people," said Salem Bible Church pastor Jasper Williams.He and other Atlanta church leaders held a prayer meeting for Long on Friday.
Long has shied away from the spotlight since the allegations were made, even canceling a Thursday appearance on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Until he speaks Sunday, the public will have to settle for defense claims made by his lawyers.
"We believe that it is unfortunate the young men have chosen to take this course of action. The defense team will review the complaints and respond accordingly at the appropriate time and in the appropriate forum," said Long spokesman Art Franklin in a statement.
Stay tuned to Channel 2 Action News and wsbtv.com for live coverage of Long's Sunday address.
Previous Stories: September 25, 2010: 4th Man Files Suit Against Bishop Eddie Long September 24, 2010: Statement From Bishop Eddie Long September 24, 2010: Bishop Eddie Long Seen Leaving Home September 24, 2010: Vehicles, Security Race To Bishop Long's Home September 22, 2010: 3rd Lawsuit Filed Against Bishop Long In Sex Scandal