CHARLOTTE — Former Charlotte televangelist Jim Bakker may have to pay back some of his viewers after some claims he made about the coronavirus.
The Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission said claims made on his show about a possible cure violated federal law.
The FDA and FTC said the pitch to sell the product, Silver Solution, misled viewers.
Bakker, who once led PTL, has been selling the item on his website and one of his guests said it could be effective against the coronavirus.
“Well, let's say it hasn't been tested on this strain of the coronavirus, but it's been tested on other strains of the coronavirus and has been able to eliminate it within 12 hours,” said Sherill Sellman, who was a guest on Bakker’s show.
>> Reading this story in our app? The new “Follow the Lead” feature allows you to tap the blue tag indicated with a '+' to subscribe to alerts on the very latest breaking news updates.
The FDA and FTC said that the claim is false, and the product has not been tested.
In a letter to Bakker, officials ordered Bakker to stop making claims that are not supported by evidence.
The letter said they may take Bakker to court and force him to pay back those who brought the item.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
Driver who ran from scene of fatal crash facing DWI, murder charges, CMPD says
Remains thought to be missing TN toddler found at family member’s home
Amadeo, blind, wild horse who roamed Outer Banks for decades, dies at 40
FORECAST: Clear, mild and sunny before afternoon clouds roll in
2 teens hurt when shooter opens fire on car near busy west Charlotte intersection
© 2020 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
